Engineers Ireland Benefits

mp3ireland2

Hi,
Just wondering what are the benefits of joining? I know if you want to get charted you go through them or some other group. Other than that is there much benefit? Do you get many discounts? (heard something about 25% of meteor phone bill or something?) anybody know where i can find a list of stuff? was looking on their website but cudn't find anything....

annfield1978

http://www.engineersirelandroi.groupscheme.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/groupschemes

lightoffshore

I've looked into this a few times. It depends on the discipline. From what I can figure there is absolutely no advantage outside of civil. EI might say otherwise but its a racket for making money for them.

judas101

I agree ^^

Total racket.

Especially if you're a graduate/inexperienced.

mp3ireland2

yeah i think the only reason would be to get chartered, but sure you can just join when you get that far!

Company I work for pays me back the fees if I join, but I've an interview somewhere else next week.

don't see the point in going to the effort of joining (Even for free) if i get nothing. might do it if I don't get the job next week.

stever

Nah they're useless. I've worked in the UK for the past 3 years and my company has always paid this for me. I'm not renewing it this year because I think it's a total waste of €255 per year even if others are paying and especially if you live outside Ireland. The only time I have contact from EI is when I get a monthly magazine and the monthly reminders to pay their subscription!

godtabh

Participation in Engineers Ireland is a two way streak. Engineers Ireland is a members organisation and without membership participation it is nothing so rather than bitch and moan about what Engineers Ireland don’t do for you why dont see what you can give back to them.

There are something like 32 regions, divisions and societies. If Engineers Ireland doesn’t do it for you change it from the inside

tevion

godtabh wrote: »

rather than bitch and moan about what Engineers Ireland don’t do for you why dont see what you can give back to them.

As well as give them €255 per year!

godtabh

My local football team charge close to €400 to join

CatFromHue

godtabh wrote: »

Participation in Engineers Ireland is a two way streak.

This gets me thinking. What do engineers actually want from Engineers Ireland? I've only ever been a student member and I'm not sure what joining would do for me, which is why I've never been a full member. Equally I'm not sure what I want them to do for me either!

I know they run courses I've found a lot of them I don't have much interest or need in though. Here is a link to their calendar of courses http://www.engineersireland.ie/cpd/cpd-training/trainingcalendar/ . I did contact ASME (American Society of Mech Eng) about a course they provided but on looking through their courses I found the same thing. Here is an idea of what they provide http://www.asme.org/kb/courses . There is also the economies of scale available in the US which wouldn't be available here.

Shiny

The only reason I pay [student rate] is to get the discount on the courses that I attend every now and again. This wouldn't be enough to justify the full rate for me though.

Other than that I see no advantage unless they do something about making engineering a protected title.

bit of a bogey

CatFromHue wrote: »

....This gets me thinking. What do engineers actually want from Engineers Ireland?....

This is a very good question. I wonder do Engineers Ireland have an idea of what engineers want or do they even care? To me the benefits of joing EI are few. Every member I know will tell you its not worth your while joining unless you want to become chartered. And even with that, becoming a chartered engineer will often make no difference to your career depending.

You can argue its a two way street but when you pay membership to any organisation, you should expect to see benefits!

Its quite clear from the boards thread below what Engineers want;
Status of Engineers in Irish Society

I for one agree with most of the points in the link. Protecting the engineering title should be the most important and fundamental assest of the proffession. There are too many Engineers in this country with vast skill variations in terms of qualifications.

The tiltle needs to be protected by law and that is what I think EI should be working on. People should not be able to call themselves an enginner unless they have met a certain standard provided by Engineers Ireland. There are too many TV intallation Engineers which degrade the title. The CEng MIEI title is not enough. It is not nationally respected as it does not have enough value. Mainly because the common employer does not really care if you are chartered as long as you are an engineer. I think there needs to be a prior Eng title.

The Eng tile should be only given depending on formal qualifications. There is no way that all degrees/masters in one college are equivalent to the degrees/masters in another place. I know people who went away to study certain aspects of engineering in half the amount of time it would have taken elsewhere. They would not have completed core subjects in final year yet they now have an equivalent qualification to others. Engineers Ireland should be working on regulating the proffession so that if people are going to call themselves an engineer, then they have met a certain standard.

