In his informative article in the I-Tech section of July 1, Martin Debattista provided a good description of the projects on display at the ICT Exhibition held by the University's engineering students. It was described as "the annual event and a showcase of the abilities" by students ready to embark on a career in technology and engineering.

The writer ably set out in detail the various projects undertaken by individual students with the advances made in scientific technology and made an analysis connected with the exhibition and the information seminar held by their Faculty at Sir Temi Zammit Hall. Earlier on, in mid-April, the Chamber of Engineers presented the 19th Annual Engineering Conference with emphasis on the impact of new technology in the manufacturing and medical fields.

All this is to the good although unfortunately, few recognise that a cornerstone for national prosperity remains within a competitive manufacturing industry through a thorough knowledge-based technological society, seen via the students' studying science and engineering.

A hurdle that still needs to be overcome is that engineering is perceived by the lay public as an artisan occupation.

Retired UK chartered engineer Anthony Williams rightly maintains that to the general public at large, the apotheosis of the modern engineer drives a white van, wears overalls and fixes leaking taps! Graduate engineers generally are yet to be viewed in a comparable light to members of other established institutions as architects and accountants. The Chamber of Engineers in particular should ascertain that the designated status of the engineer ought to be restricted to university-trained graduated individuals. This would differentiate from tradesmen technicians and continue to attract high-calibre entrants to the profession in today's highly technologically minded market.