２０４４：若きエンジニアへ（英国風）

イギリスには、創設１００年のACEというコンサルタント協会があるが、ACEが若いエンジニアに向けて下記のメッセージを出している。なかなか格調高い文章なので記録しておく。 Helping young engineers to reach their potential There is something of a worldwide talent war underway in engineering. Whether it is off-shore wind in the UK, megaprojects in the Far East or mineral extraction in Australia, the growing demand for high-level engineering talent is putting the onus on companies to attract and retain good staff, while getting the most out of each individual. This is why ACE established the Progress Network, now supported by URS. The talent within the industry has to be helped to achieve its full potential and that involves young engineers learning about far more than just the technical aspects of engineering. Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, Chief Executive of ACE, explains: “Universities teach young people engineering and we are fortunate that the UK has some of the best engineering courses in the world. What happens next, though, is crucial. There is a world of difference between learning how to design a bridge that meets required specifications and becoming a successful engineer.” John Horgan, Group Managing Director, Europe, Middle East and India at URS, adds: “Engineering is about more than solving technical problems, vital though that is. Intelligence and analytical thinking are also fundamental. The ability to communicate is absolutely crucial. People joining the industry – and that includes environmental scientists and consultants – need to be able to explain the benefits and impact of their projects to very senior clients, not all of whom will be from a technical background.” The Progress Network was established to provide a forum for the industry’s emerging leaders. Led by a team of young engineers from across the industry, it has 2,000 members under the age of 35. Its events draw large audiences, with industry experts providing practical advice on topics relevant to career development. The goal of every event is to help young people improve their grasp of the industry, to better understand their role and how to further their own careers.   “Engineers have to be advocates for their ideas,” says John Horgan. “It is important they provide a sense of context when explaining what they are trying to achieve. This necessitates an understanding of the impact of their projects, which in turn requires social, environmental and cultural awareness. Engineering is not just about technical excellence.” Nelson Ogunshakin agrees: “Technical excellence needs to be married to good social skills and business acumen as our industry increasingly takes the lead on projects with budgets larger than the GDP of some countries. That means encouraging people strongly focused on their academic expertise to engage more widely with the industry as a whole and even in influencing decisions of national importance.” This explains the range of subjects explored at Progress Network events. Rather than looking at the technicalities of engineering, the Network focuses on the wider skills and information needed for young people to build successful careers. A broader outlook is also vital if engineers hope to achieve the global recognition they deserve. Politics and technology have driven a change in how the engineering industry operates. Although the industry has arguably been commoditised for several decades, it has now reached a pivotal moment. Although few engineers can match the recognition some high-profile architects enjoy, things are nonetheless improving. Nelson Ogunshakin says: “It is no accident that with infrastructure so crucial to getting the economy growing again, politicians are not just talking to the financiers but to our industry on a consistent basis. We deliver on the ground and government needs us to help it overcome the big challenges that vital projects face. We therefore have to help our young engineers understand the political debates that affect them and how to capitalise on the opportunity for engagement in the long run.” John Horgan agrees: “This is a very exciting time to join the engineering profession. The role of the engineer is increasingly globalised and of growing economic importance. The opportunities to travel and work on some truly transformational projects are there for the taking.”   In September, the Progress Network will explore how working on international projects can provide young people with valuable transferrable experience to fast-track their careers and help develop a range of new skills. “Many of today’s upcoming engineers are keen to develop an international CV,” John Horgan explains. “We are looking to recruit more than 700 people this year across Europe, Middle East and India and many of these roles involve opportunities to travel. As part of our graduate training programme, we are launching an international rotation scheme that offers the opportunity for some graduates to spend a year abroad, working on major projects as part of a three-year structured career development plan. For all graduates, one of the most important parts of their training is to work alongside some of our most experienced engineers. This opportunity for baton-passing between seasoned experts and new talent will always be where the most valuable experience is gained.” While learning from experienced professionals is vital, networking is another proven route to career development. Young engineers can learn a great deal from their industry peers in terms of sharing ideas and experiences. “When we are young we rightly appreciate the lessons that an older generation can teach us, but everyone also wants to know where they stand among their peers”, notes Nelson Ogunshakin. “That might reflect a competitive streak we all have, but often it is just more comfortable and easier to talk openly about new ideas and practices with those at a similar level to yourself.” With a view to developing young talent, one thing is clear. It is not enough to rely on traditional education alone, or to assume that what has worked before always will. A vibrant industry needs its young people to engage at all levels of the business and that means giving them the skills and belief to do so.   John Horgan concludes: “Just as today’s engineers can achieve results that would have amazed and astounded their forebears, so the next generation will push boundaries still further, aided by improved tools and materials, new techniques and fresh insights. Going forward, in our information-rich era, an improved ability to communicate, influence and inspire others looks set to make a world of difference.” コンサルタント発祥の国だけあるね。 ECFAのウェブ見ていると情けなくなっちゃうね。いつまで経っても国際化とかグローバライゼーションとかワンパターン。レベルが違いすぎる。