Engineers Ireland opens MIEI to embrace broader profession

In an important new development, Engineers Ireland has opened its Ordinary Membership Grade (MIEI) to all individuals who have successfully completed a Level 7 or Level 8 accredited engineering or engineering technology degree, national or technician diploma in engineering or applied science or equivalent, i.e. cognate programmes.

This move reinforces the organisation’s ability to provide an inclusive, support network for all engineering professionals throughout the country, according to Engineers Ireland Director General John Power.

“It’s appropriate that Engineers Ireland reaches out to offer the advantages of the Ordinary Membership Grade at a time when the profession and the country face great challenges. Engineers Ireland is the natural home for suitably qualified engineers and engineering technologists of all disciplines.”

Those who avail of the opportunity presented by the opening of the MIEI, will have full Corporate Membership, with all its associated rights and privileges. “This initiative opens our doors to a wider range of engineering professionals and enables them to play a more active role in Engineers Ireland and, more importantly, benefit from closer association with fellow engineering professionals.”

This development is in the best meritocratic tradition of Engineers Ireland: “Now engineers at all levels have an opportunity to pursue excellence, progress in their careers and gain professional recognition all over the world through the supportive structures of Engineers Ireland. As an organisation, we are signalling to engineers across the country that we value their efforts and welcome their involvement in the advancement of the profession.”

The opening of the MIEI will benefit the entire membership as it will see the organisation grow in scope and authority at a time when it is more important than ever that the views and opinions of the engineering profession are heard, loud and strong, in a public arena becoming ever more divisive and fragmented. The Director General comments: “This important new development will lead to a more powerful voice for the engineering profession, resulting in a greater influence on policy, decision-makers and opinion leaders. In widening the member network, the extended embrace of the MIEI will make membership - within a stronger, more representative organisation - more effective for every individual engineer.”

This initiative will not impact on the current status of Engineers Ireland titles or title holders (Fellows, Chartered Engineers, Associate Engineers and Engineering Technicians) and the education standard for Chartered Engineer remains an accredited level 8 engineering degree as before (please note that, in keeping with Engineers Ireland’s commitment to leadership in professional excellence and standards at an international level, from 2013 the educational requirement for CEng will be a level 9 qualification).

The Director General adds: “The existing grade of Associate Member will now cease. We will be communicating directly with all those affected and all will be eligible for the MIEI grade.” For further information and to download new Membership Regulations, please visit, www.engineersireland.ie or contact any member of the Engineers Ireland Membership team who will be more than happy to assist you.