Regulation of Engineering Professions and Registration of Engineers Introduction This paper looks at the various challenges facing engineering profession and gives suggested strategies and solutions to the challenges to sustain her Engineering professionals, train and retain more Engineers, Engineering Technologists, Engineering Technicians and Craft persons/Artisans with International recognition. The paper further analyses some of the problems with the current EBK Act of 2011.
Kenya is desirous of becoming a medium income economy as envisaged in vision 2030. This is through industrialization, amongst amongst other strategies stipulated in in vision vision 2030. In order for industrialization to be realized, the country should train adequate numbers of engineers and corresponding Engineering Technologists, Technicians and Craft persons/Artisans in defined proportions and at the same time offering sustainable incentives to the practitioners to retain them in the country not to migrate to other professions or countries. In order for Kenya to make a breakthrough in industrialisation and technological development it must ensure that it has a critical mass of well trained and qualified Scientists, Engineers, Engineering Technologists, Engineering Technicians and craft persons/artisans who comprise the Engineering Team. Kenya critically requires four cadres of staff namely an engineer, an engineering technologist, an engineering technician and a craft person/artisan and the engineering scientist (i.e. one who is either an engineer or an engineering technologist who has attained a PhD degree). For developed countries the recommended ratio for the four categories of professionals is 1:2:4:16, however, in Kenya the ratio of 1:3:12:60 would suffice.
Regulation of Engineering Profession Regulation of any Profession that touches on the Safety and Health, and Welfare of the public is extremely necessary worldwide. The most notable ones are the Engineering and Medical Professions. The Engineering Team has five cadres (Engineering Scientists, Engineers, Engineering Technologists, Engineering Technicians and craft persons/artisans), but only one cadre (Engineer) is being in Kenya by EBK; the Medical team also has five cadres (Medical scientists, registered Doctors/Dentists, Medical Clinical Officers, Medical Nurses and Lab. Technologists) but unlike the Engineering Team all the cadres in the Medical Team are regulated by ACTS of Parliament and all the personnel are registered and therefore accountable for their actions.
The engineering profession in Kenya is regulated by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) Act, 2011. The Board is responsible for the registration of Engineers and consulting firms, regulation of engineering professional services, accrediting engineering courses in the institutions of higher learning, setting of standards, development and general practice of engineering. The act prescribes prescribes very deterrent penalties for offering employment to persons who are not re gistered by them. The EBK Act, 2011 has no provisions Regulating and Registering Engineering Technologists, Engineering Technicians and the Craft persons/Artisans who form the largest part of the Engineering team and who do more than 98% of the engineering activities in Kenya.
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The Roles of Engineers, Engineering Technologists and Engineering Technicians a) Attributes of an Engineer Engineers apply their lifelong learning, critical perception and engineering judgment to the performance of engineering services. They challenge current thinking and conceptualize alternative approaches, often engaging in research and development of new engineering principles, technologies and materials. Engineers apply their analytical skills and well developed grasp of scientific principles and engineering theory to design original and novel solutions to complex problems. Their disciplined and systematic approach to innovation and creativity, comprehension of risks and benefits and informed professional judgment enables them to select optimal solutions, justify and defend the selection to colleagues, clients and community. Registered Professional Engineers can be expected to comprehend complexity, function independently and display leadership within multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural teams. Within their engineering discipline, they will optimize costs and benefits to clients and community within identified constraints, while achieving desired outcomes ethically, and within the context of a safe and sustainable environment. They accept ultimate responsibility for the selection and application of design tools, implementation strategies and overall integration and functionality of engineering projects and programs. b) Attributes of an Engineering Technologist Engineering Technologists exercise ingenuity, originality and understanding in adapting and applying technologies, developing related new technologies or applying scientific knowledge within their specialized technical environment. Their education, expertise and analytical skills equip them with a robust understanding of the theoretical and practical application of engineering and technical principles. Within their branch