Over the last few years I have seen some discrepancies on how medical engineers are getting paid and how the NHS band system works.

From a recent Job Description "You should be qualified to relevant degree or equivalent in engineering discipline or equivalent level of knowledge gained through experience/vocational training" this is for a Band 5 job.

Why would someone with a degree want a Band 5 job? Replies from more experienced Medical Engineers who have worked in the NHS would be appreciated.

Darth Welder – “Eight weeks until I become a pensioner”

Simple answer they dont unless they are after their first job in this country or there is the oppurtunity for them to progress in the future.
If they carry on like this they are not going to have anyone left.

If you also take that the average cost of a manufacturers time is around the £100/hr plus travel time they are really taking the proverbial.
Its an issue that maybe the VRCT should take up and they would get a lot of support.

Not sure on the first job in this country as the previous government tightened up on the immigration policy. (won't comment on how well they did) To come to the UK as skilled labour you now need a MSc in engineering or science. There was a scheme where graduates could apply to stay after their studies, so it could be the hang on in the UK until they find better work.

Billy,

I don't think you'll get much joy out of the VRCT as they more or less advocate that you need a degree to become registered and that registration starts at band 5. so much for enhancing our profession.

When I entered the profession in 2002, with a relevant degree, I entered as MTO1*** on the old Whitley scales, moving to MTO2 after a year to prove that I wasn't completely useless. The MTO2 post was matched to AfC Band 5.

Generally, no-one up here is considered for MTO3/Band 6 until they've been in the job for at least three years.

So to answer the question, one would take the Band 5 job to get experience to go for a Band 6 job.

I'd be interested to know if the situation is significantly different elsewhere.

Entered the profession as Snr ICU Technician (MTO3)in 2002 with ONC. This translated to Band 6 (eventually).
Not eligible for VRCT due to qualification requirements.
Whilst the job i applied for asked for ONC at the time, another MTO3 post which was awarded to a degree holder was downgraded to MTO2 for 12 months due to no prior work experience.
We have recently took on a band 5 with ONC although for many years now all B5 Posts stipulate Degree. Therefore it seems like guidance and that it is experience that counts for many (i'm pleased to see).

The rules vary all over the country I think. I joined a Southwest hospital in 2008 with 2.5 years medical experience and a HNC and got a Band 4. I got a Band 5 after I had got on the VRCT (which involved lots of conversations with IPEM and eventually having to be registered with the IET before they would accept my application). Now I am waiting for a Band 6, which according to the specifications I must be 'specialised' in a certain area.
J

Unless your employers are actively pursuing the band 6 for you, you may be waiting a while. Can not believe that they give you a band 5 on the strength of the VRCT endorsement as it is 'voluntary'. You may have grounds for an unfair pay action against them for loss of earnings.

Under which clause? There's sexual discrimination, race, transgender to name a few, failing that there's breach of contract but with out having a contract for band 6 you couldn't do much.

I have been told it is in the pipeline. At our hospital the VRCT is compulsory if you want to progress, which is causing problems for some people.