There are a few issues that I really wish we would see some progress on this year.

I would so dearly like to see some significant progress on the identification of engineering work.  I think it’s about time that everyone took a fresh look at this key element of the regulation of the engineering profession.  The value of the engineering profession remains depressed in the absence of identified engineering work.

I hope that we will see the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car in action on the Hakskeen Pan this year.  This project is still very much alive, and recent significant financial support is bringing this much anticipated event closer than ever.  I hope that SAIMechE will play a role in the hosting of visits by fellow professionals, and that we will be offering attractive hospitality packages to the event. 

I wish for a peaceful and valuable year of study to all mechanical engineering students, and encourage them to become involved with their local SAIMechE Student Chapter.  Many Students needs can be addressed by industry, and the Student Chapter offers a unique channel into the heart of industry.

I hope that those graduates who are in the Candidate phase will realise the value of the learning outcomes described in ECSA’s competency standards for professional registration.  Achieving the learning outcomes and being able to demonstrate competency through a portfolio of your work evidence is the most effective way of getting the skills necessary for success.

I hope to see more interaction in our special interest groups.  SAIMechE provides a very useful online platform for the creation of groups to address the special interests of members.  But no matter how good the platform is, the real value lies in the interaction between group members.  I hope that members will realise the huge resource that lies within the membership of SAIMechE, and will be more determined in their search for knowledge and support.

And finally, I hope that you have a plan of how you are going to use your membership of SAIMechE to achieve meaningful professional and personal growth in 2017.