I believe that the 2010 conference was highly successful. Despite the difficulties challenges caused by Eyjafjallajökull, the programme was excellent, and we had well over 300 delegates. I am very grateful to our sponsors – particularly our main sponsor Bord Gais and our platinum sponsors Corrib Natural Gas and Roadbinders – and to the Cork Region and to the Clyde Road teams for all their hard work.
The conference is always an occasion not only to renew old friendships but also to meet new colleagues in the profession. As importantly it is an opportunity to learn of best practice across the profession and to be inspired by some of the exciting and innovative developments in engineering in Ireland.
I believe it is in all our interests that Engineers Ireland is strong, confident and articulate in Irish industry, policy and society. Our annual conference was followed by interest by the mainstream media, and received attention from ministers, enior civil servants and policy advisors. As I noted in my own keynote at the conference, I strongly believe that Ireland is experiencing a new appreciation of the importance of Engineers: as Paul Jowitt has put it, a “renaissance of Engineering”.
It is in all our interests that our membership is as vibrant as possible. In the last year, we have amended our regulations so those working in the engineering profession yet who do not have accredited engineering degrees can still join as full members of Engineers Ireland: this includes scientists and mathematicians working as engineers. We also offer full membership to those with appropriate level 7 degrees. Our membership should be broad based, and appealing to anyone working within the Irish engineering sector. At the same time, we are maintaining, and indeed enhancing, the standard necessary for members to achieve Chartered status.
Engineers Ireland enables an understanding of best practice across our membership. We share experiences and good judgment. Our continued professional development programme, and our Engineers TV (video recordings of presentations to the Institution, available on our web site), reinforce our firm belief in the sharing of professionalism.
We also now offer our members an attractive benefits package, including assistance and discounts on various insurance schemes, mortgages, affinity cards, financial advice, and hotels. Visit groupschemes.engineersireland.ie for more information.
Can I directly encourage you to be an evangelist for Engineers Ireland, and thus encourage your work colleagues to join us in Engineers Ireland ? We all benefit from a powerful and co-ordinated voice for our profession, and from learning from each other.
Dr. Chris Horn
Chartered Engineer, FIEI, President Engineers Ireland