Importance Of Continuing Education In Engineering

An eagerness to learn is essential for innovation. But the way we learn—and the order in which we partake in various learning activities—can make the difference between effective growth and potential missed opportunities. Jean-François Harvey, Johnathan Cromwell, Kevin J. Johnson, and I studied more than 160 innovation teams and found that the key to faster, clearer progress is: Structured learning 👷🏗️ Our research, published in the Administrative Science Quarterly Journal, highlights four distinct types of learning behaviors used by high-performing teams and examines variations in the sequence and blend of these types of team learning. Without a deliberate rhythm, teams risk becoming overwhelmed by continual information intake, leading to confusion and burnout. But by honing a team's ideal 'learning rhythm,' you can avoid overwhelm and instead focus on strategic decision-making and sustainable innovation. Read our research summary now in the Harvard Business Review: https://lnkd.in/e5nU-Kka

Transforming Engineering Education Through Immersive Technology & Sustainability We learn so much from the voice of students and future engineers. I recently had an inspiring conversation with Suavi Yildirim, whose team won the global Siemens Digital Industries Software-Sony Immersive Design Challenge. Our exchange revealed fascinating insights about the future of engineering education. (press release: https://lnkd.in/gbVJH4gX) We had an impressive response to the challenge. Students showed us how immersive design tools can broaden access to engineering. Through VR/XR technology, complex engineering concepts become more intuitive, breaking down learning barriers. This was perfectly demonstrated by the FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg Team NextCycle’s winning project, Battery Twin XR, which tackled EV battery lifecycle optimization. The team's ability to rapidly prototype and iterate in a virtual environment not only accelerated development but also led to better safety considerations and cost efficiencies. Suavi noted: “I think the immersive design tools have huge potential to democratize sustainable design education because they're very intuitive. So even students without CAD or VR experience can start exploring and understanding systems right away. This hands-on visual approach makes learning more engaging and accessible, especially in places where traditional tools or training might not be so common, so available. So, it's a great way to build confidence, creativity and a real understanding of sustainable design.” The success story here goes beyond the technology itself. It's about the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration - bringing together mechanical engineering, data analytics and software expertise. With guidance from industry mentors, the team learned to navigate real-world constraints while maintaining their innovative edge. This was a great example of blending academic theory with practical application. What's becoming increasingly clear is that the future of engineering education requires a delicate balance. While traditional degrees remain important, the rise of microcredentials and experiential learning are reshaping how we develop engineering talent. Industry-academia partnerships are no longer optional - they're essential for ensuring relevance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The key lesson? Tomorrow's engineering leaders need both technical excellence and a sustainability mindset, supported by cutting-edge tools and collaborative learning environments. It's not just about what we teach, but how we teach it. Listen now and let me know your thoughts: https://lnkd.in/gZbqcVJV.

Three weeks ago, I met with James in London to discuss the advantages and risks of self-learning, particularly in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. As a self-taught designer who learnt from multiple resources and encountered numerous challenges along the way, I shared my journey, why I would now lean toward structured learning and advise people to go for structured learning if they have the chance and the means. Here are some reasons why self-learning might not be the best in 2024: 👉🏽 Filtering through an endless pool of information 👉🏽 Not having an adequate support system 👉🏽 Constant need for validation - You're never sure if you learnt the right things I have been an advocate of structured learning since 2018 when I started teaching designs and that is because I have witnessed first-hand how learning in a structured environment can change people's life and shortcut their journey.  who needs to go through the stress of filtering through content when they could get help from vetted experts who are interested in their growth and are ready to guide them throughout their journey? This is precisely why I founded Verdac Tech – to empower tech enthusiasts and newcomers to learn from the top 10% of tutors and individuals who are highly accomplished in their field. Our aim is not only to shortcut their learning curve but also to provide them with premium tech education at an affordable cost. This is because we have discovered that funding is a major bottleneck to structured learning, especially in Africa. My team and I at Verdac Tech are working tirelessly to play our part in bridging this gap, and we have something remarkable in store for April. Stay tuned! Wishing you all a productive week ahead. Samuel Lasisi #linkedin #uxui #edtech

