CESA’S SCHOOL OF CONSULTNG ENGINEERING’S PROGRAMME DEVELOPS INDUSTRY LEADERS

Consulting engineering firms are increasingly recognising the importance of non-technical skills in shaping the future of their employees.

The Business of Consulting Engineering Management Development Programme (BCE MDP), offered by the School of Consulting Engineering (SCE), is pleased to celebrate its latest cohort of graduates.

Marking a significant milestone in their professional journeys, the class of 2023 officially graduated at a ceremony, held at the Premier Hotel in Midrand, on Tuesday, 13 August. Brenda Lacey-Smith, CESA’s Education and Training manager explains: “The BCE MDP programme not only enhances the technical competencies of engineering graduates but also equips them with essential management and entrepreneurial skills necessary for success in a highly competitive industry. Thereby making good engineers excellent engineering business leaders.”

“CESA would like to congratulate the BCE MDP class of 2023,” notes Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) CEO Chris Campbell. “Over the years, the programme has produced an impressive number of young professionals with some taking up greater responsibilities in their companies while others have been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and are thriving in the consulting engineering industry. We are proud of our graduates and what they have achieved,” he notes.

The need for holistic and comprehensive education

While engineering graduates enter the workforce with a robust technical foundation, they often lack the broader educational framework required for effective consulting engineering. The BCE MDP addresses this gap by providing structured education in non-technical areas, ensuring that young professionals are well-rounded and prepared for the complexities of the consulting environment, explains Lacey-Smith.

“The BCE MDP programme gives engineering firms and their employees a competitive edge. It offers young professionals a wealth of knowledge that greatly supports both the entrepreneurial and consulting engineering aspects”.

The BCE MDP has a proven track record of facilitating significant career advancements for its participants. Lacey-Smith notes that many graduates have made substantial progress in their careers post-completion of the programme, aligning with CESA’s vision of cultivating future leaders in the consulting engineering sector.

The BCE MDP covers over 60 subjects, including critical areas such as project delivery, the consulting engineering environment, business and project finance, legal and contractual law and interpersonal development skills.

This extensive curriculum is delivered by a number of subject matter experts, all of whom are seasoned practitioners in the local industry. “Such exposure allows students to learn from the best, enhancing their understanding and application of essential skills from project inception to completion,” adds Lacey-Smith.

For consulting engineering companies, investing in the BCE MDP for their employees translates into a strategic advantage in a fiercely competitive market. “Firms that encourage their young professionals to enroll not only enhance their skill sets but also position themselves favorably against competitors. Additionally, it legitimately expedites designated high-potential employees to more senior positions within the organisation.,” says Lacey-Smith, adding that previous participants highlighted that the programme has significantly broadened the perspectives of their staff, enabling them to contribute more effectively to their companies’ success.

Beyond individual career development, there is a pressing need for educational reforms to attract more youth into the engineering profession, notes Campbell. “CESA emphasises the importance of integrating comprehensive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curricula at earlier educational stages, alongside targeted scholarships and internships. This holistic approach is crucial for making engineering more accessible and appealing, particularly in sectors like mining, which remains vital to South Africa’s economy,” he concludes.