Engineering in Engineering in Canadian and International OfficesCanadian and International Offices

Presented at Annual General Meeting of Society of Internationally Trained Engineers (S.I.T.E.)

March 14, 2009

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Comparing Canadian and International Engineering Offices:

Engineering Processes and Practices

Engineering Organizations

Engineering Projects

Current Employment Market

Getting Hired

Engineering Processes and Practices;What is the Same?

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Engineering Processes Similar Worldwide

Training of engineers is similar

Calculation and analysis processes based on internationally-accepted procedures

International standards govern most engineering design at a high level

Processes used for project execution are similar

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Engineering Processes

Engineering documentation similar except for language (drawings, specifications, data sheets, lists and schedules of equipment, etc.)

• International companies lead the development of standard presentation methods

Similar software used worldwide

There are more differences in engineering processes and documentation between industries than across the world

Engineering Processes and Practices;What is Different?

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Engineering Practices Vary Worldwide and within North America Because:

Canadian & BC Building/Fire/Plumbing/Gas Codes:

Reflects climate, type of construction, construction methods, materials available

Canadian Standards: CSA, ULC, CGSB, CISC

Canadian construction methods:

Reflect high field labour costs and low efficiency vs. shop labour

Reflect cold weather construction requirements

Reflect remote location construction

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Different Metric Practices Apply for Each Client and Site

There is mixed adoption of metric dimensions and units

US Influence has slowed adoption of metric dimensions and standards

Most equipment is from US and has imperial/US fasteners and piping connections

Limited availability of metric equipment and supplies as a result

Many companies still use imperial/US dimensions and units

Engineering Organizations in Canada vs. International Locations

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Organizations Hiring Engineers are Similar

Engineering Consultants:

• Large international and national consultants

• Smaller regional and local engineering firms

• Small specialist firms

Construction and EPC firms

Manufacturers

Resource Industries

Utilities (electric, gas, water, etc.)

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Engineering Consultants

Flatter organization structure – fewer levels of management

Less differentiation between departments and often multi-discipline project teams sit together as opposed to remaining in department offices

Generally matrix organizations used with engineers reporting in two directions – to project manager and to discipline/department manager

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Matrix Organization StructureMatrix Organization Structure

General Management

Project Manager 1

Project Manager 2

Project Manager 3

Civil/Struct. Eng. Manager

Mech/Piping Eng. Manager

Elect/Instrument Eng. Manager

Project Services Mgr.

Construction Services Mgr.

Project 1 Team:-Engineers-Designers-Drafters-Estimators-Schedulers-Purch Agent-Const Supvr-Field Eng-Other Staff

Project 2 Team:-Engineers-Designers-Drafters-Estimators-Schedulers-Purch Agent-Const Supvr-Field Eng-Other Staff

Project 3 Team:-Engineers-Designers-Drafters-Estimators-Schedulers-Purch Agent-Const Supvr-Field Eng-Other Staff

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Engineering Consultants

Many have a broad range of services

Less specialization of expertise by companies

Typically fewer employees in each company and office

Some have many branch offices with a few staff in each office

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Engineering Organizations

Organizations less “formal”

Smaller status gaps between managers and engineers

Smaller status gaps between engineers and designers

More relaxed behaviour in offices

• No need to stand up immediately every time the boss comes around except for politeness

• Many offices have relaxed dress codes

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Engineering Organizations

Engineers typically given wider latitude and flexibility to get work done

More individual accountability to other workers for performance rather than only to direct supervisor

The onus is on the engineers and project managers to get the job done right, and on time

Less of the “blame game” Fewer clerical and other support staff (secretaries, administrators, kitchen staff, drivers, etc.)

Engineers do more work directly than in an international office (less staff to delegate to)

Less academic approach to engineering design with more emphasis on using practical proven design

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Multi-Cultural Offices

Most offices have a broad range of people from all over the world

Need to understand the multicultural principles of Canadian society

Learn how to associate with people who have much different cultural backgrounds

Less requirement for “cultural assimilation” than in the US

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Health, Safety and Environment

More emphasis on health, safety and environment in the workplace, at the construction site and in the community

More rules apply and the regulating authorities enforce them

Engineering Projects

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Engineering Projects

Relatively more “design only” projects in Canada than EPC projects

More detailed design provided by technologists and technicians

More detailed design work is provided by vendors and contractors

Less paperwork and more electronic communications for projects

Large consulting firms are making more use of engineering services from developing countries or “value engineering centres”

More competence and professionalism in the construction trades (electricians, carpenters, etc.)

Less requirement for constant supervision of construction workforce

Current Engineering Employment Market

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Market Downturn since Q3/2008

Mining and Forest industries have collapsed

Major oil and pipeline projects in Alberta have been cancelled or delayed

2010 Olympics projects in BC are largely completed

Project funding has dried up as a result of the financial situation

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Some Good News

Government is funding “shovel ready” capital projects (highways, bridges, sewage treatment plants, power generation, etc.)

Maintenance of business projects seem to be continuing

Canadian dollar decline is helping export industries to meet their local costs

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Overall

A few layoffs at BC Engineering Companies from job cancellations

Some layoffs for upgrading of staff

Very limited hiring is occurring

Supply of skilled and experienced staff has improved from 2008

Getting Hired

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Finding Work

Internationally trained engineers will have difficulty getting hired

Catch 22 effect: cannot be hired because of a lack of Canadian experience, and cannot get Canadian experience because cannot get hired.

