CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
CAREER HANDBOOK
2021/2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS 03
President’s Address Helen Nemec
04
Meet the Team Student Club Members
05
Program Overview Major Skills Acquired & Typical Positions
07
Semester Breakdown List of Courses Offered
09
Silent Auction for the Heart and Stroke Foundation In Honour of Gary Stroich
10
Gary Stroich: A Life Worth Living A Tribute to Late Instructor Gary Stroich
14
Alumni Profiles Interviews with Justin Bourgeois, Cara Adair, Blaise Velasquez, Mohamed Hersi, and Ahmed Nur.
CONNECT WITH US. Email: conengsc@outlook.com Facebook: /conengtech Instagram: @conengtech
Stock images provided by unsplash.com & pexels.com. 2
PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
The 2021-2022 Career Handbook is published by the Construction Engineering Technology Student Club (CETSC) on behalf of the student body. The book aims to promote our program to the construction industry while providing students with valuable information to aid in their upcoming job search. It contains an overview of the academic, charitable, and social aspects of the Construction Engineering Technology program. I would like to express my gratitude to my fellow executives, student volunteers, and staff advisors for your support throughout the year. Creating this year’s Career Handbook and many other events would not have been possible without you. I want to make a special mention of Anna Lee, a 2021 graduate who donated her time to design this year’s publication and was instrumental in making it a reality. I want to thank our sponsors on behalf of the CETSC and the student body. Your participation in this year’s Career Handbook helped us raise over $6,000 for Habitat for Humanity. An achievement I am very honoured to have been a part of. I look forward to watching the next class of students accomplish great things and carry on with the club’s legacy of supporting our local community. Congratulations to all the 2022 graduates of the Construction Engineering Technology program on your well-deserved success. I am proud to have taken this program with you and wish you all the best
Helen Nemec President, CETSC 2021-2022
All advertising proceeds go toward supporting Habitat for Humanity. 3
MEET THE TEAM
BRETT KENDALL
DYLAN VAN LERSBERGHE
Brett is a graduating student who helped coordinate the Silent Auction (read more about it on page 8).
Dylan is a graduating student who has assisted with the Silent Auction and Kahoot! games.
SPENCER JENSEN
STEPHEN McLAREN
Spencer is a first-year student who has created a number of Kahoot! games to keep students engaged and entertained virtually.
Stephen is a graduating student who helped interview past NAIT students for the Alumni Profiles featured on page 14-23.
VP Finance
Events Coordinator
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VP Operations
Events Coordinator
PROGRAM OVERVIEW Construction Engineering Technology (Con. Eng. Tech.) is a two-year program offered at NAIT. The C.E.T. program prepares students for a variety of positions in the construction industry, including construction project management, estimating, contract administration, business development, construction management and cost control. Successful graduates of this program have a strong understanding of many aspects of general contracting and the construction process. Students are eligible to join the Construction Engineering Technology Student Club (CETSC). Members of the CETSC plan, organize, and execute both charity and fundraising events. This gives an opportunity to give back to the community, collaborate with team members, and exhibit leadership skills.
MAJOR SKILLS ACQUIRED IN THE PROGRAM - Construction project planning, scheduling, and management - Quantity take-off, estimating, and tendering - Contract administration, contract law, and cost control - Computer applications in construction including Revit, MS Project, and Microsoft Office - Knowledge of the construction industry materials, products, and building systems - Technical drawing reading, sketching of details, site surveying, and specification interpretation - Organizational behaviour and construction safety
TYPICAL POSITIONS Typical employers for Con. Eng. Tech. graduates are not limited to construction firms. Graduates are also employed by government agencies, material manufacturers and suppliers, developers, and cost consultants. Companies that have no connection with the construction industry may also hire Con. Eng. Tech. graduates to manage the building of their own facilities. Graduates are typically hired into entry level positions, such as the ones listed below. More experienced graduates may be hired in a supervisory role such as Superintendents or Project Managers. They may even go on to starting their own construction company. - Project Coordinator
- Cost Control Manager
- Purchaser
- Project Manager
- Sub-Trade Coordinator
- Equipment Manager
- Project Scheduler
- Project / Field Engineer
- Project Planner
- Safety Code Officer
- Estimator
- Superintendent
- Business Developer
- Safety Coordinator
- Contract Administrator
- Owner’s Agent
- Quality Coordinator
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Join our team today! Great Teams - Great Workplaces www.scottbuilders.com
