I read with interest the interview with the new IStructE president, Bob McKittrick (NCE 3 October).
The issue raised has troubled me for some time.
In my incoming address as chairman of ICE East of Scotland on 2 October, I said that 'there is an apparent unease of sitting civil and structural engineering in the same college'. I did not expect this to be emphasised quite so quickly!
I feel it is important that the ICE makes a clear response to the IStructE President and gives a commitment to the structural engineers who have chosen to join the ICE rather than the IStructE.
The Structural Part 3 exam is a test of the technical ability of the engineer to design a specific type of structure.
However, it lacks the ability to test the engineer's managerial and leadership skills.
However, the ICE's Professional Review, proves the individual's ability to become a professional and a leader in our industry. A pass in the Part 3 exam does not prove the engineer's ability to do major structural engineering work in any type of structure.
A chartered member of the ICE can assess whether he is truly competent to carry out major structural engineering work, without needing to pass the IStructE's exam.
Simon Innes, MICE, MIStructE, chairman, ICE East of Scotland, simon@goodsons. com
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