Catherine Elliott, Education and Skills Manager, Engineering Council
In June 2024, Engineering Academic Network members were invited to contribute to the Engineering Council’s Artificial Intelligence Working Group (AI Working Group). The AI Working Group explored implications of AI for recognised (approved and accredited) education programmes and professional registration and included representatives from the Science Council, the Society for the Environment, the Engineering Council and Professional Engineering Institutions (PEIs). The work was informed by surveys to gather insights into the use of AI by students, HEIs and PEIs.
The group is pleased to have published recommendations from this at https://www.engc.org.uk/resources-and-guidance/reports-and-publications/ai-working-group-report
The AI WG made twenty recommendations including:
- that AI be embraced as a positive opportunity while risks must be considered, with due consideration given to ethics and implications for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
- appropriate use of AI by education providers and students to support engineering education should be welcomed.
A number of following up actions are being considered including, potential development of guidance related to:
- technology developments and programme recognition
- use of AI in professional registration processes
- use of AI to support CPD
- use of AI to support teaching
Engineering Council staff thank the EPC for help in sharing a survey with HEIs, all those who completed the survey, all the volunteers who contributed to the Working Group, including Professor Eujin Pei CEng who Chaired the Working Group and former EPC President Professor Mike Sutcliffe who Chaired the sub-group focused on the Engineering Council’s Standards (AHEP, AAQA and UK-SPEC).
Anyone who would like to know more or potentially input to future Engineering Council work around AI should please email edskills@engc.org.uk
