2024 NAIT Construction Engineering Technology Student Club Career Book by Con.Eng.Tech

Photo by Alicia Paydli

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

EXECUTIVE PROFILES

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

SEMESTER BREAKDOWN

TYPICAL GRADUATE CAREERS

THE ART OF STUDY

A BLUEPRINT FOR INTERVIEW SUCCESS

BUILDING SUCCESS: INSIGHTS FROM OUR CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY ALUMNI

CLUB EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

CONSTRUCTION ZONE

THANK YOU, INDUSTRY

CONTENTS

CONNECT WITH US Find the Construction Engineering Technology Student Club on LinkedIn.com EMAIL: cetsc@gmail.com

The 2023-2024 Career Handbook is published by the Construction Engineering Technology Student Club on behalf of the student body. The book aims to promote our program to the construction industry while providing students with valuable resources to aid in their upcoming job search. It contains an overview of the academic, charitable, and social aspects of the Construction Engineering Technology Program as well as content reflecting a variety of the many careers students can aspire to.

It is a great honor to represent this year’s unwavering group of learners. As the Construction Engineering Technology student club (CETSC) president, I have observed the intent and care that the senior and junior classes demonstrate; Asking the questions, doing the research, digging deep into the techniques and technologies driving the construction industry. Pursuing our goals does not come without its share of hurdles. Selfreflection, hard work, and growth are all par for the course. In order to progress, we must test ourselves. Analyzation of our progress can allow us to mitigate any challenges, and will ensure success in our endeavours. Fellow students, our greatest challenge in achieving our goals often lies within ourselves. The CET program is providing a platform for us to cultivate knowledge, expand our networks and lay the foundation for our futures, but it is up to us the take advantage of these opportunities. Be present; each relationship and encounter within this experience has the potential to propel us toward prosperity. To our engaging instructors, thank you for your passion, commitment and willingness to work with us. Guiding us to think critically, be bold, integral and true to ourselves. Being dedicated in a role that influences so many is commendable. Newfound drawing interpretation, engineering fundamentals, project management and estimating tools and techniques obtained over the recent months / years attending NAIT has equipped us with an invaluable skill set and will shape the course of our lives. Though participating in this progressive program has presented its share of excitement and pressure, at times pushing us to our limits, we will reflect on our time in the course fondly as it has not only influenced our livelihoods but has also pushed us to reach further than we thought ourselves capable. Dylan Havig President, CETSC 2023-24

Photo by IQRemix [Cropped]

STUDENT CLUB EXECUTIVE MEMBERS SHAWN HILL

MATTHEW TANCIOCO

VP FINANCE

VP OPERATIONS

Shawn Hill is in his second and final year of the Construction Engineering Technology Program at NAIT. Eager to reconnect with industry professionals and establish new relationships with classmates, he joined the student council to help foster these relationships and support local communities with the various volunteer opportunities offered by the CETSC. With 15 years of experience in the construction industry, he has transitioned from a skilled journeyman red-seal plumber to a foreman. Before returning to NAIT to pursue his passion for construction and further his education, he worked as a junior estimator and project coordinator for a small mechanical contractor in Edmonton. His hands-on expertise and leadership qualities have been pivotal in successfully completing various construction projects throughout Alberta. Beyond the construction site, Shawn is an avid golfer, cyclist, snowboarder, and camper.

Matthew Tancioco, currently in his second year of the Construction Engineering Technology program at NAIT as an international student, draws from his background in civil engineering and drafting. Passionate about service, when presented with the opportunity to serve he eagerly assumed the role of Vice President in the student club, driven by the goal of enhancing students' lives through engaging events and fostering networking opportunities. Recognizing the challenges of construction engineering, Matthew is dedicated to supporting his peers and ensuring a fulfilling experience at NAIT. Beyond academics, he finds joy in cooking for his wife and exploring scenic city trails during leisurely walks.

GRAPHIC DESIGN ROMELEN CENIZA Romelen is a second-year student in the Construction Engineering program. Originally from the Philippines, she bgean her higher education pursuit with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and later expanded her knowledge base by completing a diploma in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting at NAIT as an international student. Despite her financial and business acumen, her heart lies in the realm of art particularly in the creation of portraits. This passion for artistic expression led her to enroll in the CET program, where she seeks to meld her love for construction and architecture with the knowledge gained from her previous academic pursuits. She actively contributes to the campus community by volunteering with the CETSC to enhance her academic experience while forging meaningful connections with fellow students.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER CONNOR MCLAUGHLIN Connor is an event coordinator, a social media manager, and the second-year representative for the Construction Engineering Technology Student Club. In his club roles he had coordinated and hosted events, as well as managed the posts made on the Con Eng. LinkedIn page. He spent his summer an intern for Jen-Col Construction, given many tasks both on and off site to help broaden his knowledge of the construction industry. His goals once finishing school are to further his intellect of construction, continue to make good connections, and possibly be put in a position to lead. These are some of the many reasons why he enjoy volunteering with the club. It is a great way to meet new people, while also providing invaluable support to incoming first-year students as they navigate the program, making their experience a little smoother.