SEMESTER BREAKDOWN TERM
01 TERM
02 TERM
03 TERM
04
CSTN1111 CSTN1131 CSTN1132 CSTN1141 ENGL1238 MATH1120
Engineering Mechanics I Small Buildings Building Products and Materials Drawing Interpretation Effective Communications Technical Mathematics
CSTN1210 CSTN1245 CSTN1250 CSTN1264 CSTN1270 MATH1204
Engineering Mechanics II Building Science Project Planning and Scheduling Organizational Behaviour Estimating I: Quantity Survey Construction Mathematics
CSTN2315 CSTN2333 CSTN2353 CSTN2370 CSTN2380 CSTN2395
Wood and Steel Structures Soil Mechanics and Foundations Construction Equipment Management Estimating II: Direct Costs Construction Contract Documents Construction Project Management
CSTN2415 CSTN2421 CSTN2429 CSTN2470 CSTN2490 OHSC2410
Concrete Structures Advanced Technologies and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Construction Design Estimating III: Conceptual Estimates and Indirect Costs Finance and Cost Control Construction Safety
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…And …And much much more! more! 5537 Gateway Boulevard 5537 Gateway Boulevard Edmonton, AB T6H 2H3 Edmonton, AB T6H 2H3 780.451.4546 1.800.565.9083 780.451.4546 1.800.565.9083 budget@bprint.com budget@bprint.com
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ANNIVERSARY 1975-2022 ANNIVERSARY P R O U D L Y 1975-2022
C E L E B R A T I N G
P R O U D L Y C E L E B R A T I N G
LET’S BUILD THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION TOGETHER Clark Builders’ purpose is to enrich the lives of the people who work with us, creating a culture where you can fulfill your aspirations for growth and development. Our remarkable team, made up of individuals with unique talents and perspectives, work together to deliver exceptional, successful projects and experiences for our clients across Western and Northern Canada. Let’s make an impact together!
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SILENT AUCTION: HEART & STROKE FOUNDATION In Honour of Gary Stroich
The Con. Eng. Tech. program hosted a silent auction and donated all proceeds to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. This was done in honour of the late instructor Gary Stroich, who sadly passed away from a stroke last year. The program’s goal was $2,500 and thanks to the generosity and support of many people, $2,515 was raised. The auctioned items included wine baskets, soap, Oilers tickets, Gary Stroich’s scaling rulers and marked up prints, and more!
EXPLORE A CAREER WITH US TODAY! We are a heavy civil contractor with strong roots in our heartland community. Primarily based in Fort Saskatchewan we provide services not only in Alberta but Canada wide. At PME we pride ourselves on our existing expertise and increasing enthusiasm to expand into many areas and industries. Our motivated teams are the foundation of our projects and enjoy reaching outside the box to deliver competitive pricing and consistent results.
Estimating Project Coordination Project Management Project Planning
Project Scheduling Quality Control Safety
8402 116 Street, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L0G8 780.992.2280 resumes@pmeinc.ca
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GARY STROICH: A LIFE WORTH LIVING
HUSBAND, EDUCATOR, FRIEND.
His absence from our lives and program he created will never be filled, his contribution never equaled, his example never diminished, his lessons never forgotten. Gary believed strongly that everyone had potential. He sought in everything he did to help people explore the limits of that potential and to discover their true path. He had a unique way of finding that small bit of you to goad, twist, or downright manipulate to get that rise out of you, to propel you towards the truth. He unflinchingly exposed people to the truths of the situation and of themselves. He always sought clarity and understanding no matter how much it may have caused struggle, upset, or even anger. His gift was to show all those around him that while we may disagree, we need not be disagreeable. He was mischievous at heart – loving the twist of the tail, the poke in the proverbial side.
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A true friend to all those who saw the truth in his gruff demeanor and manner. The impact of his teaching and example has long been evident. The many thousands of people whose lives he touched are hard pressed to forget his influence, and so many think on it daily in their lives as they negotiate the twists and turns of life’s roads, metaphorically or literally in the saddle of a motorcycle. Gary dedicated his life to education. A proud NAIT graduate, going on to graduate the University of Idaho Architecture (Summa Cum Laude). He brought his drive and passion to private practice, working with his father to design and build many notable projects in Alberta. He was not the flashy showy architect of satire: practical, well built, comfort in purpose. His pride in a job well done was evident in every aspect of his professional and personal life. From the exquisite perfection of his drawings, to his letter-perfect specifications, the one-ofa-kind penmanship that flowed like water from his red ink fine-tip pen, and the immaculate yard and garden he tended with his beloved wife.
