Institution news
Tom was hosted in Hamburg by David Eyre-Jackson, IMechE Germany Group representative for Germany North, where he gave a training session for Professional Review Interviewers to support the membership growth plans in the local region. The Germany Group has a strong ethos to support existing members, through local activities and to grow the membership across Germany. Access to currently trained Professional Review Interviewers is essential to support the membership growth aspirations.
Following lunch with Adam Lord, Young Members’ Representative for Germany, and his colleagues at Siemens Gamesa discussing the benefits and process to achieve membership, Tom headed to the airport to travel to Munich. Here Andy Storer, Chair of the Germany Group, hosted an evening event for members of Germany South in combination with the Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI) Cross Cultural Group. This was an excellent opportunity for IMechE members to network with their counterparts from the VDI.
Tom delivered a presentation to the group to introduce the history and activities of the Institution. Throughout the Institution’s 170-year history there have been strong links with Germany. Charles Beyer one of the founders of the Institution was German, at the time he was the engineering chief of Sharps Brothers textile machinery, but moved into the steam locomotive industry in Manchester, before becoming a business partner in the Beyer Peacock Locomotive Company.
Dr Ing. Florian Dignath of the VDI delivered an interesting insight into the work of the VDI and the remit of the Cross Cultural Group, CCG. Through presentation and discussion clear synergies were identified between the two organisations, with opportunities for mutual learning. The evening continued with traditional Munich hospitality, which was greatly appreciated by all.
Following the presentations, Andy stated,” the IMechE and VDI share a similar history and outlook and close cooperation can only enrich our activities, as is evident this evening.”
On 18 May, Tom was hosted by Germany Group member Sam Davis at Fusion for Energy, where two sessions were delivered: an upgrade to Fellow workshop and a refresher training session for Professional Review Interviewers in Germany South.
Overall, the time spent in Germany provided a great opportunity to meet with members in two distinct regions, to raise the profile of the Institution and foster links with like-minded organisations.
IMechE Germany Group
– the IMechE Germany Group provides support locally through a network of volunteer members based throughout the country.
Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI)
– The Association of German Engineers. The VDI have a network of over 150,000 Engineers and natural scientists, founded in 1856. The association promotes the advancement of technology and represents the interests of engineers and of engineering businesses in Germany.