The curriculum design of core engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering should strategically integrate emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Electric Vehicles (EVs), and Autonomous Vehicles as practical applications. This integration will not only enhance students' technical skill sets but also align their education with industry demands, thereby improving their employability. By embedding these technologies as interdisciplinary modules or hands-on projects, students will gain a deeper understanding of how modern innovations apply to traditional engineering fields, preparing them for the evolving job market and fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability. Additionally, these courses can be structured as major or minor degree options, allowing students to specialize in these areas while completing their core engineering studies, thereby broadening their expertise and increasing their professional competitiveness.

The Universities Accord Final Report was released last week. After more than a year analysing the future challenges and opportunities for Australia’s tertiary education system, it delivered 47 recommendations for the Australian Government to consider and respond to, with the aim of driving lasting reform for the tertiary education sector’s, across both education and research. The recommendations covered a range of areas - radically expanding the number of tertiary study places to meet the skills needs of Australia’s future economy (recommending a tertiary attainment target of at least 80% by 2050, currently 60%, and doubling the number of Commonwealth supported places), ensuring greater equity of access to tertiary study, a greater student-centred focus, maximising the impact of university research including through collaboration with industry, improving the sector’s governance and regulatory arrangements through the establishment of a new Australian Tertiary Education Commission, improving access for regional Australia, and introducing a new model for funding the sector. Here are three key take-aways for engineering education: 1.     The report acknowledged the need for more engineers to deliver critical work including crucial infrastructure developments, modernising the energy grid, advancing Australia's manufacturing capability and managing water and agriculture. 2.     The report recommends replacing the Job-ready Graduates (JRG) Package, which for engineering, reduced both student and Commonwealth contributions, resulting in an overall 16% reduction in funds for delivering engineering courses, that are “critical to future jobs and innovation”. The report also recommended measures to improve the quality of teaching and learning across the board. 3.     Engineers Australia’s recent analysis shows that only 22% of students complete a professional engineering degree in the minimum time of four years. We believe this is primarily because engineering students can’t undertake a full study load if they need to work part-time (Covid is also likely to have had an impact). The report acknowledges that many students need to work to support themselves while studying, and recommends: establishing a Jobs Broker to help students find part-time employment in areas close to their fields of study, fee-free preparatory courses, and paid placements – all very helpful for engineering students. The Australian Government’s Minister for Education, The Hon. Jason Clare MP is likely to respond to the report within the next couple of months. Find the full report (~400pp) and the Summary of the Final Report (~30pp) here: https://lnkd.in/guNZsR4C #engineering #UniversitiesAccord #EngineeringEducation #education

#EngineersDay request to our top engineering institutions - 1. Let's make engineering education, more about engineering! Students need to design, build, test, break, rebuild and run stuff... NOT just work on the physics theory and equations. Of course, Physics and Mathematics are critical, and form the core of any engineering discipline. But engineering education needs to extend well beyond the science and equations, and give students a flavor of real world applications. Each course should have an active 'build' project component. 2. And undergraduate (BTech level) engineering needs to get more interdisciplinary. 'Mech', 'Elec', 'Materials', 'Aero-Space', 'Chemical', etc.. are artificial barriers - most real world systems need a combination of all these. Also Computer Science & Engineering is a foundation application for all. Ideally - these specialized disciplines need to be introduced at a much later stage. First few years of engineering should be just 'Engineering' (think of it like the foundational MBBS course in Medicine Education). 3. Real world interactions (industry) for students should be continuous - across all courses/projects. This interaction shouldn't just be restricted to one small internship. The goal of every course should be to have some good industry connect/collaboration component. Along with the theory, emphasis needs to be given to this real world exposure and hands-on work.

