REGISTER

Alexander Samayoa; B.E. (Honours), MIEAust CPEng, (Stud.)MIRSE

Design Engineer, Railway Signalling, Connell Wagner P L

It is evident that having a segmented Australian market in Railway Signalling has forced companies to look for opportunities in other parts of the world as well as for ways in which costs can be minimised. This move certainly brings in a number of advantages such as overseas recognition, but on the other hand also exposes these companies to a higher level of competition. In order to achieve a competitive advantage, the responsibility lies on individual Australian companies to build up a strong and competent personnel base coupled with the necessary avenues to develop their skills further.

This is an area that the Railway Signalling industry in Australia will need to strategically plan, in order to not only compete internationally, but also to increase the awareness and interest of graduate and young engineers in entering the industry.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the importance that professional accreditation has in the current working environment, the general pressures and expectations of today's graduate engineers from the author's perspective and the benefits that the Railway Signalling industry in Australia and all those associated, could gain by recognising these issues.