Please do visit our Armed Forces webpages for further information and support and if you have any questions or would like guidance on professional registration please contact us at dlo@imeche.org.
We hope you enjoy this edition.
Celebrating Excellence in REME engineering
The Institution was proud to support this year’s REME awards event on 29 April where IMechE's President, Matt Garside, presented IMechE's award for Best REME WO or SNCO 2026 which was awarded to SSgt Savkova. Although SSgt Savkova was unfortunately unable to attend the event in person to receive the award the occasion provided an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of engineering personnel across REME and the wider Defence engineering community.
This event highlighted the professionalism, technical expertise and commitment demonstrated by service personnel and teams working across Defence engineering roles. It was particularly encouraging to see the continued strength of engagement between the Armed Forces and the engineering profession.
It was also fantastic to see WO1 (ASM) Claire Dewhurst’s (IEng IMechE) team received an award during the event. Claire is also an IMechE judge for the Churchill Awards which helps to encourage and recognise future engineering talent.
IMechE is always delighted to celebrate the achievements of Armed Forces engineers and remains committed to supporting professional registration and development across the Defence industry.
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Have you considered becoming an IMechE Professional Review Interview Assessor?
We are always keen to welcome more assessors from across the Armed Forces and Defence engineering community. Assessors play a vital role in supporting candidates through their professional registration journey, helping to maintain professional standards and encouraging the next generation of registered engineers. In addition, being an assessor can enhance career options in the future by demonstrating continuous professional development (CPD) as well as increasing networking opportunities.
Remember, the process is peer-to-peer and you can apply to become an assessor as soon as you achieve professional registration yourself. Full training is provided, and the sign-up process is straightforward.
Please look at the upcoming assessor training dates and consider getting involved. Typically, we would ask assessors to support a couple of sessions each year, although there may occasions to undertake. The more assessors we have available, the better we can support candidates across the profession.
Please do spread the word amongst colleagues and networks - your experience and expertise could make a real difference to someone’s professional journey.
Become an IMechE Assessor.
Upcoming online training course, sign up is easy, register by emailing assessortraining@imeche.org
June 2026
Thurs - 4.6.26 - 9:00-11:30am
Tues - 9.6.26 - 9:00-11:30am
Thurs - 11.6.26 - 9:00-11:30am
Mon - 15.6.26 - 9:00-11:30am
Fri - 19.6.26 - 9:00-11:30am
Tues - 23.6.26 - 4:00-6.30pm
Wed - 24.6.26 - 9:00-11:30am
Mon - 29.6.26 - 9:00-11:30am
July 2026
Fri - 3/7/26 - 8:00-10:30am
Wed - 8/7/26 - 9:00-11:30am
Career Learning Assessment (CLA) – An alternative route
If you are an experienced engineer but do not hold an accredited engineering qualification you may be eligible for the Career Learning Assessment (CLA) route.
We regularly run online talks explaining the CLA process, including how to get started and what is involved.
View the Career Learning Assessment talk.
Please note: Attendance at a briefing session or having direct support from IMechE is now mandatory before submitting a CLA form. This ensures applicants are properly supported and have the best possible chance of success.
CLA Workshops – Support available at your site
Starting your CLA application can feel daunting, which is why we also offer free face-to-face workshops that can be delivered directly at your site.
These sessions provide dedicated time, guidance and practical support to help you begin (and often significantly progress) your CLA statement during the workshop itself. Participants benefit from structured advice, peer discussion and one-to-one support throughout the day.
Understanding the process to Professional Registration
Professional registration (IEng or CEng) follows two key stages:
1. Academic equivalence (CLA stage if required)
Applicants must first demonstrate academic knowledge and understanding. This can be achieved either through an accredited engineering degree or by completing a CLA to evidence equivalent learning gained through experience.
2. Professional Review Interview (PRI)
Once the academic stage is complete and approved, candidates submit their application for review and are invited to attend a Professional Review Interview where competence and commitment are assessed against Engineering Council standards.
