engineering in canadian and international offices engineering in canadian and international offices...
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Engineering in Engineering in Canadian and International OfficesCanadian and International Offices
Presented at Annual General Meeting of Society of Internationally Trained Engineers (S.I.T.E.)
March 14, 2009
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Comparing Canadian and International Engineering Offices:
Engineering Processes and Practices
Engineering Organizations
Engineering Projects
Current Employment Market
Getting Hired
Engineering Processes and Practices;What is the Same?
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Engineering Processes Similar Worldwide
Training of engineers is similar
Calculation and analysis processes based on internationally-accepted procedures
International standards govern most engineering design at a high level
Processes used for project execution are similar
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Engineering Processes
Engineering documentation similar except for language (drawings, specifications, data sheets, lists and schedules of equipment, etc.)
• International companies lead the development of standard presentation methods
Similar software used worldwide
There are more differences in engineering processes and documentation between industries than across the world
Engineering Processes and Practices;What is Different?
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Engineering Practices Vary Worldwide and within North America Because:
Canadian & BC Building/Fire/Plumbing/Gas Codes:
Reflects climate, type of construction, construction methods, materials available
Canadian Standards: CSA, ULC, CGSB, CISC
Canadian construction methods:
Reflect high field labour costs and low efficiency vs. shop labour
Reflect cold weather construction requirements
Reflect remote location construction
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Different Metric Practices Apply for Each Client and Site
There is mixed adoption of metric dimensions and units
US Influence has slowed adoption of metric dimensions and standards
Most equipment is from US and has imperial/US fasteners and piping connections
Limited availability of metric equipment and supplies as a result
Many companies still use imperial/US dimensions and units
Engineering Organizations in Canada vs. International Locations
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Organizations Hiring Engineers are Similar
Engineering Consultants:
• Large international and national consultants
• Smaller regional and local engineering firms
• Small specialist firms
Construction and EPC firms
Manufacturers
Resource Industries
Utilities (electric, gas, water, etc.)
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Engineering Consultants
Flatter organization structure – fewer levels of management
Less differentiation between departments and often multi-discipline project teams sit together as opposed to remaining in department offices
Generally matrix organizations used with engineers reporting in two directions – to project manager and to discipline/department manager
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Matrix Organization StructureMatrix Organization Structure
General Management
Project Manager 1
Project Manager 2
Project Manager 3
Civil/Struct. Eng. Manager
Mech/Piping Eng. Manager
Elect/Instrument Eng. Manager
Project Services Mgr.
Construction Services Mgr.
Project 1 Team:-Engineers-Designers-Drafters-Estimators-Schedulers-Purch Agent-Const Supvr-Field Eng-Other Staff
Project 2 Team:-Engineers-Designers-Drafters-Estimators-Schedulers-Purch Agent-Const Supvr-Field Eng-Other Staff
Project 3 Team:-Engineers-Designers-Drafters-Estimators-Schedulers-Purch Agent-Const Supvr-Field Eng-Other Staff
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Engineering Consultants
Many have a broad range of services
Less specialization of expertise by companies
Typically fewer employees in each company and office
Some have many branch offices with a few staff in each office
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Engineering Organizations
Organizations less “formal”
Smaller status gaps between managers and engineers
Smaller status gaps between engineers and designers
More relaxed behaviour in offices
• No need to stand up immediately every time the boss comes around except for politeness
• Many offices have relaxed dress codes
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Engineering Organizations
Engineers typically given wider latitude and flexibility to get work done
More individual accountability to other workers for performance rather than only to direct supervisor
The onus is on the engineers and project managers to get the job done right, and on time
Less of the “blame game” Fewer clerical and other support staff (secretaries, administrators, kitchen staff, drivers, etc.)
Engineers do more work directly than in an international office (less staff to delegate to)
Less academic approach to engineering design with more emphasis on using practical proven design
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Multi-Cultural Offices
Most offices have a broad range of people from all over the world
Need to understand the multicultural principles of Canadian society
Learn how to associate with people who have much different cultural backgrounds
Less requirement for “cultural assimilation” than in the US
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Health, Safety and Environment
More emphasis on health, safety and environment in the workplace, at the construction site and in the community
More rules apply and the regulating authorities enforce them
Engineering Projects
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Engineering Projects
Relatively more “design only” projects in Canada than EPC projects
More detailed design provided by technologists and technicians
More detailed design work is provided by vendors and contractors
Less paperwork and more electronic communications for projects
Large consulting firms are making more use of engineering services from developing countries or “value engineering centres”
More competence and professionalism in the construction trades (electricians, carpenters, etc.)
Less requirement for constant supervision of construction workforce
Current Engineering Employment Market
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Market Downturn since Q3/2008
Mining and Forest industries have collapsed
Major oil and pipeline projects in Alberta have been cancelled or delayed
2010 Olympics projects in BC are largely completed
Project funding has dried up as a result of the financial situation
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Some Good News
Government is funding “shovel ready” capital projects (highways, bridges, sewage treatment plants, power generation, etc.)
Maintenance of business projects seem to be continuing
Canadian dollar decline is helping export industries to meet their local costs
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Overall
A few layoffs at BC Engineering Companies from job cancellations
Some layoffs for upgrading of staff
Very limited hiring is occurring
Supply of skilled and experienced staff has improved from 2008
Getting Hired
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Finding Work
Internationally trained engineers will have difficulty getting hired
Catch 22 effect: cannot be hired because of a lack of Canadian experience, and cannot get Canadian experience because cannot get hired.
