David Looser wrote:
"Laurence Payne" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:49:12 +0100, "David Looser"
wrote:

"For CEng registration, this knowledge and understanding is set at
Master's
degree level". I wonder how one is going to acquire such knowledge and
understanding without formal training?
Why couldn't you acquire it "on the job"? We're talking about
technical people here. They know how to find and use resources -
probably the same resources they'd study on a formal course.

How are they going to know how to find and use resources? Are you suggesting
that "technical people" are born with this innate ability?, or do they
absorb it with their Mother's milk?


It's not innate. People do read, watch, listen and learn you know.

Some of my more awkward teaching moments arise with councillors. Two
spring to mind in the last couple of years - barely an O level between
them but with technical skill and ability well beyond mine - and that's
level 7 in this particular field. My role is relegated to trying to make
them fit within the constraints of a curriculum - one of the few times I
have to answer the question 'Why?' with 'Because I say so'. If they want
the qualification they're going to have to do as I advise. Not big or
clever, I know.

Interestingly and at last research is starting to come out relating to
the myth of working class 'ignorance' - I saw something by Chris Allen
at Salford recently.


And the reason they can't acquire it "on the job" is that without
qualifications nobody is going to give them a job!


Yes, I think people know that that's generally what happens. Doesn't
make it *right* though!

Rob