(22).jpg?sfvrsn=978f5811_2 "CLA Workshop - Armed Forces")
Recent CLA workshops at MOD Lyneham with Steve Acott
Supporting Armed Forces Engineers: CLA Workshops at MOD Lyneham – May 2026
In May 2026, I had the privilege of visiting MOD Lyneham to deliver two Career Learning Assessment (CLA) workshops, designed specifically to support Armed Forces personnel on their journey toward professional registration as Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
These in-person workshops are intentionally structured to give applicants the time, space, and guidance needed to progress their CLA submissions during the session itself. Rather than leaving the process to be completed independently, attendees are encouraged to begin, and in many cases substantially complete their statements on the day.
By setting aside dedicated time away from day-to-day responsibilities, participants are able to fully focus on articulating their knowledge and experience. The workshops also provide ongoing support throughout the session, allowing individuals to ask questions, receive feedback, and build confidence in their submissions as they go.
Understanding the CLA Process
A key part of the workshops is helping attendees understand the pathway to professional registration. It is important to recognise that achieving IEng or CEng status follows a clear two-step process, aligned with Engineering Council UK requirements:
Step 1: Demonstrating Academic Knowledge and Understanding
All applicants must first demonstrate that they meet the required level of academic knowledge. This can be achieved in one of two ways:
1. Holding an accredited engineering degree, or
2. Completing a Career Learning Assessment (CLA) to demonstrate equivalent knowledge gained through professional experience
The workshops at MOD Lyneham were tailored specifically for Armed Forces personnel who have reached the relevant career break points. Due to the structured and mapped nature of their service-related experience, many are eligible to move directly to CLA Stage 2, where they are better positioned for a successful outcome.
This tailored approach enables participants to progress more efficiently through the academic assessment stage, recognising the depth and breadth of skills developed during their careers in the Armed Forces.
Step 2: Professional Review Process
Following a successful CLA outcome from the Academic Assessment Committee, applicants move to the second stage of the process.
At this point, candidates are required to submit their completed Special Application Process (SAP) form for IEng or CEng to their endorser. Once processed, applicants will be invited to attend a Professional Review Interview (PRI), where they demonstrate their competence and commitment against the required standards.
The workshops at MOD Lyneham highlighted the significant value of delivering structured, face-to-face support for Armed Forces personnel. By combining clear guidance, practical writing time, and tailored advice, these sessions empower participants to make tangible progress in their applications.
Most importantly, they reinforce a clear message: with the right support and understanding of the process, professional registration is an achievable and rewarding step in the transition from military service to civilian engineering careers.
Get Involved
If you are interested in hosting a CLA Workshop at your site or location, please contact IMechE's Defence Liaison Team to discuss how we can support your personnel.
Celebrating Armed Forces talent: IMechE Apprentice and EngTech Awards 2026
IMechE's Apprentice and EngTech Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the outstanding engineering talent across the Armed Forces. From exceptional apprentices and accomplished EngTech professionals to high-quality training schemes these awards highlight dedication, innovation, and excellence, often delivered in some of the most demanding environments.
How great would it be to see an Armed Forces winner this year and highlight the strength of Defence engineering on a national stage?
If you know an individual or programme that deserves recognition, now is the time to put them forward. There is plenty of time to apply, with submissions open until 9 October 2026. Find out more and submit your nomination here.
We can come to your site
Did you know IMechE can come directly to your site? We can tailor our support to your colleague and your needs, whether that is delivering talks, running workshops or offering one-to-one guidance for you and your colleagues.
To arrange a visit, contact dlo@imeche.org.
Don’t forget to check if your site already has a dedicated IMechE Industrial Liaison Officer who can support you locally. You can find your ILO here.
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Visit IMechE's London Head Office
As this is your professional institution, we are pleased to offer opportunities for groups to visit us. These visits typically include a guided tour of both IMechE and our neighbours, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), providing a unique insight into two of the UK’s leading engineering institutions.
IMechE members can also benefit from access to shared ICE facilities, including a café, bar, library, and business hub, ideal for networking, collaboration or simply taking a break in a professional setting. If you are interested in arranging a visit, we would be delighted to welcome you.
