Initial Professional Development (IPD)

Initial Professional Development builds upon academic skills and ultimately leads to registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng). IPD must be challenging and based upon the level of educational achievement reached. It can be undertaken prior to, during or after the completion of a course of study. All professional development activities prior to becoming a Corporate Member of the Institution are described as Initial Professional Development (IPD).

Companies
If your company does not offer an accredited Monitored Professional Development Scheme we can help and advise applicants on other ways to progress.  For information on how to get your company scheme accredited click here

Applying
When you apply for membership and professional registration, you will be assessed on your competence in five key areas. The competences for Incorporated and Chartered Engineers are defined by the Engineering Council in The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC), and IMechE has interpreted them to relate to mechanical engineering.

Further Learning
If you are required to undertake a period of Further Learning, you can do this alongside your Professional Development. However, please note that Further Learning is in addition to your usual work activities undertaken during your IPD. (To find out if you need to complete Further Learning, click through to Qualification Checker proforma.)

Mentoring
IMechE recommends that Mentors guide the prospective Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer. The nature of the guidance provided will change during the process, from initially offering advice and support, to an emphasis on counselling about future career plans as you move forward to professional registration.

IMechE, in association with other Institutions, developed PD-HOW2. This website gives guidance on how to record your competences and evidence and may be suitable for those not utilising MPDS online records.

The UK IPD Forum has been set up for those responsible for IPD in their organisations to get together twice a year and discuss matters of mutual interest http://www.ukipdforum.co.uk/

Back to top