Hello, Forum members! I am seeking feedback on the advantages and disadvantages of hiring University graduates versus time served engineers with CM experience. Traditionally, our company has hired graduates with engineering degrees or master's qualifications. However, we recently hired a young man in his mid-twenties with a HNC in mechanical engineering and CM experience. Surprisingly, this time served engineer has proven to be more competent than our previous graduate hires. Have you noticed a similar trend in your recruitment experiences? I myself was trained at a technical college and gained experience through a work placement at the Atomic Energy Authority many years ago.
As a fresh engineering graduate entering the workforce many years ago, I quickly realized the value of experienced engineers. Investing in a seasoned engineer means you are paying for their years of expertise and competency honed in the field. While a young engineer with a PhD in rocket science may be brilliant, they still lack the maturity and experience of a seasoned professional. What is your stance in this debate? Are you advocating for the development of young engineers?
Over twenty years ago, I started my career as a graduate engineer trainee. During that time, a quote from my college magazine stuck with me: "Youth often mistakenly believe that intelligence can replace experience, while the older generation sometimes think experience can replace intelligence." This concept remains relevant in the professional world today.
At Svanels, there is no disparity in starting salaries between recent graduates and experienced engineers. Salary increases are based on merit and performance, which promotes fairness in the workplace. The topic arose due to my new responsibilities in recruitment and training, prompting me to seek insight on the differences between graduate and experienced engineers. While I value experience, I am also a strong advocate for nurturing young, dedicated engineers who demonstrate a thirst for knowledge. It is crucial to support and empower the younger generation as they are the driving force for future growth within any organization.
Hello Spike, I have a wealth of experience in vibration monitoring. I was introduced to this field when the previous expert left, but I had some prior knowledge of it. During meetings, I have found that younger graduates are typically more receptive to new concepts, likely due to their strong grasp of the scientific principles. In my opinion, engineers who began as apprentices and worked their way up through college tend to have an advantage over those who went to university directly after school. Ultimately, success in this field comes down to individual capabilities and interests. Best regards, Joe Mc Cormack.
Hello Spike, during my five-year tenure (1998-2003) in training coordination, I have gained a deep understanding of your requirements. I recently conducted a comprehensive case study that compared the company's 'professional development program' (PDP) with my past experience in the 'graduate engineer training' program. I will locate the soft copy and promptly send it your way. It is crucial to properly train young engineers and business graduates as it yields beneficial results in the long run. Reflecting back on my own training experience in 1984-85 in India, where I underwent a rigorous structured program that included on-the-job training under the guidance of a mentor, Mr. P.S. Rana. Working closely with Mr. Rana proved to be invaluable, as I shadowed him and learned numerous tips and tricks for I&C commissioning. It was more than just a transfer of knowledge and skills; it was also the transfer of his valuable experience and work ethic. Mr. Rana even shared his own mistakes and the lessons he learned the hard way. Warm regards.
There certainly seems to be a shifting trend in the hiring landscape! While university degrees undeniably provide in-depth theoretical knowledge, it's real-world experiences like the young man you hired possesses that often brings practical application and problem-solving skills. From my personal experience, it seems that a blend of both - the knowledge from university studies and the hands-on experience of time-served roles - tends to create the most well-rounded engineers. It's not surprising to me that your employee with work-based experience and a HNC is thriving. Perhaps it might be beneficial for your company to consider a balance of both academic and vocational experience in the future hiring processes?
Hi, that's a really interesting observation. In my experience, the balance between academic learning and hands-on exposure varies so it might really depend on the individuals you're comparing. University graduates often bring fresh perspectives and theoretical knowledge which can spark innovation but may lack practical skills. Time served engineers, on the other hand, might have a better grasp on real-world challenges, problem-solving, and effective workflows due to actual experience. I've recruited both and seen them excel in different situations. It's all about picking the right person for the specific tasks or projects at hand, I think. Plus, it's often beneficial to have a mix of both in a team to balance out and complement each other's skills. That's just my two cents!
Hello! It's quite an interesting point you've brought up. In my experience, I believe both university graduates and time-served engineers have their strengths and potential weaknesses. University graduates normally have a solid theoretical foundation and can bring fresh perspectives to the table. Meanwhile, time-served engineers tend to have better practical experience and can hit the ground running more quickly. I think the key is striking a balance between the two in your workforce, ensuring there's room for practical experience, innovation and theoretical knowledge. As per your recent recruit, perhaps it's less about the education route and more about the individual's drive and passion for engineering. After all, the best results often come from those with the most enthusiasm for their work.
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Answer: - Hiring University graduates often brings fresh perspectives, up-to-date knowledge from their studies, and potential for long-term growth within the company. They may also possess strong theoretical foundations and be quick learners.
Answer: - Experienced engineers with CM backgrounds often bring practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and proven problem-solving skills to the table. They may require less training and supervision, and can contribute immediately to projects.
Answer: - The decision should be based on the specific needs of the company, the nature of the projects, and the desired skill set. Consider factors such as project timelines, budget, training resources, and long-term goals when making this decision.
Answer: - Yes, some companies have reported that experienced engineers with CM backgrounds can sometimes outperform University graduates, especially in roles that require practical experience, specialized skills, or specific industry knowledge.
Answer: - Companies can ensure
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