He came to NAIT in 2000 to form the core of what would become a reborn and reinvigorated Construction Engineering Technology program. His efforts, along with Terry Fulcher (deceased 2015), Bruce Smith (retired), Jim Ayres (deceased), and Jim Edgar (retired) rebuilt and cemented the reputation of the program as a place where construction careers start. The graduates that he shaped lead many organizations today, promoting his exacting attention to detail and unflinching dedication to excellence in craft. Even those who did not graduate his courses can thank him for the truths he made them face about their own skills and life choices.
He was an architect who designed and built the best education a contractor could ever want. The dichotomy in that is what made Gary so captivating, frustrating, and ultimately treasured. His joy in the devil’s advocate role raised the ire of many. If you are going to do something – do it well or not at all. He was a tireless champion of the Student Club. He dedicated years of his life to guiding those who accepted leadership roles through so many successful events. It was his drive and passion that maintained the annual Bridge Building event through the lean years and through levels of bureaucracy that ever threaten its continuation. He had immense pride in the accomplishments of two decades of ever-increasing community and charitable work by those many dedicated students, most of whom went on to enjoy meaningful and frequently exercised friendships with Gary.
He conceived of, lobbied for, and built a successful motorcycle training program first at NAIT, and then as a private service provider with his dear friend James. His legacy in this arena, being the instructor of instructors has and will save countless lives. Gary was known as Yoda to the riding instructors that he coached; an homage to his Jedi like skill on two wheels. He was also an accomplished pilot. Both passions he retired years ago having seen the reality of those risks, even is his skilled hands. An unapologetic Son of Alberta, conversative in his politics, yet a liberal living hippy with long hair, fast rides, electric guitars, and an amp big enough to break concrete. So full of contrast, and all of it balanced and tuned to perfection. Like all other things he did in life it was not enough to simply enjoy the skill but to master all aspects of the art. He self-taught himself to tune and modify the guitars he played, tweak the amps, and spent hours in the old office bank with Terry playing their fingers raw. Gary was a hard man to get the full measure of. He truly rejoiced in keeping those around him just a bit unsettled and unsure as to his true heart on a matter. Not from malice or spite ever, but again as a nod to his wry and fantastically sarcastic sense of humor. Never has a better deadpan stare and stone-faced delivery been offered so consistently to such devasting effect. Gary will never fade in our collective consciousness. His example and passion shine ever bright for all those that were fortunate enough to see his fire. His legacy is that passion need not breed haste or waste: examine, contemplate, consult, and when sure act with resolve and precision.
Written by Brad Mielke
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ALUMNI PROFILES
Justin Bourgeois, C.E.T., GSC
‘04
Business Development Manager Scott Builders Inc.
What are some responsibilities?
of
your
day-to-day
I currently hold the position of Business Development Manager at the Scott Builders Edmonton branch. Prior to this I’ve worked for over 15 years as a Project Manager in several firms; therefore, my daily tasks have drastically changed. In my previous roles as Project Manager, I was solving site issues daily, whether it be through request for information’s, change orders, or just site clarifications. Additionally, there are many items with lack of detail on the drawings that can be construced in different manners. Between the superintendent and Project Manager, these methodologies need to be finalized. A lot of the time this doesn’t occur to finite description until that scope of work is imminent. Secondly, the overall responsibility of the Project Manager is to ensure site safety, daily reviews, overall project schedule, and client satisfaction. Therefore, you are constantly looking ahead confirming shop drawings, delivery dates, and financial commitments to ensure success to your client and your company. Now that I have moved onto a Business Development role for Scott Builders, I spend more time on the front end of potential new projects rather that operationally. This is typically separated into three phases. Phase one is business development, which typically requires sourcing out new potential “leads” whether it be through finance or real estate brokers, developers, architects or consultants,
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past clients, or new information or projects that you have been following. This is by far the most difficult phase of achieving an opportunity to talk to the correct stakeholders involved and provide pricing or budgeting for their financial proformas. The second phase is sales/service. This phase typically comes after you have made a connection with a potential client and have been asked to provide budgets or pricing on a project. It is a very critical phase as it decides whether you move forward to preconstruction on a newly signed agreement, or whether the client is going in another direction. There are lots of different strategies in this phase which are all depending on the type of project, competition, client circumstances and client relationship. Once we are in this phase, we upgrade a “lead” to an “opportunity” and are responsible for ensuring that certain percentages of these become projects. Lastly, the final phase is preconstruction when an agreement has been made to a client and you begin preconstruction on the project before it is passed to a Project Manager to complete. This involves anything from site investigation to permit application, to value engineering and design. Coming from a project management background, this tends to be the most comfortable phase for me and I find that I get stuck in this phase for more than I would like to be, which can decrease the effectiveness of the other two phases. The main responsibility, however, is to get the project from lead to signed contracts and passed off to the operations team to complete.
