Initial Professional Development builds upon the ‘educational base’ and leads to registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). All professional developmental activities prior to becoming a Corporate Member of the Institution are described as Initial Professional Development (IPD).

IPD must be challenging and based upon the level of educational achievement reached as it can be undertaken prior to, during or after the completion of a course of study.

If your company does not offer an accredited MPD Scheme we can help and advise applicants who are able to gain the relevant experience in other ways.

When you apply for membership and registration, each applicant will be judged on his or her competence in 5 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.

If you are required to undertake a period of Further Learning this can be done alongside your Professional Development but Further Learning is in addition to your usual work activities during your IPD.

It is recommended that a Mentor guides the prospective Chartered 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.

The IMechE, in association with other institutions developed PD-HOW2. This gives guidance on how to record your competences and evidence (link to http://www.pd-how2.org/ )