Colloquium: The Making of a Structural Engineer-Education, Training, and Professional Development. W

Foundations and Building Regulations submissions Whatever the aspect, the subject of Building Regulations submissions is one that elicits strong views and forthright language on the part of our correspondents. Mr J. T. O’Rourke has written, deploring the rigidity sometimes applied in dealing with the structural aspects of submissions. In his opinion, the refusal, by some engineers, to make simple engineering judgments in their appraisals detracts from the reputation of the profession and leads to lack of respect by other professions. He illustrates his point by reference to an example: The problem relates to a Building Regulation submission, and the consequent comments of the local authority engineer. (I should point out, at this stage, that I am employed by a local authority and check Building Regulations submissions myself. I have, therefore, no particular axe to grind in this direction.) Verulam

The paper discusses the needs of engineers for postgraduate training. The development of basic skills through the experience obtained on specific project work, and the need to encourage innovative but sound applications of such skills, can be ensured with a carefully considered approach to planned training. James H. Armstrong

The main theme of this lecture is the enormous importance of engineering in modern society, the damage that has been done by lack of understanding of the significance and principles of engineering by so many people in positions of influence and power, and the need to rectify this lack of mutual understanding between engineers and others, so as to ensure that engineers make their influence felt more effectively to the great benefit of the nation. Viscount Caldecote