Good supply of engineers with Canadian experience in the market

International training and experience will be under valued by employers

University training may not be recognized in Canada

Professional qualifications will likely not be recognized in Canada

Nature of international experience may not be understood and, in fact, may be different than local experience

Language skills and technical English are very important and can block hiring

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Finding Work – Finding Openings

Newspaper advertising for job openings is limited

Most jobs are now advertised on internet employment websites, e.g. APEGBC, Workopolis, Monster, Craigslist, etc.

Significant percentage of hiring is through referrals (word-of-mouth)

Most companies have a website with online employment applications – many jobs listed are not current

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Finding Work – Good Resume Essential

Resume is very important in getting an interview and being hired

Layout, length, English language usage and spelling, use of correct technical terminology and description of experience is extremely important

Electronic version of resumes preferred—paper resumes sometimes not accepted

Make sure that if you are using Microsoft Word that you know how to use the software

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Finding Work – Company Referrals

Most companies have an internal referral system for recruiting

If you know anyone at a company let them know you are interested in working

They can earn a fee if you get hired and they refer you

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Finding Work – Types of Positions

Full-time employment

Term employment:

• Project assignment (4 months to 3 years)

• Agency employment

Part-time or casual employment

• Direct hired or through Agency

Contract:

• Must have own registered company

• No benefits

• Additional time and costs to operate company

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Hiring for Temporary & Project Positions

Temporary hiring for projects is common

Provides limited employment security and benefits, e.g. short termination notice and few benefits

Does provide local experience

Employment Agencies often provide “payrolling” services

Agencies include Local and National firms that specialize in supplying project workforce

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Employment Standards and Policies

Need to understand BC Employment Standards Act

• Governs employment conditions in BC

• It does not apply once you become a professional or manager or if you are a “contractor”

Strict policies for discrimination and harassment

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Salary Rates

Salary is dependent on position, skills and market conditions

Larger companies have recommended salary ranges for different positions and levels

See the APEGBC website for salary survey information

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Benefits

Most medium and large engineering companies have a competitive benefits program for employees

Benefits other than the minimum required by Employment Standards Act are not provided for temporary employment

Limited benefits are provided to Agency employees

No benefits are provided to contract employees

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RRSP, Pension and Bonuses

Pensions are not common in engineering except for government or large manufacturing companies

Companies will contribute to RRSP, which is portable and can move with you

Company Profit Sharing and Bonuses vary widely:

• Not commonly available except for managers and very senior technical positions

• Some Project Bonuses on major projects

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Value of Professional Registration

Professional registration is not required, but provides more opportunity for growth and future income

P.Eng. will provide more opportunities for employment as you can take responsibility for work

Salary scale is normally higher with a P.Eng.

P.Eng. application process can take a long time to complete, so start early

See the APEGBC website for information on registration process

Introduction to CH2M HILL

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Company Overview

We were founded in 1946 and headquarteredin Denver, Colorado

Our work is concentrated in the areas of transportation, water, energy, environment, communications, construction, andindustrial facilities

We have long been recognized as a leading employer and admired company• In 2003, 2006, and 2008 FORTUNE named

CH2M HILL among its “100 Best Companies to Work for in America”

• For the past five years FORTUNE named CH2M HILL one of “America’s Most Admired Companies”

Employee-owned CH2M HILL is a global firm providing engineering, construction, operations, and related technical services to public and private clients.

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About Us

Baxter

New Providence, NJ

Manukau Waste Water Treatment Plant

Auckland, New Zealand

Rohm & Hasas Chemical Plant

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Rocky Flats

Golden, CO

We seek to be the industry leader in successfully delivering challenging projects, enabling our clients to build a better world.

We have the human and technical resources, the international footprint, and the depth of know-how and experience to help our clients achieve success in any corner of the world

We are the only engineer-procure-construct (EPC) company that offers this wide spectrum of expertise, knowledge, and services across varied industries and government agencies

CH2M HILL is a global leader in full-serviceengineering, consulting, construction,and operations

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Where We Are Today

More than 24,000 professional staff operating from locations worldwide

100 percent employee owned Broadly diversified across 13 business sectors $5.12 billion in revenue (2007)

As a global leader in full-service engineering, construction, and operations, CH2M HILL strives to create solutions without boundaries, to overcome the barriers to breakthrough success—for every client, on every project, every time.

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Employee Ownership

CH2M HILL’s employees own 100% of the firm, and many employees actively participate in the internal stock market

Employee ownership and financial stability promote

• High staff motivation

• Strong commitment to clients

• Low staff turnover

• Continuity in work for repeat clients

• Focus on long-term goals and strategies

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CH2M HILL Resources in BC

Staffing: Energy & Chemicals 110 Transportation, Water & Environment 140 Commonwealth Construction 30

Offices: Burnaby (2 offices), Victoria and Kamloops Engineering and construction

services for projects within British Columbia, across Canada, and around the world.

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Markets Served by the Vancouver E&C Office

Natural gas processing plants and sulfur plants

Compressor stations, pump stations and metering stations

Pipelines and storage terminals Petroleum marketing distribution terminals

and service stations Power generation and steam production

facilities Electrical utilities Chemical production, storage and distribution Pulp and paper mills General industrial facilities Research and high technology facilities

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Our Clients

We have a diverse array of clients in many industries including:

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What Makes Our Office a Great Place to Work?

Family culture Healthy work / life balance Social activities Community involvement Move for Health activities

Questions