Engineers Australia has called on electrical and electronics engineers in Victoria to register now in order to continue their operations in the state.
In an upcoming state requirement slated for roll-out on 1 June, electrical and electronics engineers practising in Victoria must be registered, including engineers living in other states and territories with projects in Victoria.
Engineers Australia is urging engineers to complete the first step of applications for a competency assessment by March at the latest.
In a media release, Engineers Australia highlighted the two components of the assessment process, which are:
- An ‘Entry to Practice’ assessment to determine the adequacy or otherwise of the applicant’s qualifications.
- An ‘Independent Practice’ assessment to determine the acceptability or otherwise of the applicant’s experience and competency.
The non-profit said it will offer free information sessions specifically on Victorian registration on 1 March to provide a better understanding of who needs to be registered and what they need to do.
The session seeks to deliver comprehensive information about registration requirements and competency assessments. Attendees will have the chance to ask Engineers Australia’s team of experts any questions about the assessment and registration process.
Jane MacMaster, the chief engineer at Engineers Australia, said the mandatory registration of professional engineers will pave the way for significant enhancement of public safety and consumer confidence.
“Registration helps to ensure that only those with suitable qualifications, enough relevant experience and a proven commitment to ongoing training and professional development can provide engineering services,” MacMaster.
The registration of engineers is handled by the Business Licensing Authority (BLA) but an applicant must first be assessed by an approved authority, such as Engineers Australia.
Engineers Australia is advising engineers to start the registration process at least three months prior to the date by which they are required to be registered. This will help ensure engineers can continue to provide professional engineering services in Victoria.
Through this, practitioners will also be given six to eight weeks to gain an assessment from Engineers Australia and 28 days for BLA to process the application.
