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Building(Services(Engineer((mechanical)+–!model&career&pathway'–!Version(1.0!Job$analysis$and$report!

!AIRAH!Strategic!aim!#2!2!Closing(the(skills(gap!

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Prepared!by:!

The!Australian!Institute!of!

Refrigeration!Air!Conditioning!

and!Heating!

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April!2013!

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Building!Services!Engineer!–!model!career!pathway!V1.0!!|!April!2013!

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!Prepared'and'Co(ordinated!by!

Phil!Wilkinson,!Chief!Executive!Officer!

Australian!Institute!of!Refrigeration!Air!Conditioning!and!Heating!(AIRAH)!

Level!3/1!Elizabeth!Street,!Melbourne,!VIC!3000!

Tel:!03!8623!3010!|!www.airah.org.au!|!email:[email protected]!

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Occupation*analysis*and*survey*analysis*by!

Jane!Clancy,!Jane!Clancy!Consulting!and!Ron!Thiele,!Get!it!Write!

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Acknowledgements!

AIRAH!thanks!all!survey!participants!for!their!input!and!in!particular!thanks!to!Genevieve!Gardner,!Michael!Hafner,!Roger!Kluske,!M.AIRAH,!Russell!Jessop,!Anthony!Calderone,!M.AIRAH,!and!Caimin!McCabe,!M.AIRAH.!Special!thanks!also!to!Jane!Clancy!for!her!expertise!and!advise!throughout!the!development!of!this!project.!

AIRAH!also!recognises!the!support!of!Engineers!Australia!and!the!Chartered!Institute!of!Building!Services!Engineers!ANZ!(CIBSE!ANZ)!region!for!their!participation!in!this!research.!

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Feedback(and(comments!

AIRAH!welcomes!all!comments!on!the!model!career!pathways!defined!in!this!report.!

[email protected]!

!About&AIRAH!

AIRAH!is!the!recognised!voice!of!the!Australian!air!conditioning,!refrigeration!and!heating!industry.!We!aim!to!minimise!the!environmental!footprint!of!our!vital!sector!through!communication,!education!and!encouraging!best!practice.!

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Disclaimer!

Information!contained!in!this!report!may!be!copied!or!reproduced!for!study,!research,!information!or!educational!purposes,!subject!to!inclusion!of!an!acknowledgment!of!the!source.!

While!reasonable!efforts!have!been!made!to!ensure!that!the!contents!of!this!publication!are!factually!correct,!AIRAH!does!not!accept!responsibility!for!the!accuracy!or!completeness!of!the!contents,!and!shall!not!be!liable!for!any!loss!or!damage!that!may!be!occasioned!directly!or!indirectly!through!the!use!of,!or!reliance!on,!the!contents!of!this!publication.!

©!AIRAH!2013! !

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EXECUTIVE!SUMMARY!....................................................................................................................!6!

INTRODUCTION!...............................................................................................................................!8!WHAT!IS!A!BUILDING!SERVICES!ENGINEER?!..................................................................................................!8!

THE!PROCESS!..................................................................................................................................!9!

INDUSTRY!SURVEY!ANALYSIS!........................................................................................................!10!ABOUT!THE!RESPONDENTS!......................................................................................................................!10!

Demographics-...............................................................................................................................-10!Organisations-...............................................................................................................................-10!Job-titles-.......................................................................................................................................-10!Qualifications-...............................................................................................................................-12!

SURVEY!ANALYSIS!(!LEVEL!1!(!GRADUATE!MECHANICAL!ENGINEER!................................................................!14!Job-title-.........................................................................................................................................-14!Role-...............................................................................................................................................-15!Discussion-.....................................................................................................................................-15!Recommendation-.........................................................................................................................-16!Tasks-.............................................................................................................................................-16!Skills-..............................................................................................................................................-18!Knowledge-....................................................................................................................................-19!Skills-and-knowledge-for-the-future-..............................................................................................-21!

SURVEY!ANALYSIS!(!LEVEL!2!(!SENIOR!MECHANICAL!ENGINEER!.....................................................................!22!Job-title-.........................................................................................................................................-22!Role-...............................................................................................................................................-22!Tasks-.............................................................................................................................................-23!Recommendation-.........................................................................................................................-25!Skills-..............................................................................................................................................-25!Knowledge-....................................................................................................................................-26!Skills-and-knowledge-for-the-future-..............................................................................................-26!

