The training of oversea graduate engineers, with particular reference to the F.B.I. Scholarships Scheme

The paper deals with problems arising from the training, in the engineering industry of Great Britain, of graduates from countries oversea, primarily from under-developed countries. The paper relates mainly to the Scholarships Scheme operated by the Federation of British Industries, a scheme which, though relatively small, deals with carefully selected men from a large number of countries. The paper examines the philosophy of post-graduate practical training in the United Kingdom. It then assesses the extent of this training in industry and suggests that the total annual intake of graduates, both from home and oversea, is of the order of 5500. The possibility of increasing this number is discussed. The paper then considers the influence of the requirements of the major professional engineering institutions¿civil, mechanical and electrical¿on schemes for the practical training of graduates. After considering the types of engineer coming from oversea, the paper discusses the possible inappropriateness of British training methods for many of the visiting engineers, and suggests improvements. The paper concludes by considering the impact of greatly increased demands which will be made upon Great Britain and other countries of the West from the emerging nations in the Commonwealth and from other developing countries. Appendices give the balance-of-trade position with countries covered by the F.B.I. and Athione Fellowship Schemes, and a letter from the late Sir Claude Gibb relating to the training of Canadian graduates.