We need greater cooperation between different cadres of engineers

Engineers and engineering technologists can only be produced by trainers who are themselves engineers and engineering technologists. [iStockphoto]

There have been many reports of failed engineering projects, mainly buildings, in the country, despite all the professional training going on in our universities and technical training institutions.

Short-cuts don't work. The training of engineering professionals should be thorough, outcome-based and focused on developing specified competencies. Gladly, at artisan and certificate level, the training is hands on and the students are tasked to show proficiency by demonstration, not just theory. The various institutions involved in training this cadre of professionals ensure that outcome-based training is carried out religiously despite this being an expensive venture.