Content Why project on competencies ? Why the AEC document as basis? Progress to date

1. Establishing common competencies and qualifications for Construction Economists- The European Building Expert Route Report /proposal for discussion GERARD O’ SULLIVAN president May 2010

2. Content • Why project on competencies ? • Why the AEC document as basis? • Progress to date • New issues- EUR building expert –possible way forward? • Quick comparison of EUR BE requirements with other national groupings-Ireland/Netherlands/Switzerland/Canada • What next?

3. Why project on competencies ? CEEC – obliged to prepare mutually acceptable standards of training and qualification To help establish a commonly recognised qualification and standard for European states and world wide where the CE is not a firmly recognised separate construction professional This would require definition of what we expect from a construction economist ? Then define what training and experience is required that distinguishes the CE from the pack

4. European Directive on Professional Qualifications • Sectoral or general ? • Where does the Construction Economist come? • Sectoral is Architects, Engineers ….straightforward recognition • General is the other construction professionals- where common platforms and professional cards are required • The directive should add impetus to this project –we need to define who and what we are in order to get European recognition – and are we a sectoral or general professional grouping?

5. European Directive on Professional Qualifications • Are we defined by the UK definition ?– Quantity Surveyor or Project manager • do we have and need a broader definition in both a European and Global context- • Would registration as per the Irish legislation be the way –or is that an isolated issue? • How do the EU view us-?

6. Why the AEC document as a basis? • AEC 2010 profile was devised for precisely the situation in most of Europe where the Construction Economist is not a well recognised separate profession • They have defined competencies • They have defined a self assessment system with a regulation board to approve • They have established basic academic qualifications

7. PROGRESS TO DATE • President met with Swiss group leader and AEC group in Zurich in January to discuss project • Swiss have defined recognised degrees, defined essential and specialist competencies and set up a web site based self assessment system overseen by a review body • Translation of AEC document undertaken by CEEC –approved by AEC -to be issued to working group-currently in translation –(ready to issue June) • Membership Profile questionnaire – still need returns from 5 groups • Education data –now have data on 6 countries –next step establish the recognised degrees in each member

8. New Issues-the European Building Expert • AEEBC grouping of Building Experts –we have 4 full members in common –SCS,RICS, CiGate (Spain) and NVBK • AEEBC EUR building Expert paper discussed in Zurich and recognised as a potential way forward- but to be referred to General Assembly meeting- • AEEBC established a register of experts • Framework for mutual recognition of qualifications • Gives sufficient data abut the information of the individual expert for benefit of the person procuring the service • Encourages continuing improvement • Source of information about the great variety of formations systems in member countries • Facilitates movement of professionals across borders

9. The EUR building Expert • Minimum standards for education, experience and formation • List of courses/colleges approved in each country by member and accredited ot officially recognised at national level • Mutual recognition arrangements for countries outside AEEBC

10. Quick comparison of competencies –see handout • Some in common- many not – • But AEEBC open to working together and sharing system • WHAT NEXT? Over to you