2 minute read time.
A core engineering group within Shell in Trinidad & Tobago (formerly BG Trinidad & Tobago) has eagerly continued their drive to become internationally professional registered engineers and as the LN in Trinidad, we were pleased to lend our assistance. 


The main theme of the seminar, on Monday 14th March, was the use of the IET's Career Manager in its application in the registration process as well as recording and monitoring CPDs.  The eight engineers present ranged from persons within their EIT programme to those with 20 years experience, highlighting the importance of this development to all.


After a brief introduction into the LN, Gerald Mendes, one of the local IPRAs provided an important overview of the registration process in which one can attain CEng, IEng, CMgr and other registraion qualifications, including what is required on the application forms and what the interviewing panel examines during the interview.


Gerald also encouraged the applicants to set-up a one-on-one discussion with him to provide better guidance so that they would accomplish their task.


I provided a brief presnetation on the Career Manager portal, from its complete access, by being an IET member, to the varous recording and reporting mechanisms that exist.  There was a strong emphasis on the 2017 deadline for recording CPDs.  Clarification was provided on the use of existing schemes and the need to validate an existing educational programme and whether it fits within the parameter of the scheme, by directly contacting the Career Manager personnel and that University programmes accredited by the IET would satisfy CPD requirements.


An important note regarding the use of reflective writing to demonstrate areas of learning and existing gaps was highlighted and demonstrated by existing applicants.


Throughout the discussions, Gerald and I elaborated on the various methods to communicate with the IET and the LN to engage with other engineers and to take part in local activities. We also noted the prestigous PATW events that were successfully hosted as well as our participation and success in the regional and global competitions. The group expressed interest in the fact that the IET covers all forms of engineering as some of them were in multi-disciplined fields.


Key attributes from the interactive seminar covered areas as:


- The importance of a scheme development within an organisation to promote professional registration


- Professional registration interview panel and the presentation of a project that depicts technical and mangement experience


- Need to evaluate non-IET accredited courses, in terms of their applicablity to continued development


- Understanding of the need to develop career and development plans as a professional engineer


- Basic steps in recording CPD and how to transfer CPDs from a non-IET event


- Tips on reflective writing to demonstrate development


- Addressing concerns regarding data protection


On behalf of the Executive team of the Trinidad & Tobago LN, Gerald and I wish to thank the members of the Shell Trinidad & Tobago engineering team for involving the LN in their development.