Could you provide us with a breakdown of your career path since graduation? I graduated from NAIT’s Con. Eng. Tech. program in 2004. I literally finished my last exam on a Friday at the end of May and started my career on the following Monday at Goldwing Construction. I’ve always valued the reputation from NAIT in the construction industry and appreciated the several job opportunities that came from it while I was finishing the program. I was hired on as a Jr. Project Manager with Goldwing Construction. As they say in class, you learn about 75% of what is needed through career path and not in the books. Goldwing was a smaller general contractor with 3-5 Project Managers, and I mostly managed tenant improvement project and smaller jobs. When I felt that I needed a change in organizations to grow as a Project Manager, I decided to take another job opportunity with a larger general contracting firm, EllisDon. This was a vast change from working in a company with 25 employees to over 1000 Canada-wide. I was setup onsite in a job trailer to manage projects directly with the superintendent. This was a great experience. I was able to apply my experience with smaller projects to larger projects and learn how larger companies manage and construct buildings in different manners and speeds. I was then hired on at Chandos Construction, which at the time was a medium sized construction company that has grown into a large firm. I had the opportunity to work side-by-side as colleagues with their now President Tim Coldwell. I enjoyed my time at Chandos and again learned a lot on how differently construction companies’ manager and procure projects. I thoroughly enjoyed the types of projects that I worked on, but decided to move on after three years. I was left with six years of vastly different experience working with a small, medium, and larger construction firm and really had the opportunity to evaluate my values in a construction company moving forward. I applied to several firms and accepted a position with Scott Builders in 2010. What drew me to Scott Builders was not only the people that I knew I would be working with, but the family structure and personal versus work life balance that they really insisted needed to be incorporated. It was clear from an early stage that they were as concerned with your personal development as well as your professional. To me, this was something I hadn’t experienced
before, and it was a large breath of fresh air and made work that much more enjoyable. Since 2010, I have been promoted to a Sr. Project Manager role and now have transitions into a Business Development Manager and have been given all the tools to succeed along the way. What are some of your accomplishments/ career highlights? There are lots of projects that I found myself particularly proud of when I drive by them, and it is a great feeling seeing each job come to fruition from design to completion. However, if I had to pick a couple to mention I would say, the Moxies in South Edmonton Common. I’ve never done a restaurant before with that level of finishes. I also had the opportunity to work on the new Edmonton SPCA, which was an incredible project to see through as it was a major need in the city at that time and a world class facility. A career highlight I feel worth mentioning is, I was very insistent on becoming a Gold Seal Certified (GSC) Project Manager during my time at Scott Builders. At the time, you needed 10 years plus of work experience as a Project Manager prior to completing the test. I tried several times to challenge this requirement. As a result, I ended up being one of the youngest GSC Project Managers in Canada. What advice would you give to a graduating student? My best advice is to soak up your time as much as possible because it goes by so fast. Additionally easier said then done but keep in contact with as many people as you can moving forward into your career and lastly try and incorporate and retain the knowledge learned to apply it to your career. What advice would you give to keep students focused and persever? The program is extremely fast paced and difficult to remain focused. What helped me is keeping the end goal in mind and set small goals for each quarter to build on, and before you know it your time will be over. At the same time, it helped getting involved in the extra curriculars and building bonds while spending your time at NAIT, this helped me embrace the challenge and become successful.
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ALUMNI PROFILES
Cara Adair, A.Sc.T.
‘08
Technical Specialist, Project Management Defence Construction Canada
What are some responsibilities?
