Maintaining Professional Competence Throughout a Lifetime of Engineering
By Eng. Vaughn I. Lezama, B.Sc., FAPETT, R.Eng., M.ASCE
Registrar, Board of Engineering of Trinidad and Tobago (BOETT)
CEO and Principal Engineer, Consulting Engineers Associates 2005 Ltd. (CEAL)
A Call to Action
An article in The Contractor, Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association, Issue No. 8 – April -June 2024, penned by the TTCA President, Mr. Glen Mahabirsingh, on the subject “Navigating the Future of Trinidad and Tobago’s Construction Industry Amidst an Ageing Workforce”, called for the implementing of strategies to mitigate the risk of losing valuable knowledge and skills as experienced workers whose skills would have been honed during the period of two construction booms which the country a opportunity to close the critical knowledge gap with the younger generation. Among the strategies proposed are knowledge transfer programmes, training and upskilling and Industry-government collaboration. I believe the latter, i.e. Industry-government collaboration, or to be more specific government-industry action, is the strategy that can provide sustainable results and the one that we need to explore as the vehicle for the sustained development of the country’s engineering capability and capacity to pursue its future developmental objectives.
Why the Dearth of Internship and Mentorship Opportunities?
The issue referred to above has a much broader reach and implication for the viability, capacity and capability of the local construction industry since it also impacts the diminishing opportunities for preparing quality entry level professionals in the construction sector among cohorts of engineering student and graduates. Given the remarkable changes made over the last 10 to 15 years in which the design-build method of procurement has become the overwhelmingly preferred method of project procurement in the public sector, there is urgent need to address the issue of opportunities for mentorship and internship of engineering students and graduates. There has been for some time now a dearth of direct engagement of the services of engineering consultants, except for the performance of forensic engineering investigations, and with the unsustainability of the involvement of engineering firms in Design-Build projects, in which Contractors are the lead proponents, the practice of engaging interns and the mentoring that goes with it, is no longer economically feasible for those engineering firms which still exist.
Furthermore, Contractors, having to work with diminishingly small margins, are themselves challenged in offering opportunities for training of young interns who are not being prepared for employment within the company. There is therefore an urgent need for serious consideration of an initiative that demonstrates a commitment to both infrastructural excellence and the professional development of our next generation of construction professionals. This situation if not urgently addressed portends ominously for our construction human resource development and the industry as a the whole
State-Industry Collaboration
Major State Contracting Agencies in the construction sector, such as UdeCoTT, HDC, NIDCO and NIPDEC, are the stewards of public resources and facilitators of state housing and infrastructural development. These Agencies therefore have the unique opportunity to impact not only the physical landscape of the country but also the professional future of industry practitioners. The time has therefore come when Contracting Agencies in the construction sector need to include provisions in State Contracts to facilitate internship and mentoring opportunities for engineering students and graduate engineers. By integrating such provisions into state construction contracts, these agencies can drive positive change on multiple fronts. Such an initiative promises to enrich student learning outcomes, foster innovation and excellence in the construction sector and greatly benefit the next generation of engineering and construction talent.
Why the need for Internship and Mentorship Programmes
Internship and mentoring programs offer invaluable hands-on experience and guidance to students, construction trainees and recent graduates entering the construction workforce. By providing opportunities for them to work alongside experienced construction personal and professionals on state projects, State Contracting Agencies can contribute to their own professional growth and help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice. Equally important is the sense of frustration that students and graduates face when such opportunities do not exist and the exasperation expressed by both UWI and UTT which these learning institutions face in the failure to achieve students learning outcomes associated with internship opportunities.
The integration of internship and mentorship provisions in state construction contracts represents a strategic investment in our future. It addresses immediate workforce needs, fosters innovation, and ensures the sustainability and quality of our construction projects. Taking such step will not only enhance the capabilities of our young engineers and trainees but also secure a brighter, more prosperous future for the country.
Benefits of Internship and Mentorship Programme in State Contracts
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
Engineering students often graduate with substantial theoretical knowledge but limited practical experience. Internships provide the crucial hands-on learning that can only be gained in the field. By working on real projects under the guidance of seasoned professionals, students and recent graduates can apply classroom knowledge to practical challenges, enhancing their skills and readiness for full-time employment.
Cultivating a Skilled Workforce
The construction industry is currently losing through retirement and natural human attrition a cohort of experienced construction practitioners whose knowledge and experience were honed during a pass period of elevated construction activities during a more economic buoyant economic times in the country, particularly in skilled engineering and construction roles. Internship and mentorship programs serve as a pipeline for developing and retaining young talent in the country. By giving students and graduates a head start, we ensure a steady flow of skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of future projects.
