An Application Guide to the Institution of Structural Engineers Technician Membership
Updated: Jun 2
Zenon group (Before Superstructures) Structural Technician Chris Coleman has recently been elected to a Technician member of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
Here is his guide to the application process.
Following the completion of my Foundation Degree in May 2015, I was eager to achieve my first industry qualification. As Superstructures specialises in structural engineering, I applied to the Institution of Structural Engineers with the goal of becoming a Technician Member.
I found the application process to be quite extensive, but also a valuable learning experience. Due to the specialist nature of structural engineering, it was difficult to find guidance on the Technician membership process. For this reason, I hope that the following advice will be helpful to future applicants.
Step 1 – Application
The first step is to determine your eligibility. Applicants must either hold a recognised academic or vocational qualification, or have relevant industry experience. If there is any uncertainty, it is advisable to contact the Institution directly for clarification.
To successfully submit an application, the following documents are required:
Form TM: A standard application form available through the Institution.
12 Objectives: These allow you to demonstrate how you meet the required criteria. Each objective should be approximately two A4 pages in length and cover topics ranging from structural analysis and design to management skills. It is important to note that there are different routes through which these objectives can be completed, depending on your background.
Experience Report: A two-page document summarising your professional experience. It is essentially a more detailed version of a CV.
Portfolio
After submitting the initial application, you will need to send two copies of your portfolio to your regional group. I prepared my portfolio alongside my objectives, which allowed me to cross-reference information and identify any areas that required improvement. Throughout the portfolio, I included written commentary to explain the relevance of the evidence provided.
I strongly recommend allowing sufficient time to compile your portfolio. Locating relevant documents, such as university assignments or past communications, can be time-consuming and should not be underestimated.
Interview
The interview lasts approximately one hour and includes a 15-minute informal presentation. This presentation is an opportunity to discuss your experience, responsibilities, and involvement in projects. In practice, it often feels more like a professional conversation than a formal presentation, so it is not necessary to focus entirely on perfect delivery.
The questions are typically based on your portfolio and any additional documents you choose to bring. It is advisable to select materials you are very familiar with. You will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the basic requirements of structural elements and solutions shown in your documentation, even if you were not responsible for their detailed design.
Summary
Overall, I am very pleased to have successfully completed the application process. For those aiming to progress to higher membership levels, it provides valuable insight and preparation. This experience has given me greater confidence to move forward to the next stage of professional development.
