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Power, process and mobile plant specialists

IPlantE was one of the two constituent bodies which merged to form SOE (as the Institution of Plant Engineers). Plant Engineers are involved in maintenance and operation of a fixed and mobile machine assets . In practice you will find plant engineers working across most industries. 

The IPlantE Professional Sector Council (PSC) is dedicated to improving maintenance, operational and safety standards across a range of plant. They act as a representative voice in industry for our plant members, and is currently working on the following initiatives:

  • Working to develop industry wide technician accreditation with our industry partners
  • Representing SOE's interests on the board of Society for the Environment
  • Working with the RAF to widen and fast track Engineering Council registration
     
What makes a modern plant engineer?

The machinery worked on by plant engineers can greatly vary across sectors, we have members involved in the following, to name a few:

  • Power and utilities
  • Process and chemical
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Building services
  • Mobile and machinery
  • Transport infrastructure 
  • Defence and military 

What is common, wherever they work, is a high level of technical knowledge, incredible problem solving skills and the ability to think ahead. Plant engineers are responsible for ensuring large, complex systems and machinery don't fail, that they are maintained to exacting safety standards and are kept at peak performance to the end of their operational life. Many of our plant members are registered to Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, and the majority of our Chartered Environmentalist members sit in this professional sector.

Ready to take the next step?

Join SOE today

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Gate safety: understanding risk, responsibility and compliance

Automated gates and barriers are widely used across workplaces, schools and residential settings, yet when safety is overlooked, the consequences can be devastating. Hosted by the BES sector and presented by Gate Safe UK founder Richard Jackson OBE, the recent hybrid event explored the key risks associated with automated gate systems and the shared responsibilities required to manage them effectively. 

Raising the Bar: How Evolving Standards Are Transforming Lorry Loader Crane Safety

The safety, reliability, and performance of lorry loader cranes are undergoing major improvements thanks to updated design requirements, new regulatory changes, and more robust safety and performance standards. These developments are reshaping how operators, manufacturers, and inspectors approach the use, maintenance, and thorough examination of this essential lifting equipment.

The Thames Barrier: Engineering Resilience on the River Thames

The Thames Barrier is one of the UK’s greatest engineering achievements, as climate change intensifies, its design shows the value of resilience.

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Plant related events
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IRTE Wiltshire and Brunel Regional Centre Coach Trip to RTX 2026
Join the IRTE Wiltshire and Brunel Centres for a coach trip to the Road Transport Expo (RTX) 2026 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.
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Drones, Remote Inspection Techniques and Modelling
Join us for this informative webinar exploring how drones, remote inspection technologies and digital modelling are being used across engineering and industrial environments to improve safety, reduce risk and support more efficient inspection processes.
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Good Practice for Bus and Coach Tyre Maintenance
Join IRTE PSC member Andrew Trigg for an overview of the IRTE Good Practice Guide to Tyre Management.

Find and book events

 


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