Engineering success `diploma'tically!

ENGINEERING DOES not mean a degree from the IIT's or from Engineering colleges. Training is also offered in professional institutes that award diplomas that are as much in demand as a BE or B.Tech.

Automobile Engineering

An offshoot of mechanical engineering, this branch involves design, planning, manufacture and maintenance of various types of automobiles. It includes the study of the performance, durability and appearance of vehicles and designing new models. Opportunities in companies manufacturing automobiles abound. Vacancies will also exist with automobile dealers' after-sales- service units.

Agricultural Engineering

This branch of engineering is concerned with the design, development and servicing of farm implements and machinery, rural electrification and biogas. Diploma holders in this field can find job opportunities in Agro-industries that are both lucrative and interesting.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering and Chemical technology are two streams, classified here under the category of chemical engineering. Opportunities are available in industries producing pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, chemicals, and petroleum products among others. Job opportunities are available in laboratories, processing plants and refineries.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is concerned with construction. Projects may range from houses to colonies, dams to drainage systems. The diploma engineer has to plan, research, survey and design the project and then supervise the construction. Diploma Engineers can also specialise in environmental engineering, which is an emergent sector gaining importance world over, due to the rising concern for pollution-free production and processing.

Electrical Engineering

One of the oldest branches of engineering, this deals specifically with the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power. It includes the design, development and testing of electrical machinery and electric appliances, instrumentation systems and power applications. Power Corporations and State Electricity Boards offer ample employment for diploma holders in this area. Some of the foreign power companies offer international compensation for suitable candidates.

Electronics Engineering

Electronics engineering is more recent, a subject that is offered by Polytechnics and Institutes. Most of today's consumer products such as televisions, radios, tape recorder, CD players, videos, calculators and computers are electronic. The opportunities for diploma holders are many since application of expertise in these areas are widespread and popular.

Textile Engineering

Textile engineering offers diploma holders the opportunity to join textile companies either in process design or in the chemical field of dyeing and printing. Design and manufacture of textile manufacturing or processing equipment is also an attractive option.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering has by far the largest amount of scope since every industry needs qualified people to look to the design, operation and manufacture of tools as also the operation and maintenance of every type of machine used in every process.

Metallurgical Engineering

This is a rather more refined branch, which generally has opportunities for every well-qualified diploma holder who has specialised in this area. Many vacancies exist at refining plants, steel mills, and extraction facilities. Further qualification in mining technology will open opportunities in the many mines all over the country and abroad. In order to improve his chances to more lucrative options a Diploma engineer can enhance his skills by doing a course in CAD (Computer Aided Designing) and CAE and (Computer Aided Engineering). These courses help the candidates improve their EQ (Employment Quotient). Process engineering diploma holders can also look for employment in oil exploration companies.

Eligibility and Attributes

A practical and methodical approach with a keen interest in technology is imperative to excel in this profession. Diploma courses are available in each of the fields mentioned above. Eligibility criteria differ from institute to institute. The minimum requirement is a science background with mathematics in Intermediate (+ 2). Most institutes have an entrance exam. Creativity is important for those who are involved in designing. Career prospects in this field are promising with the advent of globalisation, liberalisation and foreign companies making their presence felt in India. No country can produce sufficient engineers, which is why the presence of the diploma engineer becomes significant. The remuneration and conditions of service depend on the industry but would rank among the best in the country.

Pratibha Gadhalay

pratibha.hyd@careercommunity.co.in