courses

Effective Technical Writing

Topic Personal Development and Leadership

CPD Hours 4*

Price £235 + VAT

Overview

Technical writing is one of the most important activities undertaken by engineers. Our documents represent the output of our technical efforts which can be critical for safety and profitability. It is therefore worthwhile considering how to improve the quality of documents and the efficiency of the writing process.

This modular online course will help you improve the quality and efficiency of your technical documents, such as proposals, bids, reports and specifications, as well as emails. It is developed with the specific needs of the chemical engineer in mind but is equally applicable to anyone engaged in technical writing, at any level of seniority.

The course takes you through each step of the process, from identifying your desired audience and their needs, planning, structuring and writing your work, through to presenting and reviewing the final document.

The modules, each around 60 minutes in length, are effective as stand-alone training sessions or as part of a modular programme.

Why effective writing skills are important for engineers

The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) sets out the competence and commitment required for registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

The specification requires engineers to demonstrate effective use of written and electronic methods for the communication in English of technical and other information. The specification also requires reading and synthesising information, and writing different types of documents. 

What's included in the series

  • Four 60-minute sessions
  • Digital copies of all slides and supporting materials (PDF) for your personal use
  • E-certificate of attendance, including hours allocation, for CPD purposes (on request)

Course outline

Module 1: An Introduction to effective technical writing

  • Document quality and writing efficiency; a manufacturing approach
  • The components of document quality
  • Empathy for the audience
  • Transmitting and receiving written information

Module 2: How to plan your writing

  • Writing for the web and print: similarities and differences
  • Meeting audience expectations
  • Getting the content right
  • Getting the structure right
  • Storyboarding – a novel approach
  • Q&A and FAQs

Module 3: How to write with style

  • Formal and informal registers
  • Getting clarity
  • Using motivating language
  • Maintaining focus in your writing
  • Q&A and FAQs

Module 4: How to review and present documents

  • Attention to detail
  • Reviewing your work before sign-off
  • Reviewing others’ work
  • Presenting your work
  • Gathering and learning from feedback
  • Q&A and FAQs

Multiple-user fee

This option allows you to purchase the course for up to 10 individual users at a significantly reduced price of £1055 + VAT. Find out more>>

Train your team

This course can be delivered to corporate teams, either on-site or online. Content can be tailored to your specific requirements. To find out more and request a quotation, visit our in-company training page.


* CPD hours should be used as an approximate guide and will vary depending on the preferred approach of the delegate and to what extent additional learning is completed.

Contact Phone +44 (0)1788 534496

Contact Email courses@icheme.org

Purchase course
Jamie Cleaver

Trainer

Jamie Cleaver

PhD, CEng, FIChemE, Consultant

Jamie's background as a lecturer and his extensive experience of chemical engineering employers and the workplace give him a unique perspective as a trainer and facilitator of soft skills for chemical engineers.

He has a strong technical background, with a first degree in chemical engineering from the University of Surrey and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. After his PhD he followed a natural path into academic research and spent 16 years lecturing chemical engineering at the University of Surrey.

Through coordinating the professional training placement scheme for chemical engineering students, he was able to see first-hand the huge potential benefit to individuals and organisations that could be achieved by professional skills training.

"Jamie has proven skill and knowledge sets, which have impacted both myself and colleagues in my company in a positive manner. He comes highly recommended." UOP

"I found Jamie to be responsive, proactive, with the strategic understanding to align my business needs with a learning environment. Thoroughly good guy to work with." SNC-Lavalin

"Jamie is an engaging and inspirational trainer who works hard to help his delegates realise their potential." Evolve-Leadteam Ltd

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