New Zealand Council of Engineering Deans

Increased Understanding of Professional Engineering

Professional Engineering is a creative activity producing innovative solutions to problems arising from human needs.   It is based on science applied with judgement and skill and incorporates management techniques, the principles of economics and the concept of sustainability.

Professional engineers have four year professional engineering degrees.   They develop and apply new engineering practices, apply leadership and management skills, supervise the work of others in the engineering work force, pursue engineering opportunities in a holistic way taking environmental, community and social issues into account and solve diverse problems.

The contributions of professional engineers to, and their roles in, society will be communicated by:
  • Ensuring that in secondary schools every Careers Advisor and all Heads of Technology and Science are well informed on professional engineering as a career and the educational pathways leading to the attainment of a three year Bachelor of Engineering Technology and of a four year professional engineering degree, viz the Bachelor of Engineering.
  • Ensuring Members of Parliament, government policy-makers and the leaders in industry and commerce are well informed of the essential role of engineering education in any knowledge economy and of the capabilities of professional engineers and how they can enhance the wellbeing of New Zealand society.
  • Preparing and distributing documentation explaining the different roles and competencies of professional engineers, engineering technologists, engineering associates and trades people and how each is essential to an effective engineering industry
  • Working with Kiwi Careers to ensure their web site, careers.co.nz, gives accurate and complete information regarding careers and the associated educational requirements
  • Working with IPENZ to publicly report on the contributions of professional engineers to wealth creation in New Zealand and to produce Informatory Notes on engineering education
  • Publishing information on research successes and their application within industry
  • Explaining publicly how engineering disciplines continue to develop and diversify
  • Increasing the understanding of the special role and competencies of professional engineers within small to medium enterprises