Fresh graduate engineers are equipped with fundamental principles to tackle intricate engineering challenges, yet often lack guidance in real-world applications. Training in utilizing these concepts to assess and size process equipment is crucial for their professional development. The Kolmetz Handbook of Process Equipment Design serves as a comprehensive resource tailored to address this gap, featuring detailed chapters on diverse process equipment types. Moreover, the International Association of Certified Practicing Engineers offers certification programs specifically designed to instruct on the content covered in the Kolmetz Handbook. In considering the competencies required for engineers at varying experience levels, individuals with one, three, or five years of expertise should demonstrate the following abilities to effectively solve assigned tasks: - **One Year Experience:** Developing a solid understanding of fundamental engineering concepts and their practical applications in process equipment evaluation. - **Three Years Experience:** Proficiency in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, effectively sizing and assessing process equipment based on industry standards and requirements. - **Five Years Experience:** Demonstrating advanced skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making when evaluating and sizing complex process equipment systems. For further insights into the KLM Process Training Manual, exploring the manual in detail can provide additional guidance and knowledge to enhance engineering competencies at different career stages.

💡 The Hard Truth About Learning on the Job in the Medical Device Industry💡 Experience teaches us what textbooks can't. I've seen brilliant software and hardware engineers tasked with developing medical devices - only to watch their innovations fail at regulatory approval. The pattern is always the same: 1. Technical expertise ✅ 2. Regulatory knowledge ❌ 3. Training budget 💸 (appears only after rejection) These engineers aren't failing, the system is. Companies expect professionals to master complex regulatory frameworks, risk management protocols, and safety standards through osmosis. When regulatory submissions(FDA/MDR/IVDR) get rejected, suddenly training budgets materialise and consultants are hired. The real cost? Time, money, and talented people questioning their abilities when the issue was never their competence. Invest in proper training before the project starts, not after it fails. Your team's technical brilliance deserves to be paired with the right knowledge to succeed. I am interested in hearing about how people handled being thrown into the deep end. #MedicalDevices #RegulatoryAffairs #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Engineering #RiskManagement #Cybersecurity #Safety #FDA #MDR #IVDR

#Ensuring_Proper_Training_and_Quality_Control_in_Aircraft_Maintenance I recently encountered a video showing aircraft technicians using chocks to forcefully install a flap fairing. This method is entirely unacceptable as it risks causing structural damage to the aircraft. This incident underscores the critical importance of proper training for technicians and strict quality control measures. Adequate training not only ensures safety and prevents damage but also maintains the high performance standards required in aviation. It is essential that all personnel understand and adhere to approved procedures rather than resorting to unsafe practices. Moreover, the performance differences between employing well-trained, experienced staff versus cheaper, less-qualified labor cannot be overstated. While cost savings might be achieved in the short term with less expensive staffing, the potential risks—including structural damage, increased maintenance costs, and compromised safety—can lead to far greater expenses and reputational harm for the company in the long run. It is imperative for the industry to prioritize investment in comprehensive training programs and maintain rigorous quality control. Only through these measures can we ensure that maintenance procedures meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

Many students and freshly graduated engineers often ask me how to study, how to develop professionally, and how to prepare themselves for a good job in structural engineering. Over the years, I’ve shared these points individually, but I felt it was time to put everything together in one structured format. After thorough thinking, reflection on real project experience, and continuous interaction with young engineers, I have prepared a comprehensive learning and career development guide. It covers fundamentals, manual design workflow, seismic verification, software validation, drawing & detailing, quantity take-off, Bar Bending Schedule, internship planning, site checks, portfolio preparation, and much more — all in a simple, practical manner. I may have still missed something — and I genuinely welcome suggestions or additions from anyone in the field. Feel free to read, share, and circulate this document with your friends, colleagues, and juniors exactly in the same format. If it helps even a few young engineers gain clarity in their early career, the effort is truly worth it. 📄 Full downloadable PDF attached below. — Sunil Patil #StructuralEngineering #CivilEngineering #CareerGuidance #EngineeringStudents #FreshEngineers #SkillDevelopment #SeismicDesign #ManualDesign #ETABS #STAADPro