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IMechE volunteers – Receive up to 50% off selected training courses
Did you know that IMechE volunteers can receive up to 50% discount on selected IMechE training courses?
This is a fantastic benefit for volunteers looking to continue their professional development, expand their knowledge or build new skills while supporting the engineering community through their volunteer role.
Whether you are involved in professional review interviews, committees, outreach or other volunteer activities it is well worth exploring the range of discounted courses available.
To find out more and check eligibility, please visit IMechE Volunteer Discount webpage.
Professional Registration support – Are you ready to take the next step?
Unsure about academic requirements?
If you are unsure whether you meet the academic requirements for professional registration a short explainer video is available on IMechE Armed Forces webpages. It clearly sets out the different routes and what may apply to you.
Remembering engineering ingenuity: the Dambusters legacy
This 16–17 May marked the 83rd anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, an operation forever associated with exceptional engineering innovation, creativity and determination. At its heart was a breakthrough that demonstrated how engineering insight could redefine what was previously thought possible.
Central to this achievement was Sir Barnes Wallis, the visionary engineer and inventor of the “bouncing bomb.” His pioneering work not only played a decisive role in the success of Operation Chastise but also exemplified how applied engineering can solve complex, real-world challenges under immense pressure.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the engineering profession, Sir Barnes Wallis was awarded Honorary Fellowship of Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in 1965. This prestigious honour reflected both his technical achievements and his lasting impact on engineering innovation.
The Institution’s archives, kindly shared by IMechE Archivist Jemma Lee, offer a fascinating glimpse into this moment of recognition. Among the materials are photographs capturing Sir Barnes Wallis receiving his award from then-President Harold Norman Gwynne Allen, alongside the original citation and correspondence detailing the rationale behind his selection. Together, these documents highlight not only the significance of Wallis’s work but also the esteem in which the engineering community held it.
As we reflect on this anniversary, it is a timely reminder of the profound influence engineers have had and continue to have on history. The legacy of individuals like Sir Barnes Wallis serves as an enduring source of inspiration, reinforcing the vital role of engineering in addressing challenges, advancing capability and shaping the future.
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IMechE Challenges - Summer 2026
IMechE Challenges programme is building momentum again, with a range of exciting events taking place soon. These hands-on competitions are a fantastic opportunity to see engineering innovation in action, connect with the next generation of talent and support inspiring STEM activities. Why not take the opportunity to attend?
More information on upcoming events.
Did you know that, in recent years, flagship competitions such as Formula Student have attracted over 100 teams, from more than 30 countries? This makes it one of the largest and most established student engineering competitions in Europe, highlighting the global reach and impact of IMechE’s challenge programmes.
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IMechE Sponsorship of the Royal Navy Field Gun Competition
IMechE is proud to continue its sponsorship of the Royal Navy Field Gun Competition; a longstanding and iconic display of teamwork, engineering skill and physical endurance.
The 2026 event will take place at HMS Collingwood, near Fareham in Hampshire (close to Portsmouth), on Saturday 4 July 2026. This annual competition, held as part of HMS Collingwood’s Open Day, brings together Royal Navy teams to compete in the fast-paced and demanding field gun race displaying precision, coordination and resilience.
IMechE’s continued support reflects its commitment to recognising excellence in engineering and its strong links with the Armed Forces community.
Meet the team
Lara Mallett and Steve Acott look after Armed Forces engagement for IMechE and are here to support you throughout your professional registration journey. We are also part of a wider team across the Institution, supported by our fantastic network of Industrial Liaison Officers (ILOs) based at military sites across the UK; we are all working together to help engineers in the sector progress professionally. If there is no ILO at your site or you would like IMechE to visit please contact dlo@imeche.org, lara.mallett@imeche.org or steve.acott@imeche.org
Lara is currently the Vice Chair of the Professional Engineering Institutions’ Defence Committee for 2026. This group brings together heads of engineering, representatives of the defence industry, MOD colleagues and Professional Engineering Institutions to collaborate on engineering professionalism and registration across the sector. Work has included supporting the development of the Defence Instructions and Notices (DIN) relating to the payment of professional registration fees.
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