There are simply too many in this country who can call themselves an engineer of some sort. There needs to be a regulated title in the same way Doctors, Accountants, Vets, Pharmacists and Solicitors have. The reason why these are respected and valued professions has nothing to do with them have higher points on a CAO form. It is because they are regulated professions where common people understand that they have reached a certain level of competency in their field. They are controlled professions where their organisations oversee their quafications and set the standards every year.They are proffessions that only allow certain numbers to graduate. If you dont meet the entry standards set by Trinity, you cant just head off to Letterkenny and train to be a doctor. So why can you do this in engineering? There are too many engineers in this country and that is why we are not a valuable commodity.

The starting salary for an engineer is not on par with other qualified professions. It is not an attractive career unless you really do have have a passion for it. I know recent engineering graduates who are working for free - Just to get experience. This is downgrading the engineering name. I do not blame them for one second as I would do the same if I were in their positon but they should not be put in that position. They are currently being taken advantage of by employers and should have more protection by EI. The Enginnering Proffession itself is being exploited.

In my opinion, the most important tasks that EI should be working on is getting Enginners back to work and protecting the Eng title.The CEng Tiltle should still exist but I think it should be a seconday title to the Eng. The Ceng should be for Eng's who have demonstrated their ability and are now like expert consultants.

That is my too cents anyway. I dont have this view because I am a pretentious ahole who needs a title attached to my name. I say this because without protection of a proffessional title, I dont see the need or benefit of belonging to such a group organisation. Unless of course you do want to become chartered.

FesterBeatty

Im a Chartered Member (structural/civil) and to be honest I have not yet seen any benefits of membership. Even being Chartered has not advanced my career, however thats hard to judge with the recession and corruption making things worse by the day...

But theres very few relevant seminars on, the group discount schemes are rubbish and they do very little for Engineers as a whole in my experience.

Defining and securing the title of Engineer would be a massive step forward, and i think we're all agreed on that based on various other threads/posts! Perhaps we should get all this info together and let EI know - because I dont think they even have the slightest idea how Engineers really feel about them as theres little opportunity to provide feedback (apart from boards!)

godtabh

When regulation comes into the industry you will need to be a chartered engineer to sign off on projects. If you listen to Engineers Ireland its a matter of time when this comes in. This will make EI relevant to all industries

dahamster

godtabh wrote: »

When regulation comes into the industry you will need to be a chartered engineer to sign off on projects. If you listen to Engineers Ireland its a matter of time when this comes in. This will make EI relevant to all industries

What industry?

breadmonkey

FesterBeatty wrote: »

Even being Chartered has not advanced my career, however thats hard to judge with the recession and corruption making things worse by the day...

Corruption?

323

tevion wrote: »

As well as give them €255 per year!

New to this Forum so, Hi Folks.

€255 per year, gone up a lot. Was a member for quite a few years, IEI when I joined.
No benifit whatsoever. Recently talked to a friend from school I had not seen in a many years, Chartered through them (Civil type) and he totally agreed, Regardless of qualifications or experience, they exist only as a Civil old boys club.

As for the title of engineer, believe I earned it, Diploma Communications, Degree Electrical, Masters Energy Eng. had run large projects in the 10's of millions from start to finish in various places in the world before joining them. Classed as Tech something or other, by EI. (Got the feeling because my study was mostly in UK, as I paying myself, it cost less and I got the courses I wanted).

As for career, For a contracting engineer, not chartered , I'm getting all the work I want and at much better rates offered in the pompus add's I see by employers insisting on Chartered status.

However, toying with Chartered status recently and contacted on institute in UK with branches in Ireland closer related to my industry (awards inssued by the British Engineering Council). Really refreshing, interested and easy to talk to. Unlike the pompus arrogance experiencied with EI.

godtabh

I love all the mis informed crap. Actually participate in the organisation and see what the benefits are rather than moan about paying a sub and doing nothing to contribute.

CatFromHue

I take it you're a member godtabh. If so what appeals to you to keep you in it?

Turbulent Bill

I think there are 'soft' benefits to anyone being an EI member (networking etc.), but there aren't enough for me to join up again as a mech/elec. My employer would probably pay the membership fee, but to be honest I couldn't justify it.

