In this edition of Elevator World, SVM Associate Colin Craney evaluates titles, roles and status within our society in particular relation to the role of an engineer within the lift industry.
Although somewhat a subjective issue, Colin clearly identifies how the value associated with the engineering industry is impacted by beliefs and judgements.
A 2016 poll of the profession by The Engineer magazine found that 31% of respondents believed the term “engineer” should be limited to those chartered; 28% believed that industry associations should licence practising engineers; 26% believed engineering to be too broad for such protections to be effective; and the remaining 15% were unable to concur with any of the options presented to them. Responses to the poll generated robust debate ranging from the view that only those chartered should use the “engineer” title to those who were simply indifferent or didn’t care at all.
In his article, Colin explores a range of contributory factors including:
- Why has the term ‘Engineer’ always been so controversial?
- Should the term only be reserved for ‘Chartered Engineers’?
- How did the 1979 Finniston Report attempt to elevate the industry?
- Why you can still sympathise with Sir Monty Finniston and his observations?
- What was the impact of the GEC and Lord Weinstock libel case?
- How do our German counterparts differ in their approach to engineering?
- Why did Lord Sainsbury intervene into the debate more recently?
- How do ‘Competent’ and ‘Authorised’ Persons affect the debate?
Whilst Colin does conclude that 40 or 50 years on, we are still having the same conversation, in his role as End Point Assessor on the CIBSE Apprenticeship Scheme he does have some positive news.
It is heartening to see the Scheme is to be initiated in the lift industry through LEIA, and the sooner this is set up and up and running, I do not envisage that there should be any significant practical obstacles in the introduction of a compulsory formal qualification for lift engineers (or lift mechanics, fitters, technicians, or whatever title is to be applied) in that all so-called “Lift Engineers” now working in the U.K. should have completed the J5 and J25/6 training, which I had to undertake more than 40 years ago, or the NVQs, which succeeded these, and those who had so-called grandfather rights have now retired. The time is ripe for the introduction of a recognised qualification (similar perhaps to that applying to electricians) in the lift industry and is a reform which would benefit all stakeholders.
Its a fascinating critique and “look at the status of persons and the allocation of formal titles”.
To read the article in full, simple click on the link below:
Colin Craney has 42 years of industry experience, initially in a number of field and management roles with Otis, followed by 17 years in consulting, currently for SVM Associates. Colin is a U.K. chartered engineer and a fellow of CIBSE, European engineer, chartered safety and health practitioner, accredited consultant on the HSE Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register and a member of the Chartered Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. Colin is a barrister, having been called to the bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
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