ACTS now and share in a graduate’s growth

Help shape the next generation of chemical engineers by becoming an Accredited Company Training Scheme (ACTS) assessor or mentor – all while aiding your own professional development.

Mentoring offers the opportunity to be part of someone’s professional development journey – offering guidance and feedback to help them navigate the challenges they face early in their career.

Sandra Bellis, ACTS mentor on the IChemE accredited scheme at global construction company Mace, explains: “Mentoring is really important to me as it gives me the chance to help less experienced engineers build their career and have a positive impact by sharing my knowledge and experience. It is so rewarding that I can provide guidance and advice to enable early career engineers to take on career opportunities that they otherwise may not have.”

Meanwhile, as an assessor, you will be responsible for evaluating company training schemes and can influence training and development structures that future engineers will benefit from. You will assess schemes across sectors, broadening your understanding of different areas of industry.

Both roles develop soft skills crucial for career progression. You’ll need to convey your ideas clearly, provide constructive feedback, and collaborate effectively. By guiding others through complex challenges, you’re developing your own ability to inspire and lead – qualities invaluable for any role. You will also engage with a wide array of problems and solutions that may differ from those in your own job. Bellis highlights this: “The traditional image of mentoring, where knowledge is imparted in only one direction is outdated. Mentoring someone younger has given me the chance to discover new ways of approaching a job that I haven’t thought of before!”

Who can be an assessor or mentor

These roles benefit from a broad range of experiences. You don’t need to be a senior manager or have decades of experience to be effective in either role. In fact, a diversity of perspectives is what makes the process richer for everyone involved. Recently Chartered Chemical Engineers often make excellent mentors for example, bringing fresh, relevant insights that are relatable to graduates.

ACTS assessors usually have some experience of industry, but it really helps to have an interest in learning and development. You will receive all the training needed to perform the role and be supported through an induction period. David Hassell is a senior lecturer in chemical engineering at the University of Bath and recently became an ACTS assessor.

“As an academic I value the opportunity to meet with the staff in industry, along with the graduates themselves, allowing me to better understand the skills and attributes required from those leaving university as well as the roles and technologies which they are likely to find themselves in. These insights allow me to bring additional value to my job.”

Benefits to your own professional development

The rewards of assessing schemes for accreditation or mentoring early career engineers go well beyond personal satisfaction. It’s an excellent way to network and build relationships with others equally committed to advancing the profession. Your exposure to the latest developments in training schemes and professional standards ensures you stay at the forefront of professional development.

Both roles add a significant edge to your CV, signalling to employers that you take an active role in the industry. By helping others progress toward Chartered status, you’re investing in future talent while simultaneously enhancing your own skills, network, and professional standing. So, if you’re passionate about chemical engineering and looking for a way to give back, consider becoming an ACTS assessor or mentor. The impact you make today could shape the engineers of tomorrow.

Are you ready to inspire the next generation of chemical engineers?

Contact acts@icheme.org to register your interest in becoming an ACTS assessor or mentor today.

This is the sixth in a series of articles on the benefits of accredited company training schemes for employers, graduates, and volunteers. To read the whole series, visit the Benefits of accredited company training schemes page.