What do I want EI to do? Be a strong, visible, vocal advocate for all engineering in Ireland, as recognisible as the Law Society or Medical Council. There are mumblings every year after the Leaving results about maths competancy, but otherwise it looks invisible from outside Clyde Road. Protect and enforce titles (not just CEng). Focus on a clear mission statement, dump the golf classics and the stories about motorways being completed 6 months ahead of schedule - most people don't care about these.

Would I / should I get involved? It's a professional organisation, headed by staff paid from members dues - it's their job to lead the organisation. I'd happily contribute if I felt the organisation as a whole was receptive and heading in the right direction, but I don't see that now.

amac_ie

bit of a bogey wrote: »

This is a very good question. I wonder do Engineers Ireland have an idea of what engineers want or do they even care? To me the benefits of joing EI are few.
You can argue its a two way street but when you pay membership to any organisation, you should expect to see benefits!

Its quite clear from the boards thread below what Engineers want;
Status of Engineers in Irish Society

I for one agree with most of the points in the link. Protecting the engineering title should be the most important and fundamental assest of the proffession. There are too many Engineers in this country with vast skill variations in terms of qualifications.

Agree totally. We had someone out to fix our fridge the other day and they said they were an engineer. I tried to explain that this person should not be called engineer unless they were a degree level college graduates (they weren't). IEI have supposedly been working on protecting this title for many years, they have done nothing.....let them show a single thing they have done to forward this case??

Agree, the benefits are zero. The groupscheme thing is a joke, as is offered by a lot of companies nowadays. When you look into it they don't offer anything cheaper than not being a member. Its just a perception thing....they try to fool people into thinking things are cheaper when they're not.

Another huge problem I have with this elitist anglo norman organisation is the fact that when you take someone like me with a 4yr honours degree from an IT, this is not good enough to achieve a Chartered status...ok....but still not good enough even if i happen to have a Masters in engineering from a university,....there reason is that as my primary degree is from an IT, I am ruled out. So people who had to go to ITs for economic reasons instead of the more expensive universities are penalised....total discrimination.!!!!!
(and yes I know there is a board you can apply to for Chartered status instead, but why should people like me have to?)


Lastly, every communication I receive from IEI is for Civil related engineering, they need to wake up and realise that civil eng has nosedived in the recession and there are other engineering disciplines such as IT who should get some more airplay.

Sorry about the ramble, but agree with all the posts that say IEI is a waste of time and money!!

godtabh

amac_ie wrote: »

Lastly, every communication I receive from IEI is for Civil related engineering, they need to wake up and realise that civil eng has nosedived in the recession and there are other engineering disciplines such as IT who should get some more airplay.

Some articles from this months Engineers Journal

• R&D: Credit where it is due
• Lean sigma drives engergy efficiency
• Light work
• Offshore wind energy
• Revival of two-bladed turbine

Very civil orientated.

Most people here who give out about Engineers Ireland do not look beyond their own pre conceptions.

Adjectivally participate for a year and come back to me and see what you think.

Yes I am a member and I do have my reasons for joining and staying involved but as its a personal choice i'll hold off on posting them.

Razleavy

amac_ie wrote: »

Agree totally. We had someone out to fix our fridge the other day and they said they were an engineer. I tried to explain that this person should not be called engineer unless they were a degree level college graduates (they weren't). IEI have supposedly been working on protecting this title for many years, they have done nothing.....let them show a single thing they have done to forward this case??

Agree, the benefits are zero. The groupscheme thing is a joke, as is offered by a lot of companies nowadays. When you look into it they don't offer anything cheaper than not being a member. Its just a perception thing....they try to fool people into thinking things are cheaper when they're not.

Another huge problem I have with this elitist anglo norman organisation is the fact that when you take someone like me with a 4yr honours degree from an IT, this is not good enough to achieve a Chartered status...ok....but still not good enough even if i happen to have a Masters in engineering from a university,....there reason is that as my primary degree is from an IT, I am ruled out. So people who had to go to ITs for economic reasons instead of the more expensive universities are penalised....total discrimination.!!!!!
(and yes I know there is a board you can apply to for Chartered status instead, but why should people like me have to?)


