What do you think of this?

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/6271

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The term "engineer" has been used for so long now, for so many different trades, that I think the endless discussions about "protecting" the title are futile.

It's about as likely to succeed as the Chartered Institute of Building getting the term "builder" protected so that only their members can use it.

Edit: I notice that the petition uses the term "doctor" as an example. That's a particularly odd example to use. I can quite legitimately call myself "doctor" even though the highest medical qualification I have ever held is a first aid certificate (and even that has expired). Meanwhile, most "doctors" do not hold a doctorate in anything.

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S P Barker BSc PhD MIET

Edited: 20 December 2011 at 12:48 PM by ectophile

Perhaps its good someone has taken the initiative. Does anyone know what is the IET take on this topic?
Eventually i hope it is more about making Engineering more 'attractive' to fill in the skill gaps

I don't agree with this petition because it has a number of errors and misleading statements.

For example, the title "Doctor" is not restricted to the medical profession as implied; further the titles "Chartered Engineer" and "Incorporated Engineer", are legally protected in the same way that the various titles in Architecture and other professions are protected.

Why don't those who want a "better lot" out of Engineering put their efforts into what we have got, rather than moaning about a situation which may well have been constributed to by Engineers themselves: because Engineers don't sell themselves well, are often swift to criticise, and like to talk to "non engineers" in acronyms and other terms that those outside the profession don't understand (and hence may make them feel "small" or insulted).

Come on, let's help us to help ourselves. Stop moaning and get on with it.

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Eur Ing Graham Kenyon CEng MIET

I note on the epetitions website that at least two almost identical petitions have been rejected with the following note:


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Andy Millar CEng MIET MCMI

http://www.linkedin.com/in/millarandy