Good supply of engineers with Canadian experience in the market
International training and experience will be under valued by employers
University training may not be recognized in Canada
Professional qualifications will likely not be recognized in Canada
Nature of international experience may not be understood and, in fact, may be different than local experience
Language skills and technical English are very important and can block hiring
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Finding Work – Finding Openings
Newspaper advertising for job openings is limited
Most jobs are now advertised on internet employment websites, e.g. APEGBC, Workopolis, Monster, Craigslist, etc.
Significant percentage of hiring is through referrals (word-of-mouth)
Most companies have a website with online employment applications – many jobs listed are not current
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Finding Work – Good Resume Essential
Resume is very important in getting an interview and being hired
Layout, length, English language usage and spelling, use of correct technical terminology and description of experience is extremely important
Electronic version of resumes preferred—paper resumes sometimes not accepted
Make sure that if you are using Microsoft Word that you know how to use the software
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Finding Work – Company Referrals
Most companies have an internal referral system for recruiting
If you know anyone at a company let them know you are interested in working
They can earn a fee if you get hired and they refer you
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Finding Work – Types of Positions
Full-time employment
Term employment:
• Project assignment (4 months to 3 years)
• Agency employment
Part-time or casual employment
• Direct hired or through Agency
Contract:
• Must have own registered company
• No benefits
• Additional time and costs to operate company
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Hiring for Temporary & Project Positions
Temporary hiring for projects is common
Provides limited employment security and benefits, e.g. short termination notice and few benefits
Does provide local experience
Employment Agencies often provide “payrolling” services
Agencies include Local and National firms that specialize in supplying project workforce
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Employment Standards and Policies
Need to understand BC Employment Standards Act
• Governs employment conditions in BC
• It does not apply once you become a professional or manager or if you are a “contractor”
Strict policies for discrimination and harassment
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Salary Rates
Salary is dependent on position, skills and market conditions
Larger companies have recommended salary ranges for different positions and levels
See the APEGBC website for salary survey information
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Benefits
Most medium and large engineering companies have a competitive benefits program for employees
Benefits other than the minimum required by Employment Standards Act are not provided for temporary employment
Limited benefits are provided to Agency employees
No benefits are provided to contract employees
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RRSP, Pension and Bonuses
Pensions are not common in engineering except for government or large manufacturing companies
Companies will contribute to RRSP, which is portable and can move with you
Company Profit Sharing and Bonuses vary widely:
• Not commonly available except for managers and very senior technical positions
• Some Project Bonuses on major projects
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Value of Professional Registration
Professional registration is not required, but provides more opportunity for growth and future income
P.Eng. will provide more opportunities for employment as you can take responsibility for work
Salary scale is normally higher with a P.Eng.
P.Eng. application process can take a long time to complete, so start early
See the APEGBC website for information on registration process
Introduction to CH2M HILL
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Company Overview
We were founded in 1946 and headquarteredin Denver, Colorado
Our work is concentrated in the areas of transportation, water, energy, environment, communications, construction, andindustrial facilities
We have long been recognized as a leading employer and admired company• In 2003, 2006, and 2008 FORTUNE named
CH2M HILL among its “100 Best Companies to Work for in America”
• For the past five years FORTUNE named CH2M HILL one of “America’s Most Admired Companies”
Employee-owned CH2M HILL is a global firm providing engineering, construction, operations, and related technical services to public and private clients.
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About Us
Baxter
New Providence, NJ
Manukau Waste Water Treatment Plant
Auckland, New Zealand
Rohm & Hasas Chemical Plant
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Rocky Flats
Golden, CO
We seek to be the industry leader in successfully delivering challenging projects, enabling our clients to build a better world.
We have the human and technical resources, the international footprint, and the depth of know-how and experience to help our clients achieve success in any corner of the world
We are the only engineer-procure-construct (EPC) company that offers this wide spectrum of expertise, knowledge, and services across varied industries and government agencies
CH2M HILL is a global leader in full-serviceengineering, consulting, construction,and operations
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Where We Are Today
More than 24,000 professional staff operating from locations worldwide
100 percent employee owned Broadly diversified across 13 business sectors $5.12 billion in revenue (2007)
As a global leader in full-service engineering, construction, and operations, CH2M HILL strives to create solutions without boundaries, to overcome the barriers to breakthrough success—for every client, on every project, every time.
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Employee Ownership
CH2M HILL’s employees own 100% of the firm, and many employees actively participate in the internal stock market
Employee ownership and financial stability promote
• High staff motivation
• Strong commitment to clients
• Low staff turnover
• Continuity in work for repeat clients
• Focus on long-term goals and strategies
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CH2M HILL Resources in BC
Staffing: Energy & Chemicals 110 Transportation, Water & Environment 140 Commonwealth Construction 30
Offices: Burnaby (2 offices), Victoria and Kamloops Engineering and construction
services for projects within British Columbia, across Canada, and around the world.
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Markets Served by the Vancouver E&C Office
Natural gas processing plants and sulfur plants
Compressor stations, pump stations and metering stations
Pipelines and storage terminals Petroleum marketing distribution terminals
and service stations Power generation and steam production
facilities Electrical utilities Chemical production, storage and distribution Pulp and paper mills General industrial facilities Research and high technology facilities
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Our Clients
We have a diverse array of clients in many industries including:
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What Makes Our Office a Great Place to Work?
Family culture Healthy work / life balance Social activities Community involvement Move for Health activities
Questions