of
your
day-to-day
In my position, I am responsible for writing statements of work for design, professional studies, and construction projects as well as managing some of these contracts through to their completion on base for the Department of National Defence (DND). This means that I am involved with creating contract documents, answering questions during the tender phase and overall management through to the contract close-out in most cases. I work with the client-partner (DND) to ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the facilities required for their day-to-day operations and training. This entails many hours of coordination via e-mails, meetings, and on-site work with senior members of DND, contractors, and consultants. Could you provide us with a breakdown of your career path since graduation? Since graduation I have worked in a few different fields and have been fortunate enough to get a wide range of experience and learning. I worked as a mining coordinator in northern Alberta for three years after graduation and from there went to a local insurance restoration company before finding my current employment with Defence Construction Canada. Through these different experiences, I was able to gain the confidence and ability
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to excel in my current employment, which has the potential to see me through to a very comfortable retirement. What are some of your accomplishments/ career highlights to this point? I really enjoyed working in the mine in northern Alberta around the large excavators and haul trucks. I had the opportunity to “ride along” in a large Hitachi excavator and an electric shovel. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The size and the power of these units are almost impossible to visualize until you are up close and watch them work. Working with the military is very rewarding and gives me a feeling of patriotism because I am contributing to our country’s well-being. I have been able to work on both an armed forces base and an air base, so my experiences have been diverse. I have been able to assist with providing both groups with the facilities they require for their operations. When you think back on everything that you learned at NAIT, what was one of the most valuable things you learned? My educational experience at NAIT was very well-rounded and I appreciate the teachings of each and every instructor. The workload of the Construction Engineering Technology can, at times, be overwhelming, but it taught me how to manage a realistic
workload for being employed in the industry and how to manage my time effectively to get all of my assignments completed on time. One of my favorite courses was Contract Law and I often have to use what I learned in that course in managing contracts in my work today. All of the courses in this program provided a basic understanding of safety, supervision, construction, and design methods that have been valuable in building my career and greatly benefit my daily communications with clients, consultants, and contractors. What advice would you give to a graduating student? When graduating from NAIT, it is important to explore many opportunities and ensure that you are following your true passion, because when you love what you do it becomes part of who you are. Always remember what you learned at NAIT and use it to build your career in whatever facet of the industry that interests you most. We each have to build our own path and follow your passions because working for 20-30 years in this fast paced and challenging industry can affect your daily life. When you really enjoy your work, even the tough times are more manageable because you are able to focus on the end result of your many efforts. Considering the pace of the program, is there anything you would suggest to keep students focused and persevere? This is a very challenging course load, but I believe it is important that you focus on your work and remember that this industry is demanding and will require similar dedication after graduation. There will always be complications, but this course provides you with the tools required to resolve any issues that arise in a calm and professional manner. It is important to utilize the skills that you have learned so far in this course to mange your workload and time effectively as this will be a requirement in your future career. Always remember that learning and adapting is an important part of being successful in your career.
What is one of your favourite projects that you have worked on? A large part of my job is discretion so I cannot speak about just one project that I have worked on, but I can say that I have had the privilege of working on diverse projects ranging from geotechnical studies, renovations in residential, industrial and office space as well as small to very large new construction projects. I have worked on an armed forces base and an air base which have very different requirements and provide a wide range of projects that I have been fortunate enough to be part of. The diverse projects and challenges have ensured that I am always learning more about the design and construction methods to keep my mind engaged and ensure that I do not become complacent. What challenges have you faced as a woman in the construction industry, and what advice can you give to women considering a career in the field? In my nearly 20 years working in the construction industry as a woman, there have been times where I am treated as weaker and not viewed as an equal. At times I have felt that when I walk onto a site I am viewed as more of an administrator than an actual on-site supervisor. I have had to prove that I have experience and knowledge in construction methods and have the ability to understand the complex issues in the construction process. I have seen this change over the past few years and do believe that the industry has become more of an equal opportunity provider. Any woman seeking a career in the construction industry should first of all, remove your own stereotypes and remember that you earned your position the same as any other individual. Speak up if you have information that will benefit the project and don’t allow other’s perspectives to discourage you.
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ALUMNI PROFILES
Blaise Velasquez
‘18
Assistant Superintendent Claridge Homes
Is there anything you wish you had asked your instructors while you were still at school? I wished I had asked for more information about the differences between the career paths and the practical differences between industrial, commercial, and civil construction industry. For example, it would have been useful to know that civil projects are largely in remote areas where utilities need to be updated. Another example is the requirements to get occupancy permits, specifically what kinds of inspections are required and what is done to make the transition from a construction-site to an occupied building. When you think back on everything that you learned at NAIT, what was one of the most valuable things you learned? One of the most valuable things I learned was from Gary Stroich. He always taught me to be firm but fair, don’t overcommit yourself, and be honest. Don’t assume people understand everything you say. Clear communication is very important in this industry; you have to be able to get through to people and clearly explain your message. What is your best memory of the Construction Engineering Technology program? I would say all the friends and contacts of the program, the networks, and instructors I’ve met along the way make up my best memories. 18
What advice would you give to the first years? Is that advice any different than you’d give to the second years? Believe in yourself. It doesn’t matter if you have construction experience, you can still make it. If you don’t have the experience going into the program, it really helps to be able to visualize things, either by watching YouTube videos or visiting construction sites when you can. Take the time to look for visual representations and it will help guide you. It is also very important that you make sure to ask questions. Considering the pace of the program, is there anything you would suggest to keep students focused and persevere? Be very organized and very honest with yourself and your abilities. It helps when you use simple things, like a whiteboard or agenda – whatever works for you to stay organized. Find something that works and stick to it. Communication with your classmates is huge, but the most important thing is keeping the deadlines on track.
