The route to Professional Registration is quite an intriguing one. It challenges you intellectually and encourages you to think out of the box. This helps you to grow professionally as it covers a vast area of daily tasks you are likely to encounter. I found that it not only focuses on your qualifications and training, but also your experience in the civil engineering industry at large. The journey entails covering several project knowledge areas such as the management of resources (human and plant), safety, quality, budgets, and programmes amongst other things. These are some of the basic functions of a construction manager, and it is vital that you gain some experience in them en route to registering as a professional.
I have always anticipated the journey towards professional registration to be an exciting goal to reach in line with my career growth. My experience did not change my views on it. In fact, I believe that it should be part of the learning curriculum at universities to equip students with the necessary knowledge they require when starting up in the field.
This journey has had a very positive impact on me. I am now more respected by my peers in the industry because I have become part of an "elite" group of professionals in the field. It is also inspiring to young and upcoming engineers, especially those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. It shows them that it is possible to also be professionally registered and recognized by colleagues in the industry, irrespective of your background. Furthermore, it is testament to how hard work gets rewarded, especially when you have the right attitude.
I found it challenging to balance my everyday work life with writing my reports for professional registration. The pressure we deal with on sites is constant, which forces one to work long hours for lengthy periods of time. I often had to make time in the evenings and weekends to draft my reports for submission. This took a toll on me, both physically and mentally. To overcome the fatigue, I took leave when I had to. I also tried to spend as much time as I could with family and friends. It was a necessary distraction to reboot the mind and body. Another thing that helped was speaking to fellow colleagues in the industry about the registration process. Oftentimes they would share relevant knowledge and information that could help alleviate some of the pressure I was feeling.
I would recommend this journey to anyone in the field because it is such an eye-opening experience. Moreover, it is truly rewarding as it helps you grow professionally, too. The content one covers in preparation for professional registration is also very relevant to the daily activities we encounter (but don't always pay attention to) on sites.
My advice to anyone thinking of embarking on this journey would be to allocate a lot of time to studying and preparing your written reports. It is also imperative that you attend courses and/or training that offer CPD points. SACPCMP recommends spending at least 10 000 hours on preparing for this registration to ensure you are fully competent. Do not rush it if you feel you are not ready. Spend as much time as you can with other professionals from the industry to learn from them. It is also vital that you get a mentor who can help you on the journey to registration.
Leslie Mokoatsi is a construction manager with 12.5 years of experience in the construction industry. He has worked in the marine, civil, building, and roads and earthworks divisions. His project experience includes: Water treatment works, Harbour widening and deepening, Construction of shopping centers, Road rehabilitation and construction, Revetment construction, Retaining walls, Bulk earthworks. He is a highly skilled and experienced construction manager with a proven track record of success. He is a valuable asset to any construction team.
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