A Guide to CPD for Polish Engineers in the UK
In the UK’s fast-paced engineering sector, technical knowledge has a "shelf life." To remain competitive, safe, and legally compliant, members of the Association of Polish Engineers in Great Britain (STP) should remember about the need for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This guide breaks down what CPD is, why it matters, and how to record it effectively.
By staying proactive with your CPD, you aren’t just boosting your own career - you are helping to ensure that the Polish engineering community remains a respected and vital part of the UK’s professional landscape!
1. What is CPD?
CPD is the purposeful tracking of the skills and knowledge you gain as you work. It is the bridge between your initial education and the rest of your career. It proves to employers, clients, and professional bodies that you are staying current with modern technology, safety regulations, and management practices.
How much time should I spend?
The UK Engineering Council, with which our Association is affiliated, focuses on learning outcomes rather than simply ‘ticking boxes’.
Graduates/Early Career: Aim for 30 hours of effective learning per year to support your Development.
Experienced Engineers: There is no set minimum, but most professionals naturally complete about 30 hours annually to stay competent.
2. What counts as CPD?
CPD is not just about sitting in a classroom. Below is a sample list of CPD activities. This list is not exhaustive, and you may choose to include other activities as long as they contribute towards your development.
On-the-Job: Learning new software (BIM/CAD), job secondments, or solving unique site challenges.
Formal Learning: Technical seminars, conferences, and accredited courses.
Reading & Research: Studying technical journals, Eurocodes, or industry white papers.
Giving Back: Mentoring a junior colleague, lecturing, or volunteering with the STP.
Digital: Engineering podcasts, webinars, and structured online learning.
3. Potential subject areas for your growth
When planning your development, use these categories to ensure a well-rounded professional profile:
Category | Examples of topics |
Technical & Digital | Detail design, BIM, energy efficiency, new building materials. |
Management | Leadership, team motivation, project finance, HR/Diversity. |
Legal & Safety | HSE legislation, Building Regulations, GDPR, Contract Law. |
Soft Skills | Technical English, negotiation, report writing, stress management. |
Business Practice | Marketing, client care, public relations, risk management.
|
4. How to record your CPD
To maintain your professional standing, you should keep an accurate written record of your development. The Engineering Council maintains a non-prescriptive approach to CPD. This means that while they mandate that you record your professional development, they do not force you to use one specific template.
You are free to use your own template, an employer’s performance review system, or a log from another institution, provided it meets the core requirements. Many engineers use simple spreadsheets or personal journals.
The "Reflection" Secret.
The most common mistake is just listing the activity e.g., "Read a book". The evaluation is the most important part. You should answer: What did I learn, and how will it influence my future work?
Sample headings for CPD template below:
Date | Activity details | Learning time | Key learning points & evaluation |
01/10/25 | Webinar on New Eurocode 7 | 2 Hours | Learned changes to geotechnical design. I will apply these to my current bridge project. |
15/10/25 | Site Safety Briefing | 1 Hour | Updated on new CSCS requirements. Improved my awareness of on-site risks. |
Need a bit more inspiration?
If you want to explore the official UK standards or see more detailed examples of how other engineers track their growth, these resources are a great place to start:
Engineering Council CPD Resources: The definitive home for UK professional standards.
Institution of Civil Engineers CPD Guidance: Excellent if you want to see real-world CPD templates.