of technology, they contribute to the improvement of standards and codes of practice, and the adaptation of established technologies to new situations. Registered Engineering Technologists can be expected to determine interactions between a technology and the system, in which it operates, recognize and take account of its suitability and manage associated technical risks. Technologists accept responsibility for the detailed technological requirements of their engineering services with due regard to the fundamental properties and limitations of components and systems involved. They may lead and manage teams (e.g. engineering technicians) engaged in inspection, approval and certification of designs, tests, installations and reliable operations. They identify problematic circumstances, take remedial action and keep colleagues, clients and community informed, while ensuring performance-based criteria are satisfied within a safe and sustainable environment. c) Attributes of an Engineering Technician Engineering Technicians apply their detailed knowledge of standards and codes of practice to selecting, specifying, and installing, commissioning, monitoring, maintaining, repairing and modifying complex assets, such as structures, plant, equipment, components and systems. Their education, training and experience equip them with the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills for testing, fault diagnosis and understanding the limitations of complex assets in familiar and well defined operating situations. Registered Engineering Technician can be expected to exercise engineering judgment within the scope of accepted standards and codes of practice to the design, inspection, certification, safe operation and cost-effectiveness of complex assets. They may supervise tradespeople/crafts persons, lead and manage teams and utilize advanced software and design aids to achieve practical and reliable designs, installations and operations of complex assets. Page 2 of 12
The Difference in Education and Training between the Engineer and Technologist Previously there used to be a big difference between a technologist and engineer in terms of their education when technologist used to hold a 3 year course qualification of Higher Diploma . But with the replacement of Higher Diploma with a 4 year course leading to Bachelor of Technology , the difference between a technologist and engineer en gineer in terms of education and training is extremely minimal and actually they both have same roles in practice.
In general the engineer is supposed to take the scientist research findings – theories and principlesthen conceptualize them with the aim of coming up with new designs, new materials and systems to serve society better (this is normally referred to as I ndu str ial Res as opposed to Basic or Research or Th eore or eti cal Res Research ar ch that is carried out by Engineering Scientists). This means that the Engineer’s work is mainly in the office and in the labs to test the new designs/materials/systems developed then pass over ov er to Engineering Technology personnel for implementation. In this way the country can be able to develop. On the other hand the technologist is supposed to implement and/or put in practice what the engineer has developed from the scientist research findings. Besides, the technologist has the role of interpreting and modifying designs, systems and materials developed by the engineer to suit the conditions on the ground. This means that the Engineering Technologists work is in the field where he/she undertakes the implementation activities. The expected difference in education and training between the Engineer and Technologist Subject Material Expected % for Expected % for Engineer Technologist Mathematics If 100% 70 – 70 – 80% 80% Engineering Sciences If 100% 70 – 70 – 80% 80% Management courses 70 -80% If 100% Practical courses e.g. Computer 70 -80% If 100% courses, Lab. and Workshop Courses, etc. Other Courses If 100% 100% i.e. same The engineer requires more mathematics and engineering sciences to enable him/her conceptualize and design, while the technologist requires more management and practical courses to enable him/her carry out the implementation of projects. The percentages given are theoretical as the reality on the ground is very different as we have never sat down to agree on the actual subject contents; different Universities develop their curricula without discussing and agreeing on the contents of the respective curricula. In most cases both curricula are similar in contents. The progression from degree level is to MSc/MEng and MTech respectively, then to PhD/DSc and PhD/DTech respectively ( see see figure for pathways attached ). ).
Engineering and Engineering Technology In broad the Engineering Profession is divided into Engineering and Engineering Technology . The Engineering team consists of five (5) cadres – Engineering Scientists, Engineers, Engineering Technologists, Engineering Technicians and engineering Crafts persons. The Engineering Scientists are usually PhD holders, and belong to either Engineers or Engineering Technologists. That leaves only four cadres (i.e. Engineers, Engineering Technologists, Engineering Technicians and engineering Crafts persons) who require registration.
