This piece provides more detail about the CIPHE CPD charter and complements the previous article on this website which focussed on the concept of CPD. The CIPHE charter is a welcomed initiative as the Institute is an influential professional body and has provided an excellent example to the other professional’s bodies on this strategically important topic.
The charter reinforces the importance of CPD and its commitment in the plumbing and heating engineering disciplines.
As a Professional Engineering Institute the CIPHE supports the CPD Code adopted by the Engineering Council for its registrants but believes that all individuals within the water industry, construction industry and built environment sector should undertake CPD1.
Adoption of a CPD Charter which is not exclusive to the CIPHE stresses the benefits of CPD and career progression. The purpose of the CPD Charter is to increase public perception and increase confidence in professionals they appoint. It will also ensure that skills based on agreed competency requirements are supported and met by industry. The public will benefit directly by the workforce being upskilled on a regular basis and as a result will have greater confidence in the professional competence of tradespeople.
The CPD Charter commits an individual to:
- Agree to invest in skills throughout career through lifelong learning
- Support career progression by carrying out and recording 30 hours CPD each year
iii. Participate in a minimum of 10 hours ‘compliance’ accredited training programmes
- Share knowledge and expertise with others
- Monitor, evaluate and reflect on CPD (mycareerpath 1)
There are many ways in which individuals can achieve CPD, including attending training courses, seminars and exhibitions, from mentoring employees and apprentices to reading industry publications. The CIPHE recommends that individuals should obtain 30 CPD hours per year under the following activities and provides guidance on maximum hours to be obtained under each. This guidance can be used to help you to complete your CPD record.
Below are examples of what constitutes CPD
3.1 Training Courses and Workshops
Training courses that are specific to developing your plumbing and heating knowledge and skills are eligible for CPD. Distance learning training is also acceptable.
Evidence required: A copy of a signed certificate.
3.2 Conferences and Seminars/Lectures
The following are eligible for CPD:
Conferences and seminars organised by the CIPHE
Conferences and seminars organised by other industry related organisations
Individuals who are involved in the delivery of seminars and lectures can also claim CPD hours for both the preparation and delivery of the presentations.
3.3 Attending Exhibitions
It is recognised that attendance of industry related exhibitions counts towards an individual’s development and attending such exhibitions qualifies as CPD.
3.4 Technical Writing
The writing of published technical articles, papers, journals and books can qualify as CPD.
3.5 Mentoring
Supporting apprentices and the following activities are eligible for CPD:
Mentoring apprentices and trainees
Part time teaching/lecturing by non-academics
3.6 Private study
Private study as to learn new skills and/or improving qualifies as CPD including the following:
Online research
Viewing Techtalk Live and other technical videos available through the Internet and YouTube
Reading industry related publications
Completion of CPD articles in industry magazine.
3.7 Qualification studies
Industry related and recognised qualifications qualify as CPD including compliance training such as water regulations/byelaws, building regulations and gas and electrical regulations.
4.0 Monitoring CPD
mycareerpath® is an online professional development system, designed by the Engineering Council and adopted by many professional engineering institutions for use by their members. The system is mobile and tablet compatible, so records can be accessed or added to on-the-go.
The system is aligned with the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) for EngTech, IEng, and CEng. Progress can be measured and tracked against the competence statements for the chosen registration category.
(1) mycareerpath is designed to help individuals to plan and record any activity that contributes to professional competence. Using mycareerpath (1) puts your complete records in one place so that they can be simply and easily be passed on to your employer or to prospective clients.
Final comments:
The importance of CPD cannot be over emphasised it forms an essential element in technical and vocational education and training and their associated employment areas. It raises the profile of the subjects/disciplines and the status of the workers in these professions. It should form part of an urgent strategy to establish a ‘licence to work’ an essential goal yet to be realised in the UK. A well-qualified and up to date employee is essential to maintain a highly productive workforce.
More information about the CIPHE and the CPD Charter can be found on their website www.ciphe.org.uk
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