Who are the Professional Engineers Participating in Continuing Engineering Education?

Abstract

The importance of Continuing Engineering Education (CEE) has increased significantly in response to rapid technological change, shifting industry standards, and the growing need for engineers to maintain up-to- date skills and competencies. Despite this, limited attention has been paid to understanding the profiles, career trajectories, motivations, and beliefs of the engineers who actively engage in CEE. 

This study explores the motivations and characteristics of professional engineers participating in CEE across various European countries. It seeks to answer the research question: Who are the professional engineers participating in CEE, and what factors influence their decision to engage? Given the limited existing literature, an exploratory qualitative research design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse group of mid-career engineers from different disciplines, employment sectors, and national contexts. This approach enabled a deeper exploration of individual experiences and perspectives while allowing for flexibility in probing emerging themes. A total of eight interviews were conducted, focusing on participants’ educational and professional backgrounds, their engagement with CEE, and their views on learning and professional development. 

The study's findings provide valuable insights into how and why engineers engage in CEE, highlighting the importance of personal relevance, career alignment, and organizational context. The results can support CEE providers in developing more targeted and responsive learning opportunities that reflect engineers’ aspirations, preferences, and professional realities. Ultimately, the study contributes to the broader dialogue on lifelong learning in engineering by emphasizing the diverse and evolving nature of CEE participation across Europe.