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Engineering Crafts person: A Engineering Engineering Professional Technician: Capable Technologist: Engineer: Capable of person who practices practices or or is highly skilled in a craft; artisan.Capable of of dealing with well- Capable of dealing with dealing with complex dealing with specific and well- defined engineering broadlydefined engineering problems defined engineering problems and problems and engineering problems and activities activities activities and activities If enacted the Engineering Engineering Technologists Technologists and Technicians Technicians Bill will deal with these Presently EBK only three cadres deals with this cadre In general the engineer is supposed to take the scientist research findings – theories and principles- then conceptualize them with the aim of coming up with new designs, new materials and systems to serve society better (this is normally referred to as I ndustr as as opposed to Basic or Th eoreti cal Rese ndustr ial Res Research Research that is carried out by Engineering Scientists). This means that the Engineer’s work is mainly in the office and in the labs to test the new designs/materials/systems developed then pass over to Engineering Technology personnel for implementation. In this way the country can be able to develop and move forward technologically.
The Difference between Engineering and Engineering Technology Engineering
Engineering Technology
Engineering Is a professioninwhichknowledgeofadvancedmathematicalandnaturalsciences gained by higher education, experience, and practice is devoted to the creation of new technology for the benefit of humanity. humanity. Engineering education for the professional focuses primarily on the conceptual and theoretical aspects of science and engineering aimed at preparing graduates for the practice of engineering closest to the research, development, and conceptual design functions. Engineering technology Is the profession in which acknowledge of the applied mathematical and natural science gained by higher education, experience, and practice is devoted to application of engineering principles and the implementation of technological advances for the benefit of humanity. Engineering technology education for the professional focuses primarily on analyzing, applying, implementing, and improving existing technologies and is aimed at preparing graduates for the practice of engineering closest to the product improvement, manufacturing, and engineering operational functions. Page 4 of 12
In USA the Engineering Technology Commission (ETC) views engineering technology as an integral part of the engineering enterprise and holds that baccalaureate (degree) engineering technologists appropriately functionasprofessionalpractitioners,ratherthansupportingPara professionals,in this enterprise. It is further held that an appropriate accreditation accre ditation activity is necessary necessar y to support the uniqueness of this component. The Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) serves this function. The ETC believes that professional registration is important, especially as it relates to those activities that directly affect the health, safety, and welfare of the public . Further, it supports the continuance of the industrial exemption, while recognizing the importance of registration in industry or some disciplines. The ETC further supports and encourages registration for all eligible engineering technology faculties, since they typically are en gineering practitioners.
The Engineering Team In today's modern high-tech industry, many of the complex technical problems, including the development of new products, require a team effort. Individuals on the team may include scientists, engineers, engineering technologists, engineering technicians, and Vocational Technicians or Craftsperson*. Each of these individuals contributes different knowledge and skills gained from their educational preparation and experience. Most people are familiar with the term scientist and associate it with individuals with advanced degrees and research or theoretical interests. Similarly the term craftsperson is normally recognized and associated with an individual with a highly specialized skill. However, the distinction between engineer, engineering technologist, and engineering technician may not be as clear. An engineer is typically a graduate from a four-year engineering degree program, whereas the technologists or technician is typically a graduate of a four-year or a two-year degree program in engineering technology respectively from Universities or Technical Institutes/Polytechnics. Institutes/Polytechnics. Scientists are the most theoretical of the team members. They typically seek ways to apply new discoveries to advance technology for mankind. Most engineering scientists have an earned doctorate in engineering or a closely related discipline. *In most developed and newly industrialized countries the cadre of Craftsperson is is being phased out and therefore there is no registration for it; the existing crafts persons are encouraged to upgrade themselves to the grade of engineering technicians by acquiring a diplomas.