EVENT COORDINATOR CALEB SMEDING Caleb is an event coordinator, and first year representative for the Construction Engineering Technology student club. As a member of the CETSC, among participating in social and charitable events, he has taken initiative in organizing a ski trip, the first week of January 2024. The student club is a valuable resource to the students of this program by providing opportunities to engage and connect with fellow peers, mentors, and professionals. Caleb’s desire to expand his knowledge and advance his career within the construction industry has guided him to the program. As the months go on, he looks forward to working more intently with the club.

Construction Engineering Technology (CET or Con. Eng. Tech.) is a 2 or 3 year program offered at NAIT. The CET 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. 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 (CETCS). Members of the CETCS 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. NAIT‘s CET program is unparalleled and held in high regard among construction professionals. Successful participants, and their acquired skills make them ideal candidates for a growing workforce.

Construction project planing, scheduling and management Structural engineering fundamentals Quantity take-off, estimating, and tendering Contract administration, contract law and cost control Computer applications in construction including Procore, 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 Supervision and construction safety

Photo by Christopher Burns

CSTN1111 CSTN1131 CSTN1132 CSTN1141 ENGL1238 MATH1120

Engineering Mechanics I Small Buildings Building Products & Materials Drawing Interpretation Effective Communication Technical Mathematics

CSTN1210 CSTN1245 CSTN1250 CSTN1264 CSTN1270 MATH1204

Engineering Mechanics II Building Science Project Planning & Scheduling Organizational Behaviour Estimating I: Quantity Surveying 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 & BIM Construction Design Conceptual Estimates & Indirect Cost Finance and Cost Control Construction Safety

PHOTO BY RICARDO GOMEZ ANGEL

TYPICAL GRADUATE CAREERS Common employers for Construction Engineering Technology graduates are not limited to construction firms. CET diploma recipients are also employed by government agencies, material manufacturers and suppliers, developers, and consultants. Companies that have no connection with the construction industry may also hire CET technologists to manage the building of their own facilities. Typical positions that graduates have been hired into include: Project Coordinator Project Manager Project Scheduler Project Planner Estimator Safety Coordinator

Cost Control Manager Sub-trade Coordinator Project/ Field Engineer Safety Code Officer Superintendent Contract Administrator

Purchaser/ Buyer Agent Equipment Manager Quality Coordinator Business Developer Owner’s Agent Building Science Tech.

Photo by Ezra Jeffrey-Comeau

THE ART OF STUDY

Written by: Dylan Havig

We all know that sleeping with books under your pillow isn't the most effective study plan. But with so much going on, how are we supposed to manage a personal life, extracurriculars, school and beyond? Here’s a few tips to help you on your way. Come up with a plan. It is important to set goals; an amount of study time per day or clear standards in which you are working to meet. Keep your goals attainable as it may be discouraging otherwise. Stay on top of your studies, playing catch up is a dangerous game. Avoid cramming. Sometimes there are no ifs ands or buts about it, but if you can, try not to cram before an exam. According to Williams College psychologist Nate Kornell, PhD, although it may get you through the next day this technique doesn’t promote lasting learning. Consistent practice and review sessions are a more manageable and effective approach. Ask for help. It may not be a habit yet, but get used to asking for guidance if you are unsure about content. Your instructors, tutors or classmates will be able to point you in the right direction. Not being 100% on an assignment may only cost you a grade in class, but in the working world, the repercussions could be much more severe, including financial burden or even damage to both your personal reputation and the company's image. Being part of a study group can facilitate this – we’re all going through this together!

Photo by Scott Graham

09 09

Take breaks. Just like our bodies fatigue, so does the mind. Remember to take five to give your brain a break. As per the National Institute of Health (NIH), some downtime will not only help keep you focused, but also allows the brain to analyze and solidify new information into memory. NIH also specifies the importance of REM cycle sleep in reference to retaining information. Mind your workspace. When it comes to learning, we all have ideal settings, whether it’s some calming ambiance or a busy coffee shop nook - A suitable workspace can make all the difference. Get yourself set up somewhere with minimal distractions or post up with your favorite study buddy. Use your technology wisely. You can set daily limits on your preferred apps to deter you from procrastinating and keep your phone out of sight and reach if you must!

Photo by Redd F

Reward yourself. Time to relieve some of that pressure with a well deserved reward. Studies indicate administrating smaller rewards during a task can optimize interest and enjoyment. Prepare a snack or brew up a pot of your favorite tea to sip on while you work. After a major session, consider spoiling yourself.

