As we draw the curtain on another remarkable year, it is with great pride and gratitude that we reflect on what we have achieved together in 2024
This year, SOE has made significant strides in elevating standards across the engineering profession, guided by our mission to support a safer and more ethical tomorrow. As we step into a new year, it is an ideal time to highlight the outstanding work both our members and head office team have achieved over the past 12 months.
Growing the SOE
Our membership is thriving. The SOE has welcomed 385 new members, including a plethora of future engineering mavericks with 121 students and apprentices joining the SOE ranks. This steady flow of new talent ensures the next generation of engineers has the support they need. Irtec has seen significant growth with over 15,000 active technicians, 257 irtec accredited assessors and 59 Irtec assessment centres across the globe to date. IRTE workshops has been on the rise with 310 active workshops accredited and 20 auditors.
Our work has been recognised across the industry with the SOE being covered across a number of press and media. These press mentions have not only bolstered SOEs profile but also allowed us to build new partnerships. Additionally, across our digital platforms, engagement has flourished: more than 6,000 reactions on LinkedIn including some of the industry's biggest names such as the Engineering Council, the Royal Academy of Engineering and many more.
Our growth within the digital realm paired with our membership growth is a delightful indicator that SOE is well in tune with the current engineering environment.
Recognising excellence and supporting Careers
This year, we hosted over 70 events both in person and digitally, offering more than 60 hours of CPD opportunities. Initiatives like the IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge and the Safety & Resilience in Engineering Awards showcased the incredible talents and achievements within the road transport community. The Safety Awards celebrated outstanding contributions to workplace safety, risk management, and innovation in resilience practices. Winners included both companies and individuals who set new benchmarks in ensuring safety and adapting to challenges, highlighting best practices and inspiring the engineering sector at large. Meanwhile, our new career guide, Navigating Engineering: Pathways to Progress, has provided invaluable guidance to help members map and advance their careers. Additionally, our mentoring platform represents a significant milestone in career support.
Driving innovation, preparing for the future
Innovation has been at the heart of our work. We’re thrilled to have launched our mentoring scheme in 2024, a groundbreaking platform that matches experienced professionals with those seeking career advancement. Before its official launch, the platform already attracted unprecedented interest, with over 90 mentors signing up to share their expertise. Mentoring plays a vital role in safeguarding and passing on invaluable skills and knowledge to the next generation of engineers, ensuring the continuity of excellence within the profession.
In an exciting new initiative, we also launched the For the Sake of Safety podcast, now available on Spotify. This podcast delves into critical topics in engineering safety, featuring discussions with industry experts and thought leaders. It offers listeners valuable insights and practical advice to drive safety improvements in their own work. The podcast is part of our ongoing commitment to promoting best practices and fostering a culture of safety across the engineering profession. This paired with our CPD webinars allows us to continuously upskill our members allowing them to be equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge for future challenges
Additionally, the CPD platform, set to launch in 2025, promises to revolutionise professional development in our field.
Take a look at our 2024 impact graphic for a detailed look into this year's achievements. Click on the image to see enlarged version
Advocating for professional standards
In partnership with the Engineering Council, Royal Academy of Engineering, and other key organisations, we have championed the importance of professional standards within the engineering space. From accrediting five CPD schemes to approving training programmes for EngTech and CEng pathways, our work ensures that SOE members are equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. Our efforts extend beyond accreditation. With the launch of our new mentoring platform, we are supporting the future of engineering careers by helping members navigate their professional journeys.
This platform complements our broader initiatives, including CPD and training discounts on bespoke training courses, which empower members to upskill and remain competitive. Our work has resonated far and wide, with features in prestigious publications such as Transport Engineer, RouteOne, and The Engineer. Additionally, myself and other SOE representatives have shared insights at major conferences, including the Commercial Vehicle Show and Net Zero Week, further elevating the profile of our profession and reinforcing our commitment to advancing engineering standards and careers.
Looking ahead
2025 holds even greater promise and has no shortage of opportunities. With the CPD platform launch on the horizon and new opportunities emerging, SOE will continue to innovate and support our members. We are excited to announce our participation in major events, including the Big Bang Fair, LIFTEX, Microlise Transport Conference, and the Commercial Vehicle Show. Additionally, we will be introducing a range of new member benefits designed to enhance your professional journey and provide greater value for your membership. Together, we will shape a future defined by excellence, sustainability, and progress.
To all our members new and old we wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Emma Thompson MSOE, Executive Director at the Society of Operations Engineers