CESA BCE Development Programme for young engineers

Since its inception 12 years ago, the Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) Business of Consulting Engineering (BCE) Development Programme has helped shape entrepreneurial skills and business success. Ziyanda Majodina speaks to Chris Campbell, CEO, CESA, and Brenda Lacey-Smith, head: School of Consulting Engineering (SCE), CESA, about the key benefits.

Chris Campbell, CEO, CESA Brenda Lacey-Smith, head: School of Consulting Engineering, CESA

Speaking on what was the driving factor for the conception of the BCE, Campbell says, “There was a realisation that many students are opting to enrol for MBA qualifications, which are often not specific to the industry and do not offer the requisite leadership skills needed to apply for management positions within the consulting engineering field.

“More often, engineers come into the industry with only the technical body of knowledge and for them to be well prepared – or rather prepared for roles in middle to senior management of companies – they have to be knowledgeable in managerial aspects as well,” he continues, adding that challenging trading conditions, particularly in the construction section, make it even more important to have sound commercial skills.

“The remote way of working imposed by Covid-19 has also made it difficult for young professionals to gain invaluable, on-the-job skills in preparing them for a future role as business leaders,” LaceySmith explains. “This is where the BCE and allied SCE courses are designed to bridges these gaps.”

BCE advantage

The programme focuses on developing non-technical skills – from project inception to project completion. Key modules include project delivery, business and project finance, legal and contractual matters, plus interpersonal skills.

“Especially beneficial for young professionals, they obtain a broadbased comprehension of the consulting engineering framework and the entrepreneurial business side, which helps them accelerate into management roles,” Lacey-Smith continues.

The BCE development programme runs over nine months, comprising 120 hours of online contact sessions. Over 50 topics are covered by some 15 subject matter experts. Access to individual student facilitator support is provided, as well as extensive training material, including textbooks and detailed study notes.

Student feedback

A BCE graduate from the class of 2018, Xolani Mandindi, senior engineer at AECOM, says the programme has positively impacted his career. “Our company registered four engineers in the programme, which underscored their confidence in the outcome. For me, it was a positive and life-changing experience.”

To be eligible for the programme, BCE candidates need to hold a BSc or BTech degree and have a minimum of two years’ postgraduate experience in a consulting engineering firm, or a technical diploma with a minimum of five years’ postgraduate experience. Otherwise, a relevant non-engineering qualification (business management, finance, HR, legal) with a minimum of three years’ experience in a consulting engineering firm is acceptable.