With a desire to learn, a thought out plan and determination, securing your degree should come with ease, and minimal everlasting nights of cramming. Developing crucial soft skills will elevate your confidence working with a team. Setting yourself up in a comfortable environment and remembering to take breaks and reward yourself will foster timely and successful completion of tasks. As the assignments pile up and the assessments taunt from afar, the stress will accumulate. You will be the only person who can manage this. Getting started can be daunting but remember, something as simple as just putting a few words on paper could propel the momentum. Stay positive and stick to your plan – it will all be worth it in the end.

A Blueprint for Interview Success 1/2

Written by: Dylan Havig

Photo by Cytonn Photography

So we've got the skills, now we just need to land the job. In a competitive market there‘s only one way to ensure a successful selection process; be prepared. These tips may help you land your dream job.

Research the company and position you are applying for. Showing enthusiasm demonstrates a genuine interest in the opportunity. Understanding their goals and values will allow you to align your skills and experience to the company's needs - thus making you a more desirable candidate. Having this knowledge will help you deliver appealing responses to the interviewer, and enhance your confidence. Be prepared to answer common interview questions. Familiarize yourself with the typical back and forth of an interview - Google is your friend. Remember to stay true to yourself and be honest with your responses. Having practiced scenarios beforehand will give you confidence in your replies.

Come prepared with questions of your own. Not only are they interviewing you, but you are also interviewing them. Do your values align? Besides a competitive salary, what kind of benefits can they offer you? How often will they conduct performance reviews and what is the career path for someone applying for this position? Dress the Part. You are auditioning to fill a very important aspect of your life. Take pride in how you present yourself - this is likely not the time try out that new garlic cream cheese everything bagel with the smoked salmon topping. Sometimes first impressions are all you get so make it count!

A Blueprint for Interview Success 2/2

Plan to arrive early. Being on time means arriving at least ten minutes early. It is paramount that you show consideration for your prospective employer’s time. First impressions leave a lasting impact and being tardy for an interview conveys a lack of genuine interest. Arriving early will also give you a few minutes to compose your thoughts and review interview tactics. Print a few copies of your resume. By now, you should already have your resume perfected. It could come in handy to bring along a few of those bad boys. A copy of your transcript may also prove useful. Being proactive will shine through in your character.

Be respectful and thank the interviewer for the consideration. Your interactions could make or break the interview. Make eye contact and greet the interviewer(s) with a firm handshake and a smile. It is important to give your full attention to them. Don’t hesitate to request that they repeat a question; this can not only clarify things you but also can provide an additional moment to consider your response. Show gratitude for the opportunity by saying thank you. Follow Up. Reach out within 24hrs to, again, express your gratitude for the interview. Reaffirm your interest in the position and briefly mention why you’d be a good fit with the company.

If you don’t get the position, you can always use the experience to learn; What went wrong? what went right? Where can I improve for next time? Seek feedback and utilize it to your advantage. Don’t give up, with hard work and dedication, the perfect job for you is out there.

THE FUTURE YOU WANT IS WITHIN REACH Join PCL Construction and you can write the plan for a future that you own. Bring us your talents, your passions and your best efforts every day, and we’ll help you transform your vision from a dream into reality. With us, success isn’t a competition — it lives in the commitment to professional growth that we all share.

pcl.com/careers

Photo by Ryunosuke Kikuno

Building Success: Insights from Our Construction Engineering Technology Alumni

Robert Allen Project Coordinator 6 months Industry Experience Delnor Construction

How much construction industry experience did you have prior to entering the program and how did it affect your time at NAIT and career choice? Before going to NAIT, I had minimal construction experience. I worked in renovations and landscaping during summers throughout high school and university in a labor role. I wouldn’t say that these jobs influenced my choice to attend NAIT or pursue construction as a career. What drove me to NAIT was more about curiosity and the desire to change the path of my career. Given your current role, what course in the program has helped you the most? Drawing Interpretation, Project Management, and all the estimating courses helped me the most. A big part of a coordinator’s role is to have a strong grasp of drawings. Learning how to interpret and apply the drawings will be important for the coordinator’s success. The estimating courses were the most realistic and applicable because of the need to interpret a set of drawings.

Given the fast-paced nature of the Con. Eng. Tech. Program, do you have any tips for current students to help them stay focused? The two tips to stay focused throughout the program are to stick to a schedule and to build relationships. First, keeping a schedule will help by not being in catch-up mode all the time. Avoiding cramming for a test or completing a project the night before it’s due will help you appreciate and grasp the content a lot more. Of course, staying ahead of schedule is easier said than done. Second, quality relationships will help you with higher grades, getting a job, and just enjoying your time. Finding a group to study with and work in group projects with will teach you more than working alone can. A positive relationship with your instructors also goes a long way. Not only do they mark your work, but they will be your references to get into a job. If you had the opportunity to retake the program, what would you do differently? I was able to really excel with time management and relationship building, like mentioned above, so there is not a lot that I would do differently. I really enjoyed my time at NAIT and feel like I took full advantage. Now that you are in the industry, is there any additional education you have been looking into or have already done? If so, why? I think that working in a trade and being a journeyman ahead of time would have really helped. Site experience will go a long way in helping how a construction site runs. I’m too early in my career to pursue anything right now, simply trying to learn the ropes at my current company. What is the most challenging part of your current role and how did the program prepare you for these challenges?