There Thereis isaalot lotof ofgroup group work work in in the the Construction Construction Engineering Technology any Engineering Technology program, program, any suggestions on creating an effective team? suggestions on creating an effective team? Or Or suggestions suggestions on on how how to to make make a a team team more more productive? productive? Once Once the the assignment assignment or or project project is is given, you should gather your team given, you should gather your team together together to to sit sit down down and and review review it. it. Look Look at at each each other’s other’s strengths and use them to your strengths and use them to your advantage. advantage. Identifying Identifying the the goal goal of of the the project project and and keep keep to the deadlines by playing to strengths. Make to the deadlines by playing to sure sureyou you meet meet frequently, frequently, analyze analyze progress, and communicate with each communicate with each other other to make sure everything is on track. everything is on track.
Would you you recommend recommend the the Construction Construction Would Engineering Technology program to students students Engineering Technology program to still considering their career path? still considering their career path? Absolutely! It It is is aa program program that that teaches teaches Absolutely! people a lot of technical skills. It really tests people a lot of technical skills. It really tests you and it brings a lot of skills that develop you and it brings a lot of skills that develop you. It It opens opens aa lot lot of of doors doors nation-wide nation-wide and and you. internationally. Construction is a great field to internationally. Construction is a great field to be in. be in.
What What are are some some accomplishments accomplishments you’ve achieved (career highlights)? achieved (career highlights)? Working Working on on high-rise high-rise construction is my goal goal and and passion. passion. I’m I’m very very happy happy to say that I was was able able to to achieve achieve my my career career goal out here in Ottawa Ottawa within within three three years years of of graduating. And with with the the experience experience II have have now, now, it’s easy for me to to transition transition to to different different roles roles and industries if I want want to to in in the the future. future.
We are a team of 5,000 5,000 construction construction experts experts and and professionals driven driven to to build build aa better better future future for for our clients and our our communities. communities.
201,2627 2627Ellwood Ellwood Drive Drive SW SW 201, 780.452.4260 780.452.4260 www.bird.ca www.bird.ca
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ALUMNI PROFILES
Mohamed Hersi
‘20
Project Coordinator Backwoods Energy Services
Is there anything you wish you had asked your instructors while you were still at school? I wished I had spoken with them in depth about conflict resolution. In this industry, you’re always working with someone and often you are working closely with them. In school, you’re just deal with someone’s attitude temporarily, but when it’s at work, people are more scared of accountability. Due to this, it can cause interpersonal friction, and it’s good to strategize to objectively get through to others. When you think back on everything that you learned at NAIT, what was one of the most valuable things you learned? Basic skills, such as working with Microsoft Office, was one of the most valuable things I learned. The estimating and interpretation of the blueprints was another valuable concept. What is your best memory of the Construction Engineering Technology program? We came in on a Friday, got in groups of four, and simulated a bid closing. They had us work out in the open of CAT Crossing, and placed tables and chairs right in front of the Tim Horton’s. That day was amazing. Bruce, our estimating instructor at the time, would yell “Addendum!” and everybody would run to grab a copy of it from him.
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The Emerging Trends class was very interesting. We were able to listen to people talk about their experiences out in the field. It was great to hear from people who graduated years ago who are now in all sorts of different positions come talk to us about their experience.
