Iron Ring

Iron Ring Tradition

Many Canadians may be aware of the Iron Ring worn by friends, associates or family members who work or have practised in the field of engineering. To most, this singularly unusual adornment must appear to be some arcane sign - like the secret handshake, or the unusual headdress that signifies membership in a mysterious order. While this image has been perpetuated for many years by the privacy surrounding the Iron Ring, the reality is otherwise.

The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer, or Kipling Ritual, is a ceremony that was developed in 1923 for engineers graduating from Canadian universities. The post-war years were a time of growth and prosperity that fuelled the quest for greater engineering achievements. The accelerating pace of technological change called on engineers to push the bounds of applied science ever farther and farther. To remind young graduates of these obligations, which they were accepting upon entry into the hallowed halls of professional practice, the engineering leaders of the day called upon the celebrated author, Rudyard Kipling, to develop a ritual ceremony that would symbolize the responsibilities these young engineers were about to face.

The ceremony calls on all engineering graduates to undertake an obligation to strive to perform work and assignments to the best of their ability. A ring made of iron- one of the first modern materials used to forge a new world by our ancestors - is worn on the small finger of the working hand, and acts as a reminder of this obligation. This ceremony is performed across Canada each spring, marking the transition from student life to a career in engineering.

The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer marks the end of Stage One on the path towards full registration as a Professional Engineer in Canada. To become fully qualified and licensed as a Professional Engineer in B.C., an engineering graduate must complete four years of practical work experience demonstrating ever-increasing responsibility and competence in professional practice. Only after undertaking this "apprenticeship" and demonstration of competence in front of one's peers can an engineering graduate become registered as a fully Licensed Professional Engineer and use the designation P.Eng. after his or her name. Only licensed members of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC are entitled to practise professional engineering in British Columbia. We're sure you wouldn't want it any other way!

Replace An Iron Ring

For replacement rings contact:
Mr. Les Hart
E-mail: replace.ironring@camp5.ca

For more information on upcoming Iron Ring ceremonies (BC graduates only) please contact the following individuals:

In Vancouver -
Mr. Michael J. Williams, P.Eng.
E-mail: ironring@camp5.ca

In Victoria -
Jim Provan, P.Eng.
E-mail: jprovan@uvic.ca

Fully registered Professional Engineers who did not attend a Canadian University and wish to know if they are eligible to take the obligation to receive an Iron Ring may contact the Secretary of the Camp of their choice.  See http://www.ironring.ca/contact.html for the full contact list of Camp Secretaries across Canada.

Please note that the Iron Ring Ritual is not connected with any university or any engineering organization; the body that administers the Ritual, The Corporation of the Seven Wardens/Société des Sept Gardiens inc., is an entirely independent body.