The most challenging part of my current role is the language (terms, acronyms, abbreviations, etc.) and understanding responsibilities of specific subtrades. As lots of companies and job sites are unique, and each project manager and superintendent have certain preferences, school would not have been able to prepare me for that. With this being my first job like this, I think it’s a natural learning curve that comes with experience and proper training. What is a piece of advice you would like to share with the first years, and what is something you would like to share with the second year students? First years: Build good habits, because some classes are easier than others and instructors demands change with the class, you will need a good foundation going into each course and be ready for anything. Make some friends and use this year as a warmup to second year. Second years: Go to as many events as possible, these are your networking opportunities for a career. And in the classroom, don’t forget your instructors want you to succeed and are instructors for a reason. Accept as much help and review sessions as you can, especially in capstone. Did your career goals change from the time you entered the program up to now? If so how? I don’t think my career goals changed from the program until now, especially because I am new to industry. The Con Eng program tailors the program to project management, and that is the path I’m on right now. I do think I will keep working on this path. For students who are undecided on what career path to take, what advice would you recommend? I recommend working for a general contractor. This is a good way to get a taste of every group involved in construction and understand the building process. There will be plenty of different paths that a general contractor background will help with.

What social events during your time in the program did you enjoy the most/find the most useful? Bowling nights and Industry Night. I met my current employer through Industry Night, very worth attending. Are there any questions you wish you would have asked when you were a student? There aren’t any big questions that I wish I had asked, but I do wish I learnt earlier to ask all the small questions. It took me until the second year to swallow my pride and ask any question that I had, whether it was in a classroom setting or one on one. It is very important to ask questions. What skillsets would you suggest students focus on developing as they progress through the program? Soft skills are very important. Learning to work in a group and managing schedules with others is a very good skill to have. With the heavy workload in the program, how did you manage to keep up your productivity and mitigate distractions? Like I mentioned above, finding a good group to work with kept me on track. We all held each other accountable and helped fill in a lot of learning gaps throughout the program. What was your biggest takeaway from the Con. Eng. program? My biggest takeaway from the program was that the construction industry has endless opportunities and career paths. Construction isn’t only engineers, architects and contractors, there are a lot of gaps to fill and careers to chase.

single course I took, and I think that’s why NAIT’s Construction Engineering Technology program is so highly sought-after. The program’s instructors, staff, and PAC members really put a lot of effort into developing the courses and ensuring the material is relevant. If you’re taking full advantage of your education, you’ll find that everything is useful to a degree but it’s truly the application of that knowledge where you’ll discover your abilities and be able to challenge yourself to succeed.

Emily Bruce Project Coordinator 5 Years Industry Experience JEN COL Construction Ltd.

How much construction industry experience did you have prior to entering the program and how did it affect your time at NAIT and career choice? Heading into the CET program at NAIT, I had just over 3 years experience in the role of project coordination and over 8 years experience in the construction industry. I feel like everyone takes away different things from the program based on what they’re aspiring to achieve with the education and tools the program provides. For myself, I knew that I wanted the education to give a broader spectrum to my career opportunities in which I could actively participate in larger scale commercial and institutional type projects. With this goal in mind, I focused on ensuring the program helped me to grow what I already knew about the industry as well as develop the tools and opportunities to chase after my career dreams. I think any opportunity is what you make of it and my time at NAIT really solidified this mindset for myself. Given your current role, what course in the program has helped you the most? There isn’t really one course that provided everything I need to succeed in my current role. I pull from every

Given the fast-paced nature of the Con. Eng. Tech. Program, do you have any tips for current students to help them stay focused? This course is a challenging one that can take you to new heights and see you succeed, but you must truly want that for yourself. I always try to find some balance and schedule in some personal time but be honest and make true commitments to my work at university. By making the sacrifices and committing to being successful in your studies, you’ll see that it pays off in the end. Your professors are a great asset for you because they really do want to see you succeed. Ask them for help balancing your schedule and setting up a plan for success. Other things I did to ensure I stayed on track at school are: Create to do lists and put realistic dates to them. I like to physically write these out on a wipeable calendar board and update it regularly. It helps to have this visual beside my workstation so I can hold myself accountable and ensure everything is up to date on it. Find a good moderate-sized study group (36 people) and commit to weekly study sessions. We booked the study rooms or classrooms at NAIT for 4-hour sessions where we would tackle group projects or go through study quizzes we collectively compiled. It was great to be able to bounce study questions off each other and everyone really helped each other to understand the materials.

