Training for the engineering function in a developing country

The shortage of engineers and technicians in developing countries like British Guiana poses the problems of education and training which often have to be undertaken abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom. The needs of such countries are not fully met by courses and training programmes which have been designed against the industrial background of a developed country, and this note discusses why and how education and training in the United Kingdom should be designed to equip the engineer and technician for early responsibilities overseas.

Economic planning has revealed the acute need for increased engineering activity in British Guiana and because of the shortage of engineers and technicians the demands made on the few have increased considerably. The degree of responsibility placed on the technologist in a developing country is greater than average, and preparation for the early assumption of responsibility is essential. This is an important characteristic of the engineering function and the individual should be trained accordingly.