Promoting Innovation and Fresh Perspectives
Young engineers bring fresh perspectives and new ideas that can drive innovation. Their familiarity with the latest technological advancements and trends in sustainable construction can provide valuable insights that seasoned professionals might overlook. This cross-generational collaboration can lead to more efficient, innovative, and environmentally friendly construction solutions.
Enhancing Project Quality and Safety
Mentorship ensures that young engineers learn industry best practices directly from experienced professionals. This knowledge transfer is crucial for maintaining high standards of quality and safety in construction projects. Experienced mentors can provide guidance on risk management, adherence to regulations, and the importance of meticulous planning and execution.
Supporting Local Educational Institutions
The Departments of Civil Engineering at both UWI and UTT have expressed concerns on the diminishing opportunities for student internship and the impact of this on student learning outcomes. Partnerships between State Contracting Agencies and these educational institutions can enhance the quality of student learning outcomes and the engineering programs. These collaborations can result in curriculum improvements that better reflect industry needs and collaborative research projects. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the educational sector and the construction industry.
Fostering Economic Growth and Development
By investing in the professional development of engineering students and graduates, we are investing in the country’s economic future. A well-trained, innovative workforce attracts new businesses and supports existing ones, contributing to overall economic growth. Additionally, it ensures that public infrastructure projects are completed efficiently, sustainably, and to the highest standards, benefiting all citizens.
Implementation and Feasibility
Internship and mentoring programmes can be feasibly incorporated into state contracts via the Employer’s Requirements and/or the Particular Conditions of Contract, i.e. Clause 5.5 – “Training” of the FIDIC Conditions of Contract, which make provision for training of Employer’s Personnel. An appropriate Clause can be inserted in the Particular Conditions to satisfy this requirement. Such a Clause will outline the obligations of the Contractor regarding the training of engineering interns nominated by the Employer, covering aspects such as nomination process, employment conditions, roles and responsibilities, duration of employment, reporting, compliance, indemnity, and conflict resolution. Organizations like the TTCA, APETT and the BOETT can provide templates for internship activities, task record and evaluation outcome for a structured industry internship programme supported by participating State Contracting Agencies.
Here are some reasons why incorporating internship and mentoring provisions via the FIDIC Training Clause in State Contracts is important and advantageous:
Corporate Responsibility: Investing in the development of aspiring construction professionals through internships and mentorship programs of State Contracting Agencies is an important contribution to national development to which such organizations should be actively committed. Nurturing talent early in their careers through the efforts of State Contracting Agencies will help cultivate important skill sets among such cohorts for the future and can contribute to possibly reviving the prospects for the long-term sustainability of the local engineering profession as a technical, knowledge base industry that can become globally competitive.
Knowledge Transfer: Experienced engineers and industry practitioners performing state contracts possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can be passed down to the next generation. Mentoring programs provide a platform for this knowledge transfer, ensuring that valuable insights and best practices are maintained and shared.
Stimulating Innovation: Engaging with interns and recent graduates can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to any project. By fostering an environment that welcomes new talent, there exist the prospects to stimulate creativity and drive positive change in the industry.
Recruitment and Retention: Providing opportunities for internship can serve as a pipeline for recruiting top talent into construction companies. By showcasing the rewarding and impactful work being done, this can attract motivated individuals who may later choose to pursue careers within the organization in which they have served as interns.
Conclusion
It is strongly recommended that the major State Contracting Agencies in the construction sector consider including appropriate Clauses in its state contracts to establish internship programs and mentorship opportunities for engineering students and recent graduates. This should involve allocating specific Provisional Sums in Contracts for funding of internship stipends and associated mentorship personnel costs,
By taking proactive steps to incorporate internship and mentoring provisions into state contracts and coordinating internship placements with the Departments of Civil Engineering at both UWI and UTT, State Contracting Agencies can demonstrate a commitment to industry human resource capacity building, knowledge sharing, and fostering innovation within the engineering community.
The TTCA, APETT and BOETT would indeed welcome the opportunity to discuss with relevant State Contracting Agencies how our organizations can work together with these Agencies to implement internship and mentoring programs in State projects. Incorporating such provisions into state construction contracts is not only beneficial but also feasible and will support the professional growth and development of engineering students and graduate from our local learning institutions.