Changing the Culture of Construction

The Slovenian Chamber of Engineers is entering the second decade of its existence with a new vision and strategy, based on changing the culture of construction. In addition to increasing professional competence and responsibility, we shall give special attention to the promotion of creativity and innovation. Our objective is to achieve quality construction that is fast and safe and that contributes to greater economic growth and provides a healthy and energy efficient living environment.

We advocate an equal status of certified engineers of all professions, including architects. Modern construction is a multidisciplinary process that requires a high level of professional knowledge, excellent qualifications and effective cooperation. In order to carry out the most demanding of projects successfully, the responsible project manager plays a key role in the coordination of different disciplines and in providing good conditions for teamwork and synergy between all the participants in the process of construction.

Special attention is given to lifelong learning of our members. We also support professional training needed for license renewal. We are well aware of the importance of university education; we therefore actively participate in expert councils within faculties and advocate a thorough renewal of engineering study programmes in compliance with the Bologna process principles. We strive for the introduction of new programme contents, such as management, project management, communication and other skills required for sustainable development.

We strive to increase the social standing of engineering professions and certified engineers as well as the recognition of our chamber and its influence in the adoption of legislation. We are of the opinion that construction is an important socio-economic activity and as such deserves at least its own directorate within the respective line ministry. We hope that changes in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia will bring about better cooperation with other chambers active in the field of construction.

As members of the European Council of Engineers Chambers, we draw up conditions for the uniform licensing of certified engineers in Europe, common guidelines for national codes of ethics or conduct for engineers and simple transition of certified engineers within the European services market. Based on the prescribed scope and quality of services, these measures shall contribute to adequate pricing of the engineering work.

 

mag. Črtomir Remec, IZS President