Relationship among the Five Categories/Cadres of the Engineering Profession a) The thick lines show the normal route from the Engineering Scientist to the Engineering Crafts Person. The
basic/theoretical basic/theoretical research findings (mainly theories and principles) principles) are passed over the Engineer who conceptualizes them and come out with new designs, new materials, new systems, etc., tests them in labs (i.e. deals with Industrial Research) and pass them over to the Engineering Technologist for interpretation and implementation. The implementation is carried out by the Engineering Technicians who deal with welldefined engineering areas. The Engineering Technicians supervise Engineering Crafts Persons who are skilled in specific areas of engineering. Example in a Building there various engineering sections with specific trades e.g. Refrigeration and air-conditioning section can headed by Engineering Technician with two Engineering Crafts persons – persons – one one dealing with refrigeration and the other dealing with air-conditioning. The Engineering Technologist Technologist will be in-charge of the entire project i.e. the Building. b) The thin lines show the alternative routes from the Engineering Scientist to the Engineering Crafts Persons. The basic/theoretical research findings (mainly theories and principles) can be passed over to the Engineering Technologist who conceptualizes them and come out with new designs, new materials, new systems, etc., tests them in labs and interprets them for implementation. The implementation can also be passed over directly to the Engineering Crafts Persons who will be supervised directly by the Engineering Page 5 of 12
Technologist. The Engineer can also interpret his/her industrial research findings and pass over directly to either the Engineering Technician or the Engineering Crafts Persons for implementation. In this case the Engineer can directly supervise the project activities. The alternatives routes are possible when the project activities are not complex. It should also be borne in mind that there is very little difference in education and training between the Engineer and the Engineering Technologist. When the project is not big the Engineer or Engineering Technologist can directly supervise Engineering Crafts Persons.
Internationall Agreements Governing Mutual Recognition of Engineering Internationa There are six international agreements governing mutual recognition of engineering qualifications and professional competence. In each of these agreements countries/economies who wish to participate may apply for membership, and if accepted become members or signatories to the agreement. 1) Agreements covering tertiary qualifications in engineering There are three agreements covering mutual recognition in respect of tertiary-level qualifications in engineering: a) Washington Accord: This accord was signed in 1989; it recognizes substantial equivalence in the accreditation of qualifications in professional engineering education leading to the Engineering Degree, normally of four to five years duration b) Sydney Accord: Flowing from the Washington Accord, a similar Agreement was developed for Engineering Technologists or Incorporated Engineers, called the Sydney Accord (SA), which was signed in June 2001. It recognizes substantial equivalence in the accreditation of qualifications in engineering technology, normally of three to fou r years duration. c) Dublin Accord: The Dublin Accord (DA) is an Agreement for substantial equivalence in the typifying tertiary qualifications for technician engineering education, normally of two year’s duration. It commenced in 2002. Page 6 of 12
Agreements covering competence standards for practicing engineers The other three agreements cover recognition of equivalence at the practicing engineer level i.e. it is individual people, not qualifications that are seen to meet the benchmark standard. The concept of these agreements is that a person recognized in one country as reaching the agreed international standard of competence should only be minimally assessed (primarily for local knowledge) prior to obtaining registration in another country that is party to the a greement. a) Asia-Pacif Asia-Pacif ic Economi c Coope Cooperati rati on (APE C) Engi neer neer agr eement: ment: The oldest such agreement is the APEC the APEC Engineer agreement which commenced in 1999. This has Government support in the participating APEC economies. The representative organization in each economy creates a "register" of those engineers wishing to be recognized as meeting the generic international standard. Other economies should give credit when such an engineer seeks to have his or her competence recognized. The Agreement is largely administered between engineering bodies. IPEA IPEA The International Professional b) I ntern ational Prof ession al E ngin eers agree agreement ment ( ): The International Engineers agreement commenced in 2001: It operates the same competence standard as the APEC Engineer agreement but any country/economy may join. The parties to the agreement are largely engineering bodies. There are intentions to draw IPEA and APEC closer together.
The International The International Engineering c) I ntern ntern ational E ngineeri ngineeri ng Technol Technol ogist ogist agree agreement ment (I ETA ): Technologist agreement was was signed by participating economies/countries in 2003. The parties to the Agreement have agreed to commence establishing a mutual recognition scheme for engineering technologists.
