Introduction to CPD
Introduction to CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
In a rapidly changing world where legislative, social and economic developments directly affect the environment in which we live and work, and where technological advancements provide radically different ways of working, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) provides a means whereby we can keep abreast of these changes, broaden our skills and be more effective in our professional work.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is the means by which members of professional bodies maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge and skills for developing personal qualities required in their professional lives.
Pakistan Engineering Council under its Act has mandate for introducing and ensuring continued professional development activities amongst its growing community of engineers and has devised a comprehensive framework titled “Professional Development of Engineers (Bye Laws – 2008)” approved by the Government of Pakistan.
The main objective is to develop competence and ability of engineers for the application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations and to evolve innovative solutions to real life problems while adhering to professional ethics and acquisition of a broader understating of their obligations to society.
Strategy / Plan for Professional Development Activities
As per Bye-Law 16 of Professional Development of Engineers Bye-Laws, 2008; from July 2010 onwards, apart from PEC, most of Continuing Professional Development activities (courses, training workshops, etc.) are being undertaken by the Professional Engineering Bodies registered with PEC. The courses / CPD activities are being planned by the PEBs according to the specified criteria and guidelines. Such bodies also provide schedule of courses and share verified list of participants with PEC to maintain transparent record of CPD activities and CPD credit points for all the Registered and Professional Engineers. PEC Regional Offices facilitates PEBs in organizing CPD activities.
PEC also conducts CPD courses itself thought the country in coordination with Regional and Branch Offices with nominal charges from engineer participants. It is the prerogative of PEBs to decide the amount of fee according to the CPD activity, however they must ensure to charge the fee as minimum as possible from the engineers.