Technician

Technician Membership is the gold standard for anyone working as a structural engineering technician. The grade was introduced in 2007 to include engineering professionals, such as CAD operators, structural detailers, site supervisors and risk assessors in IStructE's membership base. It is aimed at those with a qualification at least equivalent to an appropriate National Certificate or Diploma.

The grade is open to structural engineering technicians who have gained sufficient experience. Many people in employment may already have extensive experience and could be in a position to apply now; more junior technicians might need further experience first.

The three-stage qualification process is straightforward, with no written exam. Candidates will need to:

1. Gain an educational or vocational qualification - the Institution has a list of recognised ones. Practising engineering technicians with appropriate knowledge and skills but without formal academic qualifications may still be eligible to apply;
2. Successfully complete the Initial Professional Development which includes 12 training objectives to bridge the gap between education and becoming qualified;
3. Pass a Professional Review Interview.

The formal title awarded is 'Technician Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers' (TIStructE). Technician grade membership of IStructE is supported by both the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) and the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB).

Qualified Technician Members can also register with ECUK as an Engineering Technician and use the accreditation EngTech TIStructE.

Membership benefits include:

• Wider career opportunities and an enhanced CV;
• A framework for career development;
• Greater status and respect at work;
• Access to IStructE's support and services.

As well as being a worthwhile qualification in its own right, it can also be used as a stepping stone to other grades of membership.

Advantages for employers who encourage Technician Membership include:

• Building a more effective professional team;
• Demonstrating technical skills to clients;
• Improved ability to attract the best recruits;
• A structured training framework, which helps staff development.

It is never too early to start working towards becoming a Technician Member - for more information please email or download the following documents:

• Technician Membership leaflet
• Routes to Technician membership
• Technician Membership form

Fees for Technician Membership

Fees & Subscriptions 2008 Technician Membership Fee Annual Subscription £122 EC UK Fees (Optional) Registration for EngTech (if not already registered) £14.30 EngTech Annual Fee £13 † Interview Fees Individually Managed/Accredited Training scheme £60 Retrospectively Collated Route £100

† The annual EngTech fee can either be paid through IStructE or the existing institute/body that it is currently paid through