The minute you hear them, add important items to your electronic calendar on your phone with reminders. This will ensure you never miss the due date and are always prepared for the upcoming quiz. Carve out time for yourself weekly. I went to the gym 3 times a week and always took half a day off on the weekends to catch up on errands and take myself out for a nice coffee. This time to myself helped me to recharge and have the energy to keep tackling all the things the course throws your way. Go to class. Even if you’re ahead of the class or you’ve done the assignment, get out of bed and go to class. Your instructors have meaningful advice and can help you improve your submission if you’re already done it. If there’s nothing for you to do, just use the time as a bonus study session to work on other assignments/courses. If you had the opportunity to retake the program, what would you do differently? There is not a lot I would change if I retook the program. I’m glad I seized the opportunities that were put before me and I’m happy with the friends I made while I was there. I would probably try to find a way to put less pressure on myself to get perfect grades, but I’m happy with the opportunities and rewards that brought into my life so I’m not sure where that balance would be or what it would look like. Now that you are in the industry, is there any additional education you have been looking into or have already done? If so, why? I am currently taking the online open-study Indigenous Canada course through the U of A. In my current role, I work with a lot of first nations groups and I felt that this course would help me to better understand what it means to be indigenous in Canada so I can better provide better construction services that are applicable to the needs of First Nations People in Canada. In the near future, I am starting my LEED Green Associate training as this aligns with my personal goals of building more sustainably. I am also working towards my Certified Engineering Technologist and Gold Seal designations. I would

classify myself as a lifelong learner so I’m sure I will always be looking for more learning opportunities. What is the most challenging part of your current role and how did the program prepare you for these challenges? The most challenging aspect of my current role is time-management and tracking the various ongoing activities while maintaining project documentation and ensuring we’re meeting our deliverables. I think that the CET program helped to prepare me for this through the fast-paced course work as well through group work where we were required to hold our team accountable to meet assignment deadlines and be successful in our projects. Learning to balance our time, hold each other and ourselves accountable, and deliver concurrent assignments and projects is a great simulation of the real-life situations you’ll get into as a project coordinator. What is a piece of advice you would like to share with the first years, and what is something you would like to share with the second-year students? Advice for both: See the answer to question 3. Take your studies seriously because you get out what you put into them. Advice for first-years: Attend some of the extracurricular NAIT and CETSC events. Your classes are important, but so is networking and having fun. If you can make good relationships with your fellow students and industry professionals, you can develop your career before you’ve even graduated. By learning to network and using those skills at industry night, I was able to secure a summer internship in the early part of my second semester. I also enjoyed my classes a lot more when I was having fun with my peers outside of our classes. It makes the program so much more enjoyable. Advice for second-years: Same as above. Also, start chasing the companies you want to work for in September. Ask if you can job shadow for an afternoon or tour their offices. Reach out to someone you know who works there and ask if you can take them for coffee and talk about their

work. Bring your business card and/or resume with you so you can let them know you’re interested in working for them and provide them with the means to vet you and follow up with you. Also, dress the part. I can’t tell you how many times I saw people in jeans and t-shirts at events. If you clean up a little they’ll remember that you looked professional and first impressions do matter. Did your career goals change from the time you entered the program up to now? If so how? My short-term career goals are always changing because I am constantly trying to improve myself and my professional resume. Even though they are constantly evolving, my short-term goals always align with my long-term goals of becoming a project manager of commercial and institutional projects. I reevaluate my goals every 6 months to make sure that I’m on track and to add new goals that can better get me to my long-term goals. If you’d like to try this but you’re not sure where to start you can use your NAIT portal to connect to the career advising department at NAIT and book an appointment with a career counsellor. They’re career-focused advisors who are trained to help you create specific plans to achieve your long-term career aspirations. For students who are undecided on what career path to take, what advice would you recommend? See the answer to question 8 and question 7. If you want to figure out what type of career to embark on you need to experience things and talk to people who are in roles you think you might want to try. Getting a summer internship in the industry is a great way to try out a role before committing to it. In my summer internship I was lucky to be able to try project coordination and estimating, as well as job shadow some of the more senior employees to see what they do. It helped solidify my choice of going into project management as well as provided me some great insight as to what areas I need to work on improving to become a project manager.

What social events during your time in the program did you enjoy the most/find the most useful? During my time at NAIT I really enjoyed the CETSC events like bowling and dodgeball because it gave me the opportunity to connect with my peers beyond the four walls of a classroom. I think building networks with your peers is just as important as building networks with industry professionals. I also really enjoyed the academic panels put on by NAIT and NAITSA. There are so many opportunities out there and as a student at NAIT you have incredible (usually free or inexpensive) access to meet and talk to industry professionals from all sorts of backgrounds. Make sure you’re on ookslife.ca and subscribe to some of the clubs calendars so you can track upcoming events and RRSP to ones you want to attend. Lastly, I took great value from attending industry night and con eng connect events hosted by the Construction Engineering Technology program. Both of these allowed me to build my professional network within the construction industry. Are there any questions you wish you would have asked when you were a student? I think I was among the students that never stopped asking questions. One thing I never regretted asking, is asking my professors to review my assignments after I got the marks back. This helped me to improve for my next submission and I often got feedback that was valuable for improving my knowledge of the materials. This also helped me to understand which areas I needed to improve on for testable material. What skillsets would you suggest students focus on developing as they progress through the program? This question is so specific to each individual because we all have our own strengths and weaknesses, as well as different aspirations and comfort levels. I think the best way to answer this is I would focus on figuring out what you want to do and then develop a plan to get there and build your skillset around that plan.

