Tech Directions - April 2008 - (Page 21)

Licensing and Certification A variety of licenses and certifications may be required, depending on the employer and type of project being constructed. A standard requirement for most workers, regardless of the project, is the OSHA 10- or 30-Hour Construction Safety training. Several professional associations, such as the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Associated General Contractors (AGC), the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), and the American Concrete Institute (ACI), offer professional certification programs to promote professional standards within the industry. As individuals grow in their careers, they will be encouraged to seek the appropriate qualifications demanded by industry. Earnings Earnings vary depending on the size and type of the employer, job site location, and the individual’s qualifications. $$$$ Starting Salary With a bachelor’s degree: $45,000 to $55,000 plus per diem With a degree and industry-related experience: $50,000 to $65,000 plus per diem Since job sites are usually located in rural areas, far from corporate headquarters, a per diem (a specific amount of money that an organization allows an individual to spend per day to cover living and traveling expenses in connection with work) is paid. Working Conditions The project engineer usually works out of a temporary office trailer located on the actual construction site—usually in a rural area within the immediate area of their resources. Workers—and sometimes their families as well—take up temporary residency in the nearby community. In most cases, work is scheduled to continue year-round regardless of weather conditions. Project engineers must prepare for and adjust to a variety of weather conditions. Job Opportunities Graduates with an industrial technology degree with a construction management emphasis who have construction experience are in demand. Recruiters consistently inquire into the availability of coming graduates to meet increasing construction demands. Graduates with a degree, established construction experience along with industry-related certifications or specialized training, such as OSHA safety training, concrete field-testing certification, or welding inspection certification are in even greater demand and may be offered signing bonuses. Project engineers are frequently hired by construction firms that specialize in: • Manufacturing facilities • Processing facilities • Water supply or wastewater treatment facilities • Food processing plants • Pulp and paper mill plants • Maintenance contracts of operating facilities Employment Outlook The U.S. ethanol industry created over 160,000 jobs in all sectors of the economy in 2006. Currently there are 267 bio-fuels plants located across the United States, with 178 more in the construction process. This rapid expansion is projected to continue for the coming years, creating a shortage of workforce talent in the construction industry as well as in the operation of future facilities. Professional Associations Construction Management Association of America http://cmaanet.org/ Advancement The career path of the project engineer usually leads to that of a project manager. As with many emerging technologies, training and continuing education sharpens the corporate, competitive edge and is considered essential for success. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) www.abc.org/ Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America http://agc.org/index.ww American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) www.ethanol.org/index.php?id=1 Alternative Sources: Associations and Organizations www.alternativesource.org/directory/associations-and-organizations www.techdirections.com CAREER DIRECTIONS 21 http://cmaanet.org/ http://www.abc.org/ http://agc.org/index.ww http://www.ethanol.org/index.php?id=1 http://www.alternativesource.org/directory/associations-and-organizations http://www.techdirections.com

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Tech Directions - April 2008 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology's Past Technology Today Mastering Computers A Bridge to the Future Aeronautics Study Takes Off! Glider Design for Beginners Project Engineer in the Heavy Construction Industry for Renewable Energy Annual Buyers' Guide More than Fun

Tech Directions - April 2008

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