3 100 people compared to Germany with one engineer for every 200 people. In countries like Japan, the UK and the USA, this ratio stands at about 1:310. Therefore, South Africa needs to produce 10 times more engineers in order to
compete favourably. ECSA seeks to achieve its vision through various strategic channels. We need to determine the acceptable standards for education, the accreditation of these educational programmes, as well as the subsequent registration standards of engineering practitioners. We also focus on educating the public on expected engineering quality standards. That, in turn, means that ECSA has a vested interest in protecting the public against substandard engineering work. Another strategic area is ECSA’s regulatory efforts to ensure environmental protection. Plus, we engage with government to support national priorities. This includes ensuring a skills pipeline of registered professionals to meet present and future capacity requirements. How many professionals are currently registered with ECSA? SM: ECSA’s database of registered persons, which includes candidate applications, has shown a steady rise in numbers over the past four years. As at 31 December 2016, ECSA had 51 063 persons registered, up from 43 118 in December 2012. Currently, we have approximately 17 011 registered professional engineers, the balance consisting of engineering technologists (5 673), professional certified engineers
(1 045) and professional engineering technicians (4 042). Another positive trend is the rise in the number of candidate engineers, currently standing at around 9 177, up from the 2012 figure of 7 195. What role does ECSA play in ensuring international recognition? SM: ECSA recognises a variety of stakeholders who are relevant in the execution of its mandate, which is achieved through roadshows, public participation initiatives and stakeholder forums. Being a host to the World Federation of Engineering Organizations allows ECSA to use this international platform of engineering communities to address common challenges facing societies. We achieve this by seeking advice and guidance on policies, interests and concerns relating to engineering and technology. To ensure that the registration of engineering practitioners remains competent to world standards, ECSA is a member of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA), an international forum established to advance the benchmarking of educational competency standards. The primary aim of the IEA is to promote the recognition of substantial equivalence in engineering qualifications (Accords) and to promote and support the engineering practitioner‘s mobility (Competency Agreements.) Why do some professionals decide not to register? SM: To a large extent, reasons for non-registration for certain engineering practitioners differ according to the specific and varying fields of operation. In some work portfolios, registration is not compulsory for engineering practitioners. They are able to complete their work responsibilities without professional registration as a prerequisite.
How critical is mentorship in developing young graduates and taking them through to registration?
SM: The Commitment and Undertaking (C&U) Programme seeks to develop engineering graduates and mentor them to attain the necessary skills for professional registration. Could you expand on ECSA’s C&U programme? SM: In response to the National Development Plan, ECSA has developed a new C&U Programme for the development of engineering graduates. ECSA is calling upon all employers and mentors to sign the new C&U to develop the next generation of engineering professionals. It is recognised that the fastest and most effective way to develop a graduate is through planned and structured training, managed by an experienced and registered professional acting as a mentor. The C&U offers guidance to employers and mentors alike on how to manage the process. The programme has recently been rolled out to our stakeholders. What is the best training approach for candidacy programmes? SM: The best training approach is a programme that is structured around the professional outcomes required for registration. Having an assigned mentor is invaluable inthis respect. What are the benefits for the employer? SM: By following a structured programme, candidates should achieve registration faster. Could you expand on the New Registration System (NRS)? SM: The NRS is replacing the old input-based system. The NRS is now an outcomes-based system founded on the applicants, providing evidence of their competencies, which are then assessed in a uniform way for all categories. In the broader context, how does ECSA contribute towards South Africa’s socio-economic development and the growth of a talent pipeline for the engineering profession? ECSA established the Engenius Programme to promote engineering to school learners. The annual target is 20 000 learners nationally with a focus to provide practical engineering workshops for all nine engineering disciplines. At a university level, a process is in place to develop a Sakhimfundo Engineering Education Trust, which will provide funding support to engineering students that demonstrate academic potential. What are the key objectives for ECSA going into 2017? SM: As legislated, ECSA will continue to ensure that South Africa enjoys all the benefits of a strong, competent, growing, sustainable and representative engineering profession, which is able to provide all the expertise necessary for the socio-economic needs of the country and to exert a positive influence in South Africa.
