Are you passionate about shaping the future of engineering through guiding professionals as a CPD Advisor?
Supporting engineers in their professional development has always been central to the strength of the industry. The IET’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Advisor role exists for exactly that reason — helping engineers progress, reflect, and uphold the standards expected of a modern, safety-conscious profession. For those who enjoy mentoring, reviewing competence and supporting others, it’s an opportunity to make a genuine difference.
Becoming a CPD Advisor means guiding professionals as they document their learning, offering constructive feedback, and ensuring their development activities remain meaningful and relevant. At a time when the industry continues to evolve — from updated regulations to emerging technologies — having experienced advisors who can help others navigate these changes is more vital than ever.
To give just one example, many engineers strengthen their knowledge by developing confidence in inspection and testing standards (https://elec.training/news/understanding-electrical-inspection-and-testing-for-working-electricians/). A CPD Advisor helps shape how this learning is captured, reflected on, and applied to real-world practice. It’s not about policing. It’s about empowering.
Advisors also play a key role in encouraging safe and compliant working habits. Engineers routinely engage with structured CPD activities to stay aligned with modern expectations — whether that’s new equipment, standards updates or workplace protocols. Supporting someone’s development often includes encouraging them to revisit core areas such as maintaining safe working practices through proper procedures (https://elec.training/news/health-and-safety-policies-puwer-explained-for-electricians/), ensuring they remain confident in both technical and organisational responsibilities.
Beyond this, many working electricians look for ways to broaden their long-term career prospects. Upskilling into new areas — inspection, EV, solar, or supervisory roles — is now more accessible than ever, and an advisor often becomes the person who helps them make sense of that path. By reviewing development records and offering guidance, you’re helping them identify opportunities such as continuing your development with advanced electrical training (https://elec.training/news/courses-for-qualified-electricicians/), giving them the clarity and confidence needed to progress.
Why the CPD Advisor role matters
• It strengthens professional standards across the industry
• It offers engineers personalised support at key stages of their career
• It nurtures reflective practice — a core requirement of modern engineering
• It creates a stronger, safer, more consistent workforce
You’ll also build your own skills: reviewing CPD records sharpens your analytical thinking, strengthens your communication, and keeps you close to industry developments that benefit your own practice.
If you’re professionally registered, committed to lifelong learning and enjoy helping others, the CPD Advisor role is an excellent way to contribute to the engineering community. Training and support are provided, and Advisors choose how many records they review — making the role flexible and manageable alongside full-time work. Engineers achieve their best when they’re supported by those who’ve gone before them. As a CPD Advisor, you become part of that chain — shaping careers, improving standards, and helping the industry grow stronger with every review you complete.
