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CDR Writing Style for Engineers Australia - An Example
A competency demonstration report (CDR) requires migrant engineers applying to Engineers Australia to write three career episode reports (CERs). Here is an example of writing style for a career episode report (CER). This example is taken from Engineers Australia website.
The purpose of the CDR is to demonstrate:
• how you have applied your engineering knowledge and skills;
• that such application meets the competency standards of the relevant occupational category in Australia.
Your CER is to be printed on A4 sheets, in English, in narrative form, using the first person singular and should describe the specific contributions you have made.
This example is taken from the Engineers Australia Handbook - Chartered Status A HANDBOOK FOR APPLICANTS. You can download an electronic copy of this handbook from the Engineers Australia website.
APPENDIX D
EXAMPLE OF CAREER EPISODE REPORT
(For additional example CERs please refer to http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/)
Professional Engineer
| Career Episode Title: Switch Board Upgrade Acme Widgets | Competency Element Claimed |
| Dates of Career Episode: 25.02.98 - 3.10.98 | |
| The project consisted of upgrading the main switchboard for the Acme Widget Company. It was my responsibility to determine the total power requirements for the new plant, calculate the power consumption of the existing plant and determine the maximum available power supplied through an existing board and the 11kV/415V transformer.After analysing the available information, I deduced that at least three alternatives for powering the new plant existed. A separate 11kV feeder could be brought onto the site to energise a new transformer and main board, the existing main board could be replaced with a new board or the existing main board could be upgraded. The last two options required the feeder cables to the main board to be upgraded. Technically, all three options were acceptable, although the first two allowed for a greater flexibility for expansion in future years.I prepared estimates for each of the options. The client engineer indicated that minimising the capital cost of the plant was of a higher priority than enhanced flexibility for expansion. On this basis, I issued a written recommendation indicating that, although other technical solutions existed, the upgrading of the main board involved the lowest capital cost and still provided the new plant with sufficient power requirements. The client accepted this option.I selected and sized power cables using Powerpack software. I simulated the limits in current-carrying capacity and length of runs on the basis of voltage drop using this tool. I also performed simulation of the maximum number of cables that could be installed on a single cable ladder and in underground conduits.For the PLC system I applied a functional specification already in use by our Company. A subsection of this specification listed requirements of a Factory Acceptable Test (FAT) to be conducted at the configuration supplier’s premises. I designed this test, the aim of which was to provide the consulting engineer with a reasonable confidence in the PLC software before it was installed and commissioned on-site. In a controlled environment and using the same PLC system hardware configuration to be installed on-site, various input signals were generated through a test rig to simulate field instruments. PLC outputs were recorded to verify the intended operation of the PLC program, as specified in the functional specification. During the test, a number of problems surfaced with the configuration. The client engineer was present at the test and, after consultation with him, I gave recommendations and directions to the PLC programmer to overcome perceived problems and improve operation of the plant. |
E3.1 – Determines engineering requirementsC2.3 – Implements planning and design processC2.4 - Reviews the design to achieve acceptance |
| Signature of Candidate: | |
| Candidate’s Verifier/s Name: Engineering Qualifications: (or Engineers Australia Membership Number) I verify that the above narrative is a true account of the candidates own work Signature: |
The elements claimed in the above example are for a chartered status application. The competency elements for qualifications assessment for migration are given in the Migration Skills Assessment Handbook.
Members of Engineers Australia are able to access further examples of CERs from the Engineers Australia website : http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/
Understand Engineers Australia Code of Ethics when preparing CDRs
In preparing competency demonstration reports (CDR) when applying to Engineers Australia for qualification assessment, it will help if you are familiar with ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA - CODE OF ETHICS. Australian employers will expect you be understand and follow the behaviours in the code of ethics, even if you are not a member of Engineers Australia. The code of ethics reflects the expectations of Australian employers and the Australian public.
Obtain full details from Engineers Australia website : http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/
Here is an extract from their handbook.
The members of Engineers Australia are committed to the Cardinal Principles of the Code:
• to respect the inherent dignity of the individual
• to act on the basis of a well informed conscience
• to act in the interest of the community, and
• to uphold its Tenets.
The Tenets of the Engineers Australia Code of Ethics are:
| 1 | members shall place their responsibility for the welfare, health and safety of the community before their responsibility to sectional or private interests, or to other members |
| 2 | members shall act honour, integrity and dignity in order to merit the trust of the community and the profession |
| 3 | members shall act only in areas of their competence and in a careful and diligent manner |
| 4 | members shall act with honesty, good faith and equity without discrimination towards all in the community |
| 5 | members shall apply their skill and knowledge in the interest of their employer or client for whom they shall act with integrity without compromising any other obligation to these Tenets |
| 6 | members shall, where relevant, take reasonable steps to inform themselves, their clients and employers, of the social, environmental, economic and other possible consequences which may arise from their actions |
| 7 | members shall express opinions, make statements or give evidence with fairness and honesty and on the basis of adequate knowledge |
| 8 | members shall continue to develop relevant knowledge, skill and expertise throughout their careers and shall actively assist and encourage those with whom they are associated, to do likewise |
| 9 | members shall not assist in or induce a breach of these Tenets and shall support those who seek to uphold them if called upon or in a position to do so |
When preparing your CDR and when applying for jobs on Australia, you need to be able to demonstrate you understand ethical standards. This is done through your actions. The important word assessors and employers want to hear is “I”. Your CDR will includes many statement similar to “I did it like this.”