Networking is easy

The SOE (Society of Operations Engineers) announced the change following a lengthy review earlier this year. The Membership and Professional Standards Committee (MPS) concluded that the membership class structure needed to evolve to ensure that the organisation develops in line with the industry, and continues SOE’s goals to promote the profession and raise standards. By welcoming into membership people who are industry professionals, but not necessarily engineers, SOE is ensuring that those holding key positions within the engineering community have access to invaluable networking opportunities and information. Mark Organ, head of membership services and communications said: “Engineering directors and managers have often expressed concern that parts of their team could not join the IRTE, even though they held equivalent level qualifications.” The changes will not affect the status of existing Fellows, Members and Associate Members. However, those currently classed as Associates, Graduates or Students will now all come under the Associate Member banner. To ensure clarity, qualified engineers will continue to distinguish themselves from non-engineer members by registering with the Engineering Council UK (ECUK), through SOE, as a Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), or Engineering Technician (EngTech). Registrations through SOE will lead to the relevant post-nominal letters being displayed on membership cards and other related literature. Roddy MacKenzie (pictured), chairman of the MPS committee, said: “We are confident that the new class structure will support our members today and in the future. It will preserve our engineering reputation and let us continue providing the impartial technical advice that our members value.” The Society promotes safe, efficient and environmentally sound operations engineering to the benefit of the community. It is also one of the three partners that run the CV Show, one of Europe’s largest commercial vehicle fairs held at Birmingham’s NEC on 15-17 April 2008. Members receive industry-wide recognition, as well as the latest technical and industry news in the form of our journals, Transport Engineer and Operations Engineer. Numerous events are held throughout the year, affording excellent opportunities for career progression, whilst discounts are offered on selected travel, financial, legal and insurance services. In addition, the SOE website includes an exclusive Member’s Area, which supports its commitment to provide members with Continuing Professional Development (CPD).