The Registration of Engineering and Technology Cadres in other Countries As mentioned above most countries, and more especially the industrialized and newly industrialized countries have enacted laws that govern the Engineering profession (i.e. both engineering and engineering technology). Some examples are given below: 1. United Kingdom: Engineering Council The engineering profession in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Engineering Council through engineering institutions that are licensed to put suitably qualified persons on the Engineering Council's Register of Engineers. The Register has three sections or cadres: Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (Engineering Technologist) (IEng), and Engineering Technician (EngTech).
2. Nigeria: Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) The engineering profession in the Nigeria is regulated by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Act of No. 27 of 1992. The Council registers four categories or cadres: (a) Registered engineers (Engr); (b) registered engineering technologists (Engn. Tech); (c) registered engineering technicians (Tech); and (d) registered engineering craftsmen (A registered engineering craftsmen uses his full title with his trade in bracket under his name).
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Transfer from one grade to the other 1. An engineering craftsman may apply to transfer to the register of engineering technicians if he obtains the Ordinary National Diploma Certificate or an approved equivalent educational qualification and the required working experience. 2. An engineering technician may apply to transfer to the register of engineering technologists if he obtains the Higher National Diploma Certificate or he has successfully completed an equivalent course of study in a polytechnic or college of technology or any other approved institution. 3. An engineering technologist may apply appl y to transfer to the register of engineers if he – he – passes the examination accredited by the Council, the academic content o f which shall meet the requirement for registration as an engineer; or attends a post-Higher National Diploma course approved by the Council and run by a polytechnic or university and passes an examination accredited by the Council; or passes a university degree programme or any examination conducted by any other body authorized by Council
4. South Africa: Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) The engineering profession in South Africa is regulated by the Engineering Council of South Africa enacted as Engineering Profession Act 46 of 2000. . The main focus of the Act is the promotion of public safety, health and interests in relation to actions of persons registered with ECSA. The Council registers four categories or cadres: Professional Engineer (Pr Eng), Professional Engineering Technologist (PrTech Eng), Professional Engineering Technician (PrTechni Eng), and Professional Certificated Engineer (Pr Cert Eng). • • • •
4. Canada: Engineering Technology ACT of 1973 The act registers two categories: Engineering technician and Engineering technologist. Canada has a separate Act for professional engineers called Professional Engineers Act of 192 2. 5. Australia: Engineers Australia Engineers Australia administers three National Engineering Registers on advice from a board established to ensure the registers operate with integrity and in the public interest. Registration on the National Engineering Registers is available in three occupational categories: National Professional Engineers Register (NPER), National Engineering Technologists Register (NETR),and National Engineering Associates Register (NEAR)
The National Professional Engineers Register (NPER) and (NPER) and the National Engineering Technologists Register (NETR) (NETR) and the NationalEngineering Associates (Engineering Technician) Register (NEAR) (NEAR) are administered to safeguard the community at no cost to government. Engineers Australia administers the th e national engineering registers with input from the National Engineering Registration Board to ensure that the registers operate in the pu blic interest. 6. New Zealand: Chartered Professional Engineers of New Zealand Act of 2002 IPENZ is the Registration Authority under the Chartered Professional Engineers of New Zealand Act of 2002. IPENZ also operates registers of current competence for Professional Engineers, Engineering Technologists and Engineering Technicians. IPENZ operates the national registers of current competence-based registers for: a) Professional Engineers, Page 8 of 12
b) Engineering Technologists, and c) Engineering Technicians.
