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"One of my concerns relates to the “numbers” in the
profession. Firstly, the numbers as they pertain to
our members, and secondly, the numbers in terms of
fees and remuneration.
“With regards the first, the demographics of our
profession, we eagerly await the findings from a study
currently being carried out, which is aimed at
determining the actual status quo of the graduates and
professionals in the industry. Preliminary data show
that we have two dominant groups in terms of numbers,
one large, older and experienced group (average age
56) and another large, young and inexperienced group
(average age 25). Clearly both groups are very
important as well as being dependent on each other –
the experienced group for mentoring and skills
transfer and the younger group, as they are the future
of our industry.
"In order for the industry to retain the young and
enthusiastic engineers we will have to look after
them. I think engineers as a rule have not been taught
relationship-orientated skills, and the time has come
to make a point of rectifying that. When it comes to
being task-orientated, we are brilliant. But we need
to take stock and realise how precious our staff are,"
she says determinedly.
"We have known for a while now that engineers need
skills other than pure engineering. You need business
skills to get and do business; the days of waiting for
the business to walk in the door are long gone.
Generally the industry is introvert and humble, they
hide their lights under a bushel. Trying to put these
non-engineering skills into the mix is difficult, it
doesn't come naturally, so we have to learn them."
"The universities say that their job is to teach
skills so that graduates can do the work of an
engineer. So when it comes to acquiring other skills,
such as people skills, negotiation skills, and
marketing skills, should they, as the engineering
department of the university, be required to teach
these competencies?"
"Having recognised this need, the SAACE’s School of
Consulting Engineering offers a regular schedule of
business-orientated courses throughout the year so
enabling engineers to acquire a more diverse range of
capabilities and competencies.
The second part of the numbers that concern Althea
leads on directly from the people problems outlined.
"We keep hearing contradictory reports regarding the
shortage of engineers. Some say there is a shortage
while others talk of vast numbers of graduates that
are unemployed. I believe that there may be a shortage
of engineers |
at a specific level (35 to 45 age group) only, and
instead when one hears talk of shortages these should
maybe be seen in terms of affordability. Could it be
that the industry does need more engineers but cannot
afford to employ them as the fees earned by the firms
are too low to allow for increased employment?
“It is an ongoing battle convincing our clients that
they should pay us for the value we add to projects.
By having clients discount our fees, they are damaging
the industry, and it's a dangerous and disturbing
cycle."
"Clients seem to be happy to pay other consultants
(management, financial, investment marketing etc.)
what they ask, but when it comes to engineering, all
of a sudden our fees are too high. It's ridiculous.
What clients need to realise is that when we don't get
paid adequate fees, not only can we not pay
competitive salaries, we can't train people either –
and so begins the exit of engineers from the
profession. Our developing country needs each and
every engineer!"
The enthusiasm and passion Althea Povey has for her
industry is the same she has for day-job. She holds a
vital job in our environmentally sensitive country. “I
am fortunate to have a dedicated and enthusiastic team
working with me at Kwezi V3. We are involved with
water and wastewater projects throughout the country
and are therefore able to see first hand the
development taking place in South Africa. I also like
to brag about a project we recently completed in
Cameroon – besides the design, the actual installation
and commissioning (in Cameroon) was a carried out by
one of our female engineers.
Have her non-engineering degrees in Genetics and
Microbiology helped her in this job, one may ask? "The
genetics has no relevance, but who would have thought
that when I studied biochemistry and microbiology all
those years ago that I would be working with these
subjects again when considering treatment methods.
Althea began using AllyCAD and Stardust when it was
first launched during her early years at Jeffares &
Green. "The launch of CIVIL DESIGNER coincided with me
moving more from design into management so I take a
little longer to find my way around the programme now.
Both products, AllyCAD and CIVIL DESIGNER, are
wonderful South African products, they are
world-class."
The problems facing the consulting industry are
exacting. The new SAACE President has excellent
qualifications and lots of experience that, coupled
with her formidable enthusiasm and passion, will
conquer the challenges that face her. |
