Excellence in engineering to continue at college as Institution of Mechanical Engineers renews prestigious accreditation

Mechanical engineering students at Coleg Sir Gâr will continue to benefit from a recent renewal of a college accreditation from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). 

The college’s engineering department met a rigorous standard set out by IMechE which means that students will continue to be eligible to gain Incorporated Engineering status (IEng) when they finish their degree course or apprenticeship.

This accredited status demonstrates that students have reached a UK standard for professional engineering competence. 

The IMechE standard is supported by the Engineering Council which sets the benchmark for academic accreditation at colleges and universities. 

Coleg Sir Gâr is unique in that mostly universities rather than colleges are awarded IMechE status.  It’s also one of the few institutions in Wales to achieve the award.

Coleg Sir Gâr lecturer Dr Chris Davies says that the accreditation confirms the quality of education delivered by experienced engineers and lecturers within the department. “The degree course is well established within the college and community and is also accredited by University of Wales Trinity Saint David,” he said. “It is unique to the local area where learners can start their journey in engineering from the age of 16 and work their way up to honours degree level should they choose to. We also offer the degree as part-time provision to help those within employment to develop their careers.”

Courses are designed significantly for the needs of employers and local industry and the accreditation process investigated a number of features at the college including academic rigor, quality of delivery, facilities, staff excellence and industry experience.