How to become an Engineering Technician (EngTech)

What is an Engineering Technician (EngTech)?

Engineering Technicians (EngTech) carry out practical engineering solutions using existing and proven techniques and procedures.

As an Engineering Technician you will need to demonstrate a variety of skills including:

Examples of where you have contributed to the design, development, manufacture, commissioning, decommissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment, processes or services

Demonstration of supervisory or technical responsibility

Examples of where you have used effective interpersonal skills in communicating technical matters

An instance where you have shown commitment to professional engineering values

What does EngTech stand for?

EngTech is an abbreviation of Engineering Technician. The term ‘Engineering Technician’ is abbreviated to EngTech to enable engineers holding the title to use it as a post-nominal on their name. EngTech registration means that you are registered with the Engineering Council as an Engineering Technician.

Benefits of becoming an Engineering Technician

Professional Recognition: As an Engineering Technician, it will be evident to others that you are competent due to the skills that you will have had to demonstrate to the Engineering Council. This can lead to professional recognition with employers, employees and clients, due to their confidence in the Engineering Technician title and therefore in you.

International recognition: Engineering Technician status is an internationally recognised title and can therefore aid you in gaining international networking and career opportunities.

Exposure to career opportunities: Through Professional Registration, you will gain access to Membership benefits that can contribute towards the opportunity to progress within your career. 

Build new networks: By registering as an Engineering Technician, you will be joining a growing community. It enables you to stay connected with peers and colleagues and meet other professionals like yourself.

How to become an Engineering Technician

Engineering Technician status is for anyone who is able to demonstrate the required professional competence, experience and skills laid out by the professional standard UK-SPEC.

You can also find more information about your individual route into qualification if you do not have the engineering or academic requirements.

Why become an Engineering Technician?

Becoming professionally registered as an Engineering Technician with the Engineering Council is an important step towards professional recognition and shows your competence as an engineer in understanding the significance that the title holds. Engineering Technician status is a good stepping stone towards becoming an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered (CEng) Engineer. Professional registration shows your commitment and interest in your career, this in turn helps employers, clients or your employees feel confident in your capabilities, thus benefiting your career development. 

Engineering Technician vs Engineer

As an engineering technician you have not yet completed the relevant qualifications for becoming an engineer. You will have less responsibility with regards to people management than a qualified engineer. Fully qualified engineers design and create new innovations whereas engineering technicians carry out the existing and proven techniques created by engineers.

Why pursue EngTech status with The Welding Institute?

Gain access to The Welding Institute’s resources

As an Engineering Technician or an aspiring Engineering Technician registered with The Welding Institute, you will gain access to the Institute’s membership benefits. These membership benefits can help you with your career progression by giving you the facilities to gain the knowledge and experience you need to progress.

Mycareerpath: This is an online tool that you can use to record your Continuous Professional Development. It will benefit you as an Engineering Technician, due to the recording of CPD being made mandatory to anyone registered with the Engineering Council. It will also be beneficial as you are able to refer to it when evidencing your experience, whether that is to an employer, client or the Engineering Council if you chose to progress onto Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status.

Weldasearch: This is an online database of over 200,000 welding, joining and allied technologies abstracts.

TWI library and e-library: Membership offers you access to TWI’s technical library, which contains resources and published materials on different industry sectors.

Technical Group Meetings: These are networks that meet and discuss the latest developments and technology in their specialist areas. These meetings are an excellent opportunity for you, as an EngTech, to develop your career through advancing your knowledge and making new contacts through the networking opportunities.

Training and development: As a Member of The Welding Institute, you qualify for a discount on TWI Training and Examination courses. Registering with The Engineering Council as an Engineering Technician means you will have to carry out CPD and continuously learn. This means keeping updated with new industry standards. TWI Training and Examinations courses are designed to fit these standards.

Student/Apprentice Registration

The Welding Institute offers Student Associate membership for individuals in full time education. It is offered at a discounted rate of £50.00 which is a one-off fee covering a course duration of up to five years. This opportunity enables you to gain industry knowledge and insights whilst still being in education. It is a major opportunity to get a head start into the career you want as you will have the opportunity to make industry contacts through networking at events such as Technical Group Meetings. This, in turn, will create career opportunities. Taking this route into your engineering career will make the transition from full time education to work smoother as you will already be equipped with the up-to-date industry knowledge that you need.

Related:

- How to Become a Chartered Engineer (CEng)

- How to Become an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) 

- What is a Laboratory Technician? - Job Description and Role