Reasons for the Enactment of the Engineering Technologists and Technician Act 1. Engineering technologists, engineering technicians and Crafts persons are not presently
registered and therefore are not accountable for the work they do concerning engineering activities. Almost all engineering activities in Kenya are carried out by these people. [cf. in the medical medical prof ession in Kenya all cadr cadr es of personn personn el – doctors/ doctors/ dent dentii sts, nu r ses, clini cli ni cal off icers and and l ab. technol technol ogists ogists-- ar e all all registe registered red and th erefor e ar ar e acc accoun oun table for the work th ey do] do]
2. While degree courses have to be approved by EBK, the technical courses have no professional body to oversee its approval and implementation. In almost all countries worldwide – worldwide – more more so the most developed countries (UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Malaysia, South Korea, South Africa, Nigeria, etc.,) - all cadres are registered and governed by acts of parliament. as shown above. 3. Any engineering activity is likely to aff ect the safety safety and/or and/or healt healt h and/or well well bein bein g of th e . All engineering activities require the input of the all engineering teams (the scientist, humanity the engineer, the technologists, the technician and the crafts person) i.e. they all have a role to play and therefore each must be accountable through an act of parliament. Once the institution is established by law, it shall seek affiliation to and recognition by the following international educational accords for international membership recognition: a) Washington Accord 1989 The accord recognizes the equivalence of accredited engineering education programs leading to the engineering degree programs. b) Sydney Accord The The accord recognizes the equivalence of accredited engineering technology education programs leading to the engineering technology degree programs. c) Dublin Accord- This recognizes the equivalence of educational base for engineering technicians. –
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4. The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) Act 2011 established a statutory Board whose functions are the registration of Engineers and Firms, regulation of engineering professional services, setting of standards, development and general practice of Engineering. Part Engineering. Part VI of the Engineers Board of 48(1) and 49) Kenya (EBK) Act 2011 Ar ticl es 48(1) , a person shall not engage in the practice of engineering unless that person has been issued with a license and has complied with the requirements of the Act. Accordingly the Engineering Technology Cadres are not provided for to engage in any engineering activities in Kenya since Registration with the Board is thus a license to practice engineering in Kenya. The EBK Act 2011 does not include the registration of the Engineering Technologists, Engineering Technicians and Engineering Crafts persons (all who belong to the Engineering Technology arm of the engineering Profession),and to in line with other international engineering regulating bodies. For proper coordination all the cadres of the Engineering team should be governed by legislation.
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Way Forward The Proposed Progression Progression of Engineering Profession Profession 1.0 Competence and Skills Training Courses Competences courses should be developed for all levels except for Artisan level and Postgraduate levels . At the end of each course every student will undergo a competence course of about four (4) months and be examined for it i.e. every student at the end of any academic level will graduate with two certificates – academic certificate and a competence certificate for that level. The academic certificates will be issued by the respective Universities in the case of Degree Courses , and by TVETA in the case of Technician/Diploma and Crafts Courses .
Presently all degree (both BEng/BSc and BTech) courses, Technician/Diploma courses and Crafts Courses are in place; maybe they need a little revision and harmonization to conform to the new dispensation. The Competence courses shall be the responsibility of National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). These courses shall be conducted at the NITA centers or at the respective institutions if they have the necessary facilities and qualified personnel. NITA shall be accrediting and inspecting the competence training units. NITA shall also be responsible for the training of instructors for the various competence courses at all academic levels. Skills Training shall be the responsibility of NITA; the artisans will be examined by trade testing and be issued will trade certificates by NITA. N ITA. There are three trade test certificates – certificates – GTT GTT III, GTT II and GTT I; one will be issued with an Artisan Certificate after obtaining the final Government Trade Test (GTT) i.e. GTT I. The Artisan Certificate will be issued by NITA. Those peoples who are presently holding GTT I should be issued the Artisan Certificate by NITA to enable them register with EBK.