Photo by Mike van den Bos

With the heavy workload in the program, how did you manage to keep up your productivity and mitigate distractions? Caffeine and good study buddies. All jokes aside though, I think my answer in question 3 applies here. Work together with your fellow students because you can accomplish a lot more together than individually. Create to do lists, track things in electronic or written lists (whichever works better for you). What was your biggest takeaway from the Con. Eng. program? My biggest take away from the Construction Engineering Technology program is that you get out of the program what you put into it. I saw some smart individuals not do well because they didn’t want to commit, and some average students really excel because they put the time in to do well. It doesn’t matter where you start, it just matters what you’re willing to put into it to succeed.

Jensen McElheran Project Coordinator 2.5 years industry Experience Chandos Construction

How much construction industry experience did you have prior to entering the program and how did it affect your time at NAIT and career choice?

Prior to entering the Construction Engineering Technology program, I had fairly minimal construction experience. To try to gain some experience, prior to starting the program I had spent a summer working for a landscape construction company. Even though I had limited experience, I had a good understanding of the construction industry prior to entering the program. I understood that the material I was learning in school was going to benefit me once I graduated. I wanted to learn as much as possible so I could be successful in my career. Given your current role, what course in the program has helped you the most? As a Project Coordinator, I have felt that the contract documents class was the most beneficial to me. The class gave me a basic understanding of the different construction contracts, and the roles and relationships between each party involved. I use the information I learned in this class on a day-to-day basis as it is important to be able to understand the differences in each contract and how they are managed. Given the fast-paced nature of the Con. Eng. Tech. Program, do you have any tips for current students to help them stay focused? I think the most important part to staying focused, is being able to manage your time, and prioritizing tasks that need to be completed. By planning your time, you can focus on one thing at a time, rather than jumping between multiple different tasks. This allows for more productive and efficient work, and free's up more time to allow for things outside of school work. I also found that I was most efficient when I was able to find a balance between leisure time and schoolwork. This balance looks different from day to day, but allowing for time outside of school is important. If you had the opportunity to retake the program, what would you do differently? If I was to retake the program, I would approach my capstone project differently. I would spend more time planning and preparing for the meetings with the instructors - this would have 1

allowed me to ask better questions and get a better understanding of the project. I think I would have been more successful if I set better goals or milestones for myself, and if I had managed my time better throughout the class. Now that you are in the industry, is there any additional education you have been looking into or have already done? If so, why? I have not taken any additional courses yet, however, have looked into a few of the opportunities offered by the Edmonton Construction Association. I believe it is important to always be growing in your career. The experience I have gained has helped me in this area, but taking courses to gain different perspectives on certain topics would be beneficial. What is the most challenging part of your current role and how did the program prepare you for these challenges? The role of a project coordinator is to remove any roadblocks or constraints from the site team, and to ensure that the information that is required is available on time. Working in commercial construction on a range of projects from pools to police stations to schools, there is a large amount of information required to keep these projects progressing. The most challenging part of my current role would be managing my time and prioritizing items that could have an impact on construction. The program prepared me for this role by giving an understanding of different building systems and processes that are involved in construction. The heavy work load in the program also helps prepare you for the fast paced environment of construction. What is a piece of advice you would like to share with the first years, and what is something you would like to share with the second-year students? My Advice to first year students would be to try and learn and take away as much information as much as possible from each course. The information that is taught in the program is so valuable and will help you throughout your career. The more effort you can put w

into learning this information up front, the easier your time will be throughout the program. My advice to second year students who will be shortly starting a new career is - don't be afraid to ask dumb questions. Early on I was afraid to ask questions, especially about construction processes and how things fit together. I have since learned that as there is so much to know about construction, everyone is still learning, no matter their role or position. It is important to ask questions and to learn from people with more experience. Lean on those who are experts in their scope for advice rather than only relying on what you already know. Did your career goals change from the time you entered the program up to now? If so how? My career goals have not changed since entering the program, however as I have gained more insight on my role, my goals have become more specific. Prior to starting the program, my goal was to start as a project coordinator and eventually work up to a project manager. Now I have a better understanding of the stepping stones required to get me to this goal, and the areas I need to develop in. For students who are undecided on what career path to take, what advice would you recommend? It is important to enjoy and be interested in the work that you do. Gaining experience in the industry is an excellent way to learn if it is the right match for you. After my first year in the program, I worked as a labourer at a concrete company to gain a better understanding of construction. This was valuable experience and encouraged me to continue with the construction industry. Other opportunities would be to work as a summer student or shadow an individual in the construction industry. This will give you firsthand experience to help you make this decision. What social events during your time in the program did you enjoy the most/find the most useful?

