When we hire a graduate engineer to join our organisation (something we did quite frequently before the global financial crisis), we probably expected them to have “excellent computer skills”.
What are “excellent computer skills”?
Recently, I introduced a final year engineering student to an internet search engine called “Google”. Did this person have “excellent computer skills”?
And I was working with another final year student on a spreadsheet. I entered an equation in a cell, and I showed my age by using “+” as the first character (from a time when Lotus 1-2-3 was the dominant spreadsheet). The student asked what the “+” did. Did this person have excellent computer skills?
As engineers, we are becoming more and more entwined with predictive mathematical (computer) models. These models are used for things from estimating climate change to determining where to place pipe anchors to manage vibration. To use, develop, monitor, and interpret these computer models, we probably need “excellent computer skills”.
David Hill has written an interesting article in “Chemical Engineering Process” magazine (April 2009). He says …
“…In school, the opportunities for hands-on practice with process simulators may have been plentiful – or nonexistent. Even with significant classroom experience, some engineers may feel unprepared once they leave university setting and attempt to model real-world problems….”
While David Hill appears to be speaking specifically about chemical engineers, the issue is probably universal to many (if not all) engineering disciplines.
Let’s look at some examples of predictive modelling, and consider if graduate engineers are well enough prepared with “excellent computer skills” to work with these models.
Rotating Equipment Engineers … predictive modelling to determine when and how to perform maintenance on key equipment. What “excellent computer skills” are required?
Reliability Engineers … availability modelling to determine sparing requirements. What “excellent computer skills” are required?
Chemical Process Engineers … process simulation to determine the size of reactors, separation systems, and flare radiation levels. What “excellent computer skills” are required?
Etc.
One thing I do not know is … do we have a problem? Are we setting our standards too low, and “excellent computer skills” = knowing how to use a word processor, a spreadsheet, an email program, and a presentation program? Do we expect graduate engineers to have the numerical (not the technical, but the numerical) skills to successfully de-bug a complex model? Do we expect graduate engineers to have the “excellent computer skills” to successfully design and build a user-friendly database?
That ultimate question is … what training do we expect to provide to our graduate engineers, and what training do we expect from our universities?
What is your view in this matter? Please contact us and let us know. I will share interesting opinions in future newsletters.