Job Responsibilities
Major Job Responsibilities:
1: Producing CAD (Computer Aided Design) Drawings - Electrical
Work:
Grounding and Lighting Systems, power line construction,
generator and transformer installation, motor control circuits,
low and high voltage starters, power supply, control panels,
digital/analog junction boxes and interconnection wiring diagrams.
Instrument Work:
Piping and Instrumentation drawings, process flow diagrams,
instrument location diagrams, marshalling panels and loop
drawings.
2: Research & Design assistance/support on projects to Electrical
Design Engineers
3: Field/on-site Work - time 1-2 hours/day as required.
4: Liasing with other drafting/design disciplines
The time taken to execute my responsibilities depends on the type
and complexity of the project. I work 7.5 hours a day/5 days per
week on Monday to Friday. Some times the work load is heavy (e.g.
I may have more than one projects working on or a project may
require several drawings), sometimes there are days when I have
nothing much doing. Some projects are what we call as-builts only
simple editing of existing drawings (1-2 hrs maximum) is required.
Project duration: New projects can take up to a week and can last
up to as much as 6 weeks or more. Usually I have to look at the
job, schedule the time to be taken and relay the information to
my Supervisor. Sometimes things may go awry and I have to request
extra days. More information from the engineer or equipment
supplier may be needed and situations like these can cause delays.
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Job Requirements
My chosen career path requires a solid background in Electical
Engineering specifically: Electrical Distribution Systems, Motor
Control, Low and High Voltage Starters, PLCs (Programmable Logic
Controllers) & VSDs (Variable Speed Drives), and Instrumentation
processes.
This means a Diploma or equivalent 2 year (associate) degree in
Electrical Engineering (Power) for entry level. Experience and/or
training in AutoCAD is also an asset and a requirement of my
position.
I pursued my Diploma at the University of Technology, Kingston
Jamaica. It is a 3 year full-time highly intensive program. In
the first year all disciplines take the same courses which
include Technical drawing (manual), Electrical & Mechanical
Engineering Science, and Chemistry. In the second year you choose
your specialty: Electrical Engineering Power or Electronics,
Mechanical Engineering Plant or Production. This is the defining
moment where you essentially choose your career path. In the
final year everbody has what is called a Major Project where you
have to choose a project, it may be practical/theoretical and you
have to make a presentation in front of your peers/lecturers.
This nail biting and hair ripping experience is what we all have
to look forward to in final year... apart from your final exams
which come right after!
The quality of the classes are excellent, grading is excellent,
you get exactly what you worked for and learning resources such
as the library, computer lab, machine workshop, labs for
practical work make it an exciting and very rewarding program.
Getting into popular classes depends on you, how much work you
are willing to put in. They choose the best!
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Uppers
The best part about my job is that each day is different, full of different
challenges, wide and varied experiences. There is always something new to learn!
I particularly enjoy field work in certain parts of the plant and when I am
working on Instrumentation projects, and projects concerning Motor Controllers,
Programmable Logic Controllers and Variable Speed Drives.
I am analytical and I love problem solving and this job keeps my brain jumping
and my heart pumping.
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Downers
The worst parts of my job are the days when there is not much
work and/or the job becomes monotonous.
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Lifestyle
You have to love what it is you do. You also have to be prepared to sit for long
hours inside the office. So if you are an outdoor-type of person, this job is not
for you. One may discover that you have to join a gym, walk in the early mornings
or invest in a home gym in order to get adequate exercise so as to avoid becoming
overweight. I have had to do the latter; I have an exercise bike, and dumbbells
and I have incorporated a healthy eating plan in order to manage my weight.
Work is 7.5 hours a day, 5 days a week, Monday to Friday. I only travel for
business whenever I have to got to the other plant location.
Dress code is casual, don't wear your best clothes! In cases where you have to
do field work you may get soiled and dirty. Of course you are required to wear
your personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever you go into the Plant. You have
to guard yourself against the presence of dangerous industrial chemicals that
are present in the plant environment. Safety first. Modesty/beauty...
The Company has various social events throughout the year: Jerk Festival,
tennis, football, netball and cricket tournaments, after-work socialising, etc.
Each department has an end of year Christmas treat according to the budget.
The Company does not discriminate against race, colour, class, the diasabled, or
gender. Once you are qualified and competent for the position and you have passed
your medical exam you are hired! There is a level playing field.
One thing you learn here is to be able to get along with people of different
beliefs or lifestyles. If socialising is not your thing, that's ok. If you are a
loner, ditto. But you have the opportunity to meet important people, learn from
them and develop as an individual.
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Compensation
Base salary for this position is approx. J$480,000 annually or
US$8000 entry level, there is a 20 percent bonus on successful
completion of your contract if you have been hired as a
contractor. My own salary is ah, um...a secret. Shhh! I'm bound
to silence by my contract, sorry.
If you are one of those lucky people to be on staff, you get a
multitude of benefits such as: School fee assistance (which is
significant and continues up to College/University level) for
each child that you have, Medical insurance, Pension plan,
uniform allowance, educational assistance, car loan, (should I go
on...?), Educational assistance (for yourself), and house lots to
buy. Whew! I think that covers it. There may be more... but you
get the picture.
There is no cost I can put on the experience you will gain here;
that's invaluable and world class.
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Advice to Jobseekers
My advice to all newcomers is to come with the attitude: What I
have to contribute and not: What's in it for me? That is the key.
You have much to learn and everything to gain. Remember: the
world is your oyster and Rome wasn't built in a day. Work hard
and study hard and you will be rewarded at the end of the day.
And oh, never forget to smile...it pays.
The outlook for this job/career path
Engineering CAD Technicians/Technologists are professionals that
can command excellent pay/benefits. It is a tier below Engineer
but the transition can be done if you are willing to further your
studies to a Bachelor's Degree and work hard to gain the
necessary experience. But if you are comfortable within your
profession, it is a very rewarding career choice. You can move up
the ladder to become a Team Leader without the benefit of a
degree. After that you may decide to go back to school, or learn
other CAD technologies/softwares such as CADKEY, Microstation and
Softdesk, Microsoft Office and/or become a skilled drafter in
other disciplines. The more 'in-demand' skills you have, the more
of an advantage you will have in this very competitive job
market.
Finally, I believe there will always be a need for drafters; the
computer can't do everything. You can't totally delete the human
factor. Good Luck!
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