There are four stages of the application process to complete if you wish to accredit your training programme. If you have any queries on the process, please contact the Initial Professional Development team on +44(0)20 8973 1250 or email: ipd@imeche.org
Stage one
To apply for accreditation of a university placement programme, submit three hard copies of the application form and relevant supporting material eg training policy, competence criteria and prospectus. Further information can be found in the guidance notes.
Universities are invited to send in draft applications for feedback before their final submission, to do this, please email your draft form to ipd@imeche.org
Stage two
Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed by a Professionally Registered Engineer, experienced in reviewing professional development programmes. After this review your application will be registered by the IMechE with a unique reference number. At this point young engineers may be registered onto the Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS).
Stage three
An accreditation visit will then be arranged, normally within six to nine months from registration, provided there are young engineers registered on the scheme. The accreditation visit will last a full day (normally between 10am - 4pm) and will aim to assess the following:
- Evidence of High level support and commitment
- Access and support for Developing Engineers’ whose academic portfolios require a Further Learning plan
- Support for mentor training
- Ensure that e-MPDS records are up to date
- The level of internal support for the scheme (ie. scheme co-ordinator, line mangers, industry liaison officers and mentors)
Further guidance on the format of the visit day can be found from the accreditation visit agenda
There is no charge for IMechE accreditation visits
Stage four
Following the accreditation visit, the visiting team’s report is sent to members of the Professional Development Standards Committee (PDSC) for review. The decision by the Committee to accredit a company is based on the application, the accreditation visit and report. If successful, the period of accreditation will be granted from the date of the accreditation visit.
You will be formally notified in writing of the success of your accreditation and of any recommendations made by the Committee. If you would like to order a certificate of your accreditation please complete a certificate registration form and return to the IMechE.
If accreditation is not recommended, full support and advice will be provided, highlighting areas that need to be modified to achieve accreditation.
Joint Accreditation Visits
Joint accreditation visits can be arranged with other Institutions, although decisions are reached independently and may differ. However, IMechE and other engineering Institutions continue to work closely to maximise the benefits of joint accreditation visits.
Overseas Applicants
Applicants operating outside the UK mainland must meet the total costs of an accreditation visit, including all travel, accommodation and other relevant expenses.