Rob Smelt, founder of BREng, has highlighted the personal qualities he looks for in those applying for apprenticeships.
After nearly 40 years in the sector, initially as a rookie design engineer/estimator and lately as a manager, here are the top five qualities I look for in new apprentices, with some tips for those recruiting.
Don’t be dazzled by academic qualifications
The instinctive ‘technical nous’ that is the bedrock for a successful career in building services is not always reflected in traditional exam results. Yes, keen intelligence is a must, but more important is natural curiosity and an inherent grasp of how things work and the underlying principles.
Given curiosity, a technical bias and an appetite to learn, a candidate is a long way down the road to finding his or her feet designing or managing building services projects.
Where, before, this type of person may have underachieved in traditional academic exams, they often come alive when introduced to the interesting and practical challenges of making buildings work. I have seen this transformation many times, and it is wonderful to watch.
A feel for the numbers and what they mean
Connected with the above, I don’t believe it is necessary to have an A-Level or degree in maths. However, it is essential to be comfortable with figures and have an instinctive feel for how they translate in the real world.
This ability to bridge the gap between numbers and what they mean for delivering a comfortable, energy-efficient environment for people is the key skill. Having a First Class Degree in algebra does not guarantee this.
A strong investigative streak
Building services projects are rarely simple or straightforward. There are always problems to solve, and it requires tenacity to work through the issues and options to find the optimal solution.
It is also vital for cutting through sales spiel. Project managers, and consultants in particular, are on the receiving end of tidal waves of promotion from suppliers. It is important to be able to establish the truth of claims made, to avoid potentially expensive mistakes and the reputational harm that could result.
A creative approach to problem solving
There are thousands of variables in even relatively simple HVAC projects, and these multiply in complexity as technologies are combined and the scale of projects increases. Steering a course through this maze, and coming up with the best solution to meet the precise requirements of a project, requires a high degree of creativity. To use a sporting analogy, one-club golfers need not apply.
What is needed is a flexible and agile approach that takes account of the full picture, and the range of possible solutions. This should of course cover the client’s requirements, but also what is optimal and possible given the timescale and budget.
A willingness to get dirty
Despite the importance today of computer-based design and project management, it is still (surprisingly often) necessary to go on site, roll up your sleeves and get to grips with oily metal and dirt. Problems can arise that stop a project in its tracks. A willingness to get alongside the site engineer in the sub-basement plant room, or brave the elements on a windswept rooftop, can provide invaluable insights that help unlock problems before they become costly dramas.
With the right support and training, a person with the above qualities has a very good chance of becoming a successful building services design engineer or project manager. My own company has recently taken on an apprentice with this mix of skills. I’m pleased to report he is not only making rapid progress, but enjoying it.