Lastly, every communication I receive from IEI is for Civil related engineering, they need to wake up and realise that civil eng has nosedived in the recession and there are other engineering disciplines such as IT who should get some more airplay.

Sorry about the ramble, but agree with all the posts that say IEI is a waste of time and money!!

I have a feeling your degree from the IT wasn't accredited?

yourpics

Has anyone seen the new EI advert on RTE? Good ad but you have to wonder what they are advertising? If your an engineer, you probably know about EI and if your not then you will be interested in the equivalent organisation for your career path!
Seems a bit pointless!
The money could have been spent creating a few jobs.

CatFromHue

I've only seen the ad once but I'm happy enough with it.

One of the criticisms that Engineers Ireland get is that the term Engineer is restricted. While the ad doesn't restrict the title it does give an indication of we actually do, which is another criticism engineers have.

godtabh

CatFromHue wrote: »

I've only seen the ad once but I'm happy enough with it.

One of the criticisms that Engineers Ireland get is that the term Engineer is restricted. While the ad doesn't restrict the title it does give an indication of we actually do, which is another criticism engineers have.

It lets people know what engineers do other than the traditional types.

323

godtabh wrote: »

It lets people know what engineers do other than the traditional types.

Please do tell, what are the traditional types?

godtabh

323 wrote: »

Please do tell, what are the traditional types?

Civil then mechanical

nogoodnamesleft

I think Engineering Ireland isnt great to be honest. When I was doing my undergrad (it was an approved course by Engineering Ireland) we recieved free membership with the associated "benefits" networking events and the odd IET newsletter. I would expect a lot more if I amd or the company I work for are paying a couple of hundred quid for the privilage. I didnt renew my memembership!

Regards courses approved by Engineering Ireland. I already have a BSc and a Gdip from Irish Universities but I have returned to do a MSc in Electrical Engineering. I looked and researched courses in Ireland and in the Uk. Got accepted to an Irish university (who shall remain nameless) and to 2 other Uk universities (both power academy universities).

Upon researching the courses the Irish university wanted me to do two years studying mostly thermodynamics and fluid flow. It would be of very limited value to me career wise when I graduate. This course was in the process of being approved by Engineering Ireland and the university in question was confident that it would be accredited. Compared to the Uk universities there is little comparision! There is a serious lack of knowledge of where the electrical industry is at the moment in academia in Ireland. I wouldnt have much emphasis upon Engineering Irelands accredited courses for electrical engineering at least.

The IET in the UK is much better. The university courses are audited regularly and the majority of lecturers have a number of years industrial experience. Its highly evident from our course content. We are using commercial software to analyse existing or emerging problems in the electrical engineering sector.

It would be nice thou if members of the IET in general regardless of geographical location could get a discount from IET published books and papers.

Overature

bit of a bogey wrote: »

They are proffessions that only allow certain numbers to graduate.

ahhh here, thats just stupid, if i want to become an engineer then ill study hard and become one ill be damned if some regulatory body are going to say if i can become one or not

Offy

I was a member a few years ago and like many others I got the feeling that IEI only cared about civil. After a couple of years I quit IEI. I don't remember what the yearly fee was but all I ever got for it was a few mag's that didn't interest me a lot.
In the industry I work in (electro-mech design) been chartered doesn't mean a lot. Nobody that I work with or indeed worked with over the last 15 years really cares about been chartered. Why would I want to be chartered? What benifit is there to me? My employer isn't going to give me a pay rise and I don't really care about keeping up with the Smith's and the Jones's.
I don't think IEI or EI as they call themselves these days do any harm to engineers but thats a two sided coin. I don't see the good they do either. As I said I'm not a member any more but even when I was I couldn't see any good coming from EI.
I know I will never earn what medical professionals with the same number of years training that I have but thats ok by me. I didnt become an engineer because I wanted to earn millions, I became an engineer because I was born an engineer.

fat__tony

Pointless organisation who charge ludricuous annual fees.

Im a member of two excellent engineering organisations, Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers and the American Society of Heating,Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers.

They are far more relevant and beneficial to my career. Also the cost of both memberships combined are less than what engineers Ireland charge for their ordinary membership