MANAGEMENT-TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE MUNICIPAL ENGINEER

Until the UK became a partner in Europe, management training and development for all engineers following academic qualifications was very limited and training budgets far less than for overseas competitors. In the past five years employers and national organizations, encouraged by the Government, have attempted to provide management and professional development schemes that fit the needs of the construction industry, as well as forming part of a national framework. However, a great deal still needs to be done to raise management standards. The basis of a scheme that is suitable for the municipal engineer is described with emphasis on the commonality of management responsibility whether in the public sector, contracting or in a consultant's office. The initiative for the production of a plan, together with its implementation must come from the individual in conjunction with the employer. Any plan and implementation must be seen as a continuous process and must be appraised, reviewed and amended at least on a yearly basis. Management and professional development is an essential part of a person's career from start to retirement and requires discipline and a critical appraisal of strength and weakness of the individual for the benefit of job satisfaction, the needs of the employers and society.