What advice would you give to the first years? Is that advice any different than you’d give to the second years? For the first years, I would say you need to understand that just because you pass a course, it doesn’t mean you can leave it behind. If you think you got away from Building Products, you’ll find out that you still have Building Science. Don’t like mechanics? Well, there’s a lot of mechanics involved in Capstone. For the second years – enjoy the moment, because when someone gives you a task, you can go to the same teacher who gave you the task to ask questions, and when you get 7/10 on an assignment, that’s it. In the real world, however, if someone gives you a task, and you don’t do good enough that’s your job on the line. So, enjoy the fact that everything isn’t for real. When you hit the real world, you’ll be hitting the ground running. Considering the pace of the program, is there anything you would suggest to keep students focused and persevere? The pace of the program is adequate
because because on on the the job job you’ll you’ll find find yourself yourself working working long long hours hours and and it it will will feel feel normal normal to to you. you. If If you you can can make make peace peace with with the the pace pace of of it, it, it it will will help help you you aa lot lot in in the the real real world. world. Those Those long long hours hours spent spent on on Capstone Capstone will will prepare prepare you you for for what what you’ll you’ll experience experience from from time time to to time. What Whatare areyour yourthoughts thoughtson ontime time management? Do Doyou you have have any any tips tips on on time time management? Time Time management management is the most important things important things you’ll you’ll ever ever develop. develop. The most important thing that you can important thing that you can ever implement isis aa priority priority list. list. You You can can be be surprised how something so small, that can something so small, that can easily easily be forgotten, can really bite you when can really bite you when someone comes looking looking for for it. it. Setting Setting aa list, list, and making each aa priority, will help with time priority, will help with time management so much. much. Tackling Tackling the the ones ones that that are difficult first thing thing in in the the morning morning and and do do lower mind tasks later later in in the the afternoon. afternoon. Whatwould would be be the the most most valuable valuable behavioural What and personality personality traits traits a Construction and Engineering Technology Technology student should Engineering establish to to be be aa valued valued candidate candidate for a role? establish Being detail detail orientated orientated is very important Being because the the construction construction industry industry is full of because details. There There is is aa lot lot of of autonomy autonomy in these details. positions, and and while while it it is is easy easy to just do it quick positions, andhand hand itit in in when when in in school, school, forgetting details and in the the workplace workplace can can really really bite bite you. in Gary had had an an assignment assignment in Contract Gary Law that that was was very very simple simple math. math. It consisted of Law addingand andsubtracting subtracting mainly mainly and the amount adding ofpeople people that that got got 10 10 out out of of 24 24 just because they of
forgot a a decimal, decimal, wrote wrote something something negative negative forgot when it’s it’s positive, positive, or or merely merely put put aa decimal decimal when in the the wrong wrong place place was was astounding. astounding. Small Small in mistakes and and rushing rushing something something in in the the field field mistakes can have have serious serious consequences. consequences. Imagine Imagine the the can client e-mails e-mails you you back back embarrassment ifif aa client mistake, and and they they cc cc all all your your noticing a little mistake, that can can be be minimized minimized ifif you you bosses. Often that everything. don’t rush everything. you’ve been been aa part partof, of,what whatmakes makes In the teams you’ve you want to work with with someone someone again? again? I like teams teams where where people people aren’t aren’t being being micromanaged. People People are are more more productive productive with autonomy and and you you can can give give people people autonomy by assigning assigning responsibilities. responsibilities. You You don’t want to micromanage micromanage people people because because gets the the best best results. results. ItIt instills instills autonomy usually gets personal responsibility responsibility since since their their in people a personal line. But But it’s it’s important importantthat thatthose those name is on the line. that you work with with have have the the desire desire to to figure figure itit out and get it done done right. right. It It doesn’t doesn’t work work with with everyone. What are some some accomplishments accomplishments you’ve you’ve achieved? I took on aa role role that that II thought thought would would be quite a bit different different than than it it ended ended up up being. being. Someone I was supposed supposed to to be be working working with with ended up quitting. quitting. This This put put me me in in aa position position where I had to reverse reverse engineer engineer some some of of other other people’s work to allow allow myself myself to to learn, learn, without without having to constantly constantly bother bother the the new new Project Project Manager. I excelled excelled at at this this job job and and learned learned aa tremendous amount. amount.
THE FUTURE YOU WANT IS WITHIN REACH JoinPCL PCLConstruction Constructionand andyou youcan can write write the the plan plan for for aa future future that that you you own. own. Join Bring us your talents, your passions and your best efforts every day, and Bring us your talents, your passions and your best efforts every day, and we’ll we’ll helpyou youtransform transformyour yourvision visionfrom from aa dream dream into into reality. reality. With With us, us, success success isn’t help isn’t aa competition — it lives in the commitment to professional growth that we all competition — it lives in the commitment to professional growth that we all share. share.
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ALUMNI PROFILES
Ahmed Nur
‘20
Construction Analyst Trillium Advisory Group
22
When you think back on everything that you learned at NAIT, what was one of the most valuable things you learned?
What advice would you give to the first years? Is that advice any different than you’d give to the second years?
From the technical side, estimating and scheduling allows you to make an impact in your position as soon as you start. This applies to industrial, residential, and commercial construction. Since the concepts taught are key components of coordinating, estimating, and scheduling, the basic concepts and theories that you learn can be applied everywhere. Learning Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel were also all beneficial. From the behavioural side, teamwork was the biggest asset. I’ve been involved with different the trades and various jobsites. The teamwork involved, especially in the second and third semester, allowed me to learn how to cope with different personalities and work with various people to establish solid team building and teamwork skills.
