Initial Professional Development

Professional development may be separated into two distinct phases, Continuing Professional Development and Initial Professional Development.

Definitions

Initial Professional Development (IPD) is defined by the UK Initial Professional Development Forum ^[1] as "a period of development during which an individual acquires a level of competence necessary in order to operate as an autonomous professional. Professional bodies may recognise the successful completion of IPD by the award of chartered or similar status". The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications defines IPD ^[2] as "a pattern of learning undertaken by a graduate mathematician to develop the range of skills and competencies needed to achieve professional status". The Institution of Structural Engineers ^[3] states that "Initial Professional Development (IPD) comprises the acquisition and development of the specialist knowledge and skills, and their practical application, that are needed to practise as a structural engineer. It bridges the gap between your educational base and attaining professional qualifications. The Institution defines IPD in terms of Core Objectives, which are defined to minimum standards".

See also

• Chartered Engineer (UK)
• Incorporated engineer

References

1. ^ The UK Initial Professional Development (IPD) Forum http://www.ukipdforum.co.uk/
2. ^ The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications http://www.ima.org.uk/Professional/ipd.html
3. ^ The Institution of Structural Engineers http://www.istructe.org/membership/db/340.asp

External links

• The Engineering Council UK
• The Engineering and Technology Board
• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers