Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from a futuristic idea to a current reality, rapidly transforming industries, including engineering. For Chartered Professional Engineers (CPEng), adapting to AI is crucial for maintaining their competencies.

This article explores the impact of AI on engineering, its implications for Chartered Professional Engineers, and its connection to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. 

AI presents new opportunities and challenges, enabling tools that optimize designs, automate analyses, and improve site safety. However, this evolution requires engineers to proactively upskill and reassess what defines core engineering competence.

Why Engineers Must Adapt to AI

AI enables innovative solutions—from automating complex analyses to enhancing design precision and improving site safety. Yet, these advancements also require engineers to upskill, rethink their core competencies, and embrace a more strategic and ethical role in managing AI technologies.

According to Engineering New Zealand, the growing reliance on AI prompts critical questions about human oversight, professional responsibility, and what defines engineering work today. AI should not be seen as a replacement for engineers, but rather as a powerful tool that, when used competently and ethically, can elevate the profession through smarter decision-making, innovation, and efficiency.

Expanding the Scope of Engineering Competence

In an AI-enabled world, Engineering Competence must evolve beyond traditional technical proficiency. It now includes:

• Understanding AI technologies such as machine learning and generative AI, including their strengths, limitations, and potential for bias.

• Developing data fluency, as modern engineering decisions increasingly rely on interpreting and validating data-driven outputs.

• Maintaining rigorous human oversight, ensuring AI-generated solutions are critically assessed against real-world conditions and engineering standards.

• Upholding ethical principles, addressing issues such as accountability, fairness, data privacy, and safety.

Engineering New Zealand provides valuable guidance on the appropriate, safe, and ethical use of AI, and these principles should be fully integrated into professional practice. Moreover, the emerging skill of prompt engineering—crafting effective instructions for generative AI tools—is becoming a key competency for future-ready engineers.

Supporting this direction, the AI Forum of New Zealand's “AI in Action” report highlights that AI adoption is widespread across New Zealand businesses, with many organisations experiencing increased productivity. This highlights the urgent need for engineers to engage with AI, not only to remain current but also to lead in its responsible and effective application throughout the sector.

AI-Related Learning as Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

For members of Engineering New Zealand, continuous learning is a professional obligation. The requirement to complete a minimum of 40 hours of CPD annually is designed to ensure engineers maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills. Learning about and developing skills in AI directly aligns with this requirement and can contribute significantly to your CPD hours. 

To find more details about the CPD requirements for engineers in New Zealand, please refer to this LearnFormula article on CPD requirements for engineers in New Zealand (2025).

AI-Focused CPD Courses and Resources for Engineers NZ

To help engineers upskill efficiently and meet their Engineering New Zealand (ENGNZ) CPD obligations, LearnFormula offers a selection of comprehensive CPD courses and packages. These are built to support professional development across a range of disciplines, including AI-focused courses, ethics, and industry-specific skills.

Recommended AI and CPD Packages:

1. 40-Hour Package – Annual CPD Compliance for Civil Engineers- Tailored for civil engineers, this package includes structured learning on emerging technologies, compliance, and project management with AI-relevant modules.

2. 40-Hour Package – General Construction- Designed for engineers in the construction sector, covering AI’s role in site planning, smart infrastructure, and automation tools.

3. Custom CPD Package - Create your own CPD pathway by selecting courses aligned to your discipline and interests, including AI, machine learning, and ethical design.

Each package satisfies ENGNZ’s 40-hour CPD requirement and includes a mix of formal, technical, and professional development courses. 

Always review the specific learning outcomes of any course to ensure it aligns with your individual development needs and contributes meaningfully to your CPD hours and overall Engineering Competence.

Practical Steps for Engineers to Embrace AI

Chartered and professional engineers in New Zealand can take clear, actionable steps to build their competence in AI:

1. Learn the Fundamentals

Begin by understanding key AI concepts and terminology relevant to engineering, such as machine learning, data models, and automation tools.

2. Explore Engineering-Specific Applications

Investigate how AI is currently being used in your discipline—whether in structural design, predictive maintenance, environmental modelling, or project management.

3. Experiment Responsibly

Where appropriate, try out accessible AI tools to understand their functions and limitations—always within ethical and professional boundaries.

4. Engage with the Industry

Attend webinars, conferences, and workshops on AI in engineering. Follow thought leaders and industry experts to stay informed about trends and best practices.

5. Understand Data Ethics and Privacy

Familiarise yourself with local regulations like New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020 and guidelines on ethical AI to ensure responsible data use.

The Future of Engineering Competence in an AI-Driven World

AI is here to stay—and it’s changing how engineers work. While it will automate some tasks, it also creates space for professionals to focus on innovation, strategy, and ethical leadership.

To stay relevant and lead effectively, engineers in New Zealand must continuously learn and adapt. Embracing AI as part of your professional development is key to maintaining Engineering Competence and driving progress in the industry.

Start today by exploring AI-focused CPD opportunities through the Engineering New Zealand LearnFormula platform, and help shape the future of engineering.