[I am proposing the number of trade tests to be reduced to only one at the level of GTT I, so that at the Cour se end of the Skil ls Tr aini ng Cour the student will be examined and be issued with the Artisan Certificate after passing. This is because students will join the skills training courses after Fo rm IV]
2.0 Registration with the EBK Once one has passed the two examinations – examinations – the the final academic course and the competence course – course – one can register with EBK as a graduate member; graduate membership should last for only two years during which time the graduate member will be working under the supervision of a fully registered/corporate member either at the same level or higher level. After two year the graduate member should be fully registered as a full member at the appropriate level. Those who graduate with either Master’s or Doctorate degrees should automatically be automatically be registered re gistered as full/corporate members i.e. they do not need the two years’ experience before registration as corporate members. EBK should be amended to create c reate five membership levels/grades as follows: a) Engineer b) Engineering Technologists c) Engineering Technician d) Engineering Crafts person e) Artisan (This is a form IV school leaver who trains on specialized skills for a period of 3 – 3 – 6 6 months; after training the person will do a trade te st) Page 10 of 12
Appropriate examinations will be developed for those who want to move from one level to the next level. one will have to attend for a crafts course and i) To move from artisan level to Crafts person’ level one will sit for both the academic and competence examinations; if successful in all the two examinations registration will be immediate without waiting for the two years. ii) To move from Crafts person level to Technician level one has to join the Diploma course at the beginning of the first year i.e. a full diploma course of two (2) years. As in the case of the artisan after passing the two examinations, the candidate with be registered immediately. iii) To move from Technician level to Engineering Technologist level one has to join the BTech degree course at the beginning of the third year i.e. two (2) years’ course. As in the case of the artisan after passing the two examinations, the candidate with be registered immediately. iv) There will be two separate examinations set: one for Engineering technologists who would like to move to the engineer’s grade and another examination for Engineers who would like to move to the Engineering technologist grade. NB: The two years as a graduate member is only necessary for those without working experience. Apart from the artisan grade/level, there is no one who can be registered as a corporate member at any grade/level without an academic certificate, a competence certificate and two years working experience as a graduate member. Although artisans will be registered by EBK, they will be working under the supervision of any of the other professionals above them i.e. they will not be allowed to work on their own.
3.0 Transition Period Most people who hold trade test certificates finished at end of the present primary education i.e. standard VII or VIII. For this category of people to enroll for Crafts Courses, they will have to have to undergo an accelerated secondary education: the accelerated program should be developed by the Ministry of Education similar to the Adult Education program for upgrading this category of people before enrolling for the Crafts Courses. The other cate gories of people who need upgrading are holders of Higher Diploma Certificates; this categories need to upgrade to Bachelor of Technology Degrees. Already upgrading courses have been developed by the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K). Other categories of people do not need any changes to register with their respective grades/levels. Those engineers, technologists, technicians and crafts persons with the necessary academic qualifications and have worked for more than three years should be exempted from the competence examinations i.e. they should be allowed to register with EBK immediately after confirming that they have the relevant experience. However, graduating students need to sit for competence examinations as outlined in section 1.0. Presently entry points after Form IV for the various courses are as follows: Degree courses – courses – minimum minimum mean grade of C+; Technician Courses Courses - minimum mean grade grade of C-; and Crafts Courses - minimum mean grade of D-. These minimum entry points shall be maintained; those students with grade E (i.e. below mean grade of D-) will be required to enroll for Skills Training Courses. Courses. (Th e auth or i s an En gin eer , techni techni cal educationi educationi st, manager manager an d Uni versity versity lectur lectur er . I would l ik e to get get your vi ews on th is importan t issue issue for t hi s beauti beauti fu l coun tr y)
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ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRESSION PATHWAYS MC – Master Crafts Person
PhD/DSc/D.Tech
GTT – Government Trade Test
MTech
MSc/MEng
Professional Master Crafts Person
Postgrad Diploma
BSc/BEng
BTech
MC - I
DIPLOMA/TECHNICIAN
CRAFTS PERSON
ARTISAN
MC - II
MC - III
GTT - I
GTT - II
Basic Education GTT - III
ENGINEERING
TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENTIAL PUBLIC
By Dr . Charl es M .M . Ondieki; Tel: 072270 072270560 5609/07 9/07729 53; Emai l:
[email protected] l:
[email protected] 12 of729687 1268753; Page