The events that I found the most enjoyable would either be the bridge building competition, or the bowling night the student club put together. At both events I was able to meet other students that are now some of my closest friends. As far as the most useful event, I would give this to Industry night. At industry night you have the opportunity to meet people working in the industry who you may work with in the future. It is an excellent night for networking and getting your name out there in the industry.

What was your biggest takeaway from the Con Eng program? The Construction Engineering Technology program is not easy, however it prepares you well for a career in the construction industry. The construction industry is also busy, fast paced, and can be demanding - I believe the program gives you a hint of what that looks like. The program gives you skills to start your career and introduces you to a broad range of information. It is a great starting point for anyone who is interested in working in the construction industry.

Are there any questions you wish you would have asked when you were a student? I can't think of any specific questions that I wish I would have asked in the program. I was able to ask the instructors for help and feedback when needed. What skillsets would you suggest students focus on developing as they progress through the program? I would encourage students to develop their relationship and people skills while they progress through the program. Whether it is your peers or trade partners, while working in the construction industry, you will come across many different personality types. As a project coordinator, you will be required to have difficult conversations while maintaining relationships with the people you are working with. With the heavy workload in the program, how did you manage to keep up your productivity and mitigate distractions? When I needed to put extra focus into a test or assignment, often I would go into school early and find a quiet place to work. I found that removing myself from the distractions of my home was a way for me to work more effectively. When I noticed I was no longer being productive on my work, I would also either take a break, or come back to the assignment the next day. I found that staying ahead of your work, and procrastinating allows for more flexibility in this way.

Bart Kaznowski Project Coordinator 4 years Industry experience Clark Builders

How much construction industry experience did you have prior to entering the program and how did it affect your time at NAIT and career choice? I was in the industry for 14 years working on residential and commercial projects, this helped me with certain courses as I had a good foundational knowledge of building envelope and electrical mechanical coordination. That past work experience helped guide me to work for a general contractor.

Given your current role, what course in the program has helped you the most? The construction project management course is the most applicable to my current role, it laid a good foundation for the tasks I complete regularly. Given the fast-paced nature of the Con. Eng. Tech. Program, do you have any tips for current students to help them stay focused? Be able to realize when you're getting distracted and when you're not working at your maximum efficiency, it's best to take a micro-break every hour for 5 minutes and then get back to the task at hand instead of trying to do 2-3 hours of work in a single sitting. Turn off notifications on your phone to limit distractions, and turn on focus assist within Windows when working to avoid email distractions. If you had the opportunity to retake the program, what would you do differently? Would have volunteered more with the student council, organized more events, and asked more questions of the instructors. Now that you are in the industry, is there any additional education you have been looking into or have already done? If so, why? Our industry is based on relationships and teamwork, learning to effectively communicate and work with other individuals is key. Reading everything I can find about being a better team member and communicator is helping me further my career. What is the most challenging part of your current role and how did the program prepare you for these challenges? Time management is the most challenging part of my current role, there are times when you need to prioritize certain tasks and when certain tasks can be delegated to help spread the load and to complete everything on time. What is a piece of advice you would like to share with the first years, and what is something you would like to share with the second year students?

For first year students, I would say participate as much as you can in the social aspect and volunteer within the program. For second year students, try and participate in student council and volunteer to organize events. It gets you exposed to other class sections and helps with public speaking. Organizing an event has a lot of benefits and lessons which transfer to the tasks I complete regularly. Did your career goals change from the time you entered the program up to now? If so how? I thought maybe I would like to work for an engineering company due to my affinity in mechanics/mathematics but then I realized I preferred to build something as opposed to help design it. For students who are undecided on what career path to take, what advice would you recommend? Think about what you like/love to do and what gives you purpose and focus on that. Also, realize the program is very broad and gives you a good foundation to work in various construction fields, with engineering firms to subcontractors of various sizes to general contractors of various sizes. What social events during your time in the program did you enjoy the most/find the most useful? I found bridge building to be the most useful as it helped with teamwork but I also organized the event which was a great way to meet additional individuals at different companies. Are there any questions you wish you would have asked when you were a student? From a selfish standpoint, I wish I asked more questions about the CoE building permit process for residential properties as well as bylaws, as it would have helped with a house build I'm planning and is something I'm interested in.

