Triple digits and growing: engineer credentials on the rise

So when Raytheon Australia launched the Chartered 100 program with Engineers Australia that enables employees to bolster their technical credentials, they jumped at the chance.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss,” Aspinall recalled.

“From beginning to end, the process to attain two Chartered credentials was smooth – and it took me only one month.”

In mid-2023, Raytheon Australia collaborated with Engineers Australia to deliver a streamlined professional development and accreditation pathway for its engineers and technology professionals to achieve Chartered credentials.

According to Michael Ward, Raytheon Australia managing director, the partnership with Engineers Australia not only benefits career pathways for individuals – it also supports the technical excellence of the company that is a key enabler of leading-edge solutions for Defence.

“Investing in the technical excellence of our people is critical to our role as capability partner for Defence,” said Ward.

“We are creating a continuum of learning and professional development for technology professionals by identifying these upskilling opportunities, and this really is a practical demonstration of our continued commitment to developing and enhancing the skills of Raytheon Australia employees.”

Chartered 100 gives all Raytheon Australia team members – not just those who currently hold an engineering role – the chance to achieve Chartered status.

Engineers Australia’s Chartered credentials are the highest available technical credential for an engineering professional and signify dedication to career development within engineering.

Credentials from Engineers Australia show a dedication to career development. Participants in the program worked toward credentials as:

• a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng).

• a Chartered Associate (CEngA).

• a Chartered Technologist (CEngT). 

Theo Venter, Head of Engineering at Raytheon Australia, said the Chartered 100 program is a great example of the company’s direct investment in its world-class engineering team.

“We’re supporting the technical excellence of our organisation, and ultimately, this is a key enabler of leading-edge solutions for Defence,” Venter said.

More than 100 engineers achieved credentials within the first year of the program.

Lindsell, whose area of expertise is electrical engineering, said Raytheon Australia’s push for employees to take part in Chartered 100 was the catalyst for him taking action to get accredited.

“Chartered 100 is a great initiative, and the process was much more straightforward than I expected,” said Lindsell, who was certified in three areas: electrical engineering, systems engineering and leadership and management.

“I encourage my colleagues to work towards achieving this. The process is worth it – having CPEng means I’m now eligible to gain recognition in some Australian States. I also think it will become increasingly necessary for engineers to become certified. For instance, we might have resources in one State, but are required to provide designs and products to a different part of the country, which requires a state-registered, certified engineer to sign off on the design,” he said.

Aspinall, an e

ngineering manager, is now based in Brisbane where she is the subject matter expert for guided weapons manufacture in Australia. She was one of the first at Raytheon Australia to attain Chartered status through the program.

“Becoming Chartered has provided me with a sense of achievement and recognition of my career progress over the last 12 years,” Aspinall said.

“I would encourage those who haven’t attained the credentials to give it a shot. It’s a great way to showcase your skillsets and gain recognition for your experience as well as proving competence in your current profession. And it instils confidence and trust in your employer and our customer.”