The first year will initially seem like it’s a lot, but the biggest skill to have, or to gain, throughout that year is time-management. This will help you navigate the waters a lot smoother. It is even more important for the second year.
If you could do your Construction Engineering Technology diploma over again, is there anything you would have changed?
Would you recommend the Construction Engineering Technology program to students still considering their career path?
I would have liked to learn more about the instructors and asked more about their experiences to truly get a feel from the management side. It would be great if I got to learn more about the management and architectural aspect of construction.
I have already recommended this program to quite a few people because it is incredibly versatile. The skills learned can transfer to estimating, scheduling, cost control, project management, and more. They are very transferable to many sectors and not only in construction.
Considering the pace of the program, is there anything you would suggest to keep students focused and persevere? Realize that how you work today directly effects your end goal. Figure out what you are ultimately trying to do and decide if you are willing to take that personal sacrifice. Much of what you are asked to do in the program rounds out your knowledge and will benefit you in the end.
What Whatare areyour yourthoughts thoughtson ontime timemanagement? management? Do Doyou youhave haveany anytips tips on on time time management? management?
for someone someone to to tell tell you you the theanswer answer you to wait for you to to provide provide solutions. solutions. they want you
Time Time management management is is as as crucial crucial as it is key. key.The Theinitial initial learning learning curve curve is is huge; huge; there is a big bigsink sinkor orswim swim atmosphere atmosphere at at the the beginning. Anything Anything you you need, need, you’ll you’ll need need to to ask. Learn how howto toprioritize prioritize different different tasks tasks because because things will willcome come at at you you very very quickly. quickly. Write Write a to-do list every every morning morning and and any any problem problem that that requires you to to think think creatively creatively do do in in the the morning. morning. Any you lowermind mindtasks, tasks, try try to to do do after after lunch. lunch. lower
teams you’ve you’vebeen beenaapart partof, of,what whatmakes makes In the teams to work work with with someone someoneagain? again? you want to
Whatwould wouldbe bethe themost most valuable valuable behavioural behavioural What and personality personality traits traits aa Construction Construction and Engineering Technology Technology student student should Engineering establishto tobe beaavalued valued candidate candidate for a role? establish The most most valuable valuable traits traits aa graduate The should have are open-mindedness, should have are open-mindedness, willingness tolearn, learn, interpersonal interpersonal intelligence, intelligence, and and critical critical to thinking. You are going to be in situations a lot lot thinking. You are going to be in situations a of the time where you have to just figure it out. of the time where you have to just figure it out. Your Project Project Manager Manager is is going going to to want want you you to to Your figure things out for yourself and bring them figure things out for yourself and bring them solutionsinstead insteadof of problems. problems. They They want want you you to to solutions be able to utilize the resources you have at your be able to utilize the resources you have at your disposal. disposal. Saying “I“I didn’t didn’t know know what what II was was doing” doing” Saying is a very bad answer because they’re immediate is a very bad answer because they’re immediate response would would be, be, “well, “well, who who did did you you ask?” ask?” response Nobody is going to tell you exactly what to do Nobody is going to tell you exactly what to do all the time. They want you to be eager and all the time. They want you to be eager and figure things things out out for for yourself. yourself. They They don’t don’t want want figure
Collaborative teams teams that that are are willing willing to to Collaborative listen for for ideas ideas that that would would positively positively share and listen team. impact the team. There is a lot lot of of group groupwork workin inthe theConstruction Construction Engineering Engineering Technology Technology program. program. Any Any suggestions suggestions on on creating creating an an effective effective team? team? Or suggestions suggestions on on how how to to make make aa team teammore more productive? productive? Listen Listen to to what what everybody everybody has has to to say. say. But be aware aware of of group group think think and andbeware bewareof ofthe the loudest people. Try not to hang back and merely people. Try not to hang back and merely go with what what others others have have said. said. It’s It’s important important to listen to everybody’s questions/suggestions, everybody’s questions/suggestions, and and objectively objectively respond respond to to everyone. everyone. Dissect each comment Dissect each comment and andbe beradically radically transparent. People tend to attach themselves transparent. People tend to attach themselves to to the the offered offered suggestion, suggestion, especially especially itit isis theirs theirs or if the opinion is popular. or if the opinion is popular. It’s It’s important important to to not not get get insulted insulted when when someone someone attempts attempts to to understand understand something something by by asking asking about about itit objectively. If you can listen keenly and separate objectively. If you can listen keenly and separate yourself yourself from from the the emotional emotional attachments attachments interpersonally when interpersonally when trying trying to to find find the the right right answer, it will tend to make the outcomes answer, it will tend to make the outcomes better. better.
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