What skillsets would you suggest students focus on developing as they progress through the program? Communication, technical writing, relationship building, and decisiveness. With the heavy workload in the program, how did you manage to keep up your productivity and mitigate distractions? I had distractions at home so would try and complete the work after class before leaving campus if I could. I would go to campus on the weekends to work and study with colleagues who also had distractions that caused them to work better on campus. I found that was easier as it helped put me into a better mindset to study or complete the task before leaving. What was your biggest takeaway from the Con Eng program? The knowledge gained was invaluable but the friendship formed during my time in the program is my biggest takeway. November 2023 Interviews Interview Conducted by: Liam Sander

Photo by Alex Pugliese

ABOUT THE AUTHOR LIAM SANDER Liam is a 2nd year student in the Construction Engineering Technology Program at NAIT. He has always had a passion for learning the inner workings of systems and buildings, this program has pushed him to investigate and critique these practices and techniques currently in use. He is very excited to learn about all the innovative materials, processes and technology in the growing construction industry. Liam also looks forward to the challenges that he will face while learning about, and experiencing an industry new to him.

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!

CLARKBUILDERS.COM FOLLOW US

Edmonton | Calgary | Vancouver | Yellowknife

2023-24 Student Club Events The Construction Engineering Technology Student Club members act as emissaries for the program, connecting students with other students, alumni, and industry professionals to establish meaningful and valuable relationships. Building these connections is a great opportunity for students to broaden their networks, gain pertinent information to the construction industry and the opportunities available to us. In efforts to provide these opportunities, our club hosts engaging, charitable, social events that promote professional development. By uniting outside of the classroom we take a moment away from the day to day and give a chance to nurture our bonds on a personal level. It has been a pleasure to plan and participate in this recent term, and we look forward to the upcoming hard work, and fun leading up to what will be a turning point for many of us.

CETSC Club at the Pub And we’re off! NAITSA offers assistance planning clubs’ first organized event - Club at the Pub. Members of the CETSC posted up in the Nest for a few hours after classes to socialize, enjoy some food, and have some fun. It was a pleasure to reconnect with returning classmates and get to meet some of the first year students.

The 48th annual Bridge Building event featured several corporate teams, and student teams comprised of Con. Eng. Tech & Civil Eng. Tech students, each ranging between 10-15 participants working collectively to simulate a rescue mission. The goal; to cross the Whitemud Creek on a makeshift “bridge” constructed of two ropes fastened to trees on both banks. The team must altogether cross the creek 30 times, and include one return trip carrying the “survivor” to safety. As expected, the event was competitive, fast- paced, and a lot of fun. A huge thank you to the event sponsors and volunteers for their support in making this a successful event. It was our first fundraising opportunity of the shoo

CETSC Blood Drive As part of our mission to give back to the community, and bring the students together the Con. Eng. Student Club organized a critical, live-saving donation. 19 participants convened at the Edmonton Blood Services main donation center to partake in a simple. but vital proces. In giving only a couple hours of their time, the CETSC members have made a lasting impact on our community. Thank you donors, let‘s do it again in a few months.hellllo

Bridge Building 2023 year and collectively were able to donate over 700kg of food & water to the Edmonton Food Bank.

Bowling Night To finish off the semester and have some fun before finals, our club hosted a bowling event. We gathered across the street from the CAT building at Plaza Bowling Co. for food and friendly competition. As admission to the event, participants chipped in towards a food contribution to the NAITSA Food Center. Our efforts raised 322 lbs of sustenance to our community. Thank you to our volunteers, and NAITSA’s grant program for providing funding opportunities for clubs, and extracurriculars like this.

Future Student Club Events To keep the ball rolling over the holiday break, the CETSC planned an overnight ski trip to Sunshine Village, AB, participants also contributed to a food & clothing fundraiser. As the year continues we will continue to engage in valuable social events, including the annual Construction Engineering Technology Industry Night which garners support from industry leaders. By participating and planning fun, charitable activities such as these the student club can help connect the students with each other, and with the industry. We look forward to continuing our efforts throughout the remaining months as the student club and beyond.

Construction Zone

1 2

ACROSS

2 3 4 5 7 8 9 11 13 14

blueprint data, in brief stretch a hoist construction piece process of being forcibly condensed the ‘E’ in PPE re-level an excavated trench arrangement, building groundwork blueprint, plan the germ of a building

9 10 11

DOWN 1

3 6 7 10 12

a preliminary statement on the probable cost of an undertaking solid building material bill of quantities digging out a skillful contriver or originator of something gypsum board

13 14

A PERSON HAS TO REMEMBER THAT THE ROAD TO SUCCESS IS ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION Steve Harvey

THANK YOU, INDUSTRY SUPPORT! As participants of the Construction Engineering Technology Program, it is apparent the involvement and relentless support we receive from the construction industry. On behalf of the program we would like to express our gratitude for your ongoing involvement. The student body is graced with learning materials, guest speakers, organized industry social and learning opportunities, and generous contributions year after year - we are fortunate, and grateful. Thank you industry members!

Photo by Dylan Ferreira

Photo by John Naboye

TRUE BLUE Working together is who we are. Join our True Blue team at:

Jobs.Ledcor.com Be part of our conversation:

#LifeAtLedcor