SURVEY!ANALYSIS!(!LEVEL!3!(!PRINCIPAL!ENGINEER!.....................................................................................!28!Job-title-.........................................................................................................................................-28!Role-...............................................................................................................................................-28!Tasks-.............................................................................................................................................-29!Skills-..............................................................................................................................................-30!Knowledge-....................................................................................................................................-30!Skills-and-knowledge-for-the-future-..............................................................................................-31!

SUMMARY!OF!RECOMMENDATIONS!FROM!OCCUPATION!ANALYSIS!................................................................!32!Level-1-J-Graduate-Mechanical-Engineer-......................................................................................-32!Level-2-J-Senior-Mechanical-Engineer-...........................................................................................-32!Level-3-J-Principal-Engineer-...........................................................................................................-32!

TECHNICAL!SKILLS!VS!SOFT!SKILLS!.............................................................................................................!33!

MODEL!CAREER!PATHWAYS:!........................................................................................................!34!NEXT!STEPS!AND!FUTURE!WORK!..............................................................................................................!35!

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APPENDIX!1:!RESPONDENTS’!ORGANISATIONS!.............................................................................!36!

APPENDIX!2:!MODEL!CAREER!PATHWAY!.......................................................................................!37!LEVEL!1!(ENTRY!LEVEL)!|!ENGINEERING!OFFICER!OR!GRADUATE!ENGINEER!.....................................................!37!LEVEL!2!|!MECHANICAL!ENGINEER!..........................................................................................................!40!LEVEL!3!|!SENIOR!MECHANICAL!ENGINEER!...............................................................................................!43!LEVEL!4!|!PRINCIPAL!ENGINEER!...............................................................................................................!46!

APPENDIX!3:!SAMPLE!OF!ONLINE!SURVEY!....................................................................................!48!!

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Executive!summary!!This!research!and!report!provides!a!model!career!pathway!for!mechanical!engineers!working!as!Building!Services!Engineers!in!engineering!consulting!organisations!in!Australia.!The!model!is!based!on!a!detailed!occupation!analysis!using!in(depth!interviews!and!an!industry!survey!conducted!by!AIRAH!in!2012.!

The!model!career!pathway!defines!job!titles,!roles,!tasks,!skills!and!knowledge!requirements!of!mechanical!engineers!working!in!the!building!services!sector.!

The!development!of!the!model!career!pathway!is!part!of!a!process!to!help!identify!skills!gaps!in!the!HVAC&R!sector!in!Australia.!

Fifty(six!people,!from!a!wide!variety!of!organisations,!responded!to!the!industry!survey,!46!percent!of!respondents!hold!a!Bachelor!in!Mechanical!Engineering!qualification!and!about!one!quarter!of!respondents!hold!a!certificate,!diploma!or!advanced!diploma.!All!respondents!held!at!least!one!qualification.!

This!model!career!pathway!contains!five!job!titles,!at!four!levels.!The!recommended!levels,!job!titles!and!roles!are!shown!in!the!figure!below.!

During!the!review!of!the!various!roles!it!is!apparent!that!Building!Services!Engineers!(mechanical)!must!possess!a!diverse!range!of!technical,!process,!and!analytical!skills!and!knowledge.!What!is!also!apparent!is!the!range!of!soft!skills!and!knowledge.!

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Figure!1:!Model!Career!Pathway!–!Building!Services!Engineer!

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Level!4!Principal!Enginer!

Level!3!!Senior!Mechanical!

Engineer!

Level!2!!Mechanical!Engineer!

Level!1!!Graduate!Mechanical!

Engineer!

Level!1!Engineering!Officer!

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Lvl! Title! Role!

1! Engineering!Officer!(for!those!with!a!trade!background,!or!currently!studying!toward!an!engineering!degree)!!Graduate!Engineer!(the!most!junior!position!for!graduates)!

Undertake!concept!design,!schematic!design,!design!development,!tender!documentation,!construction!supervision,!and!practical!completion!duties!under!the!direct!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer.!

2! Mechanical!Engineer! Undertake!concept!design,!schematic!design,!design!development,!tender!documentation,!construction!supervision,!and!practical!completion!duties!under!the!limited!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer,!or!independently.!

3! Senior!Mechanical!Engineer! Undertake!feasibility!assessment,!master!planning,!design!development,!tender,!and!construction!supervision!duties!with!broad!conceptual!guidance!from!a!more!senior!engineer.!

4! Principal!Engineer! Translate!clients!brief!into!a!system!that!achieves!the!engineering!functions!required!of!a!building.!Direct!resources,!personnel!and!new!business!towards!fulfilment!of!overall!organisational!objectives.!Lead!business!development,!service!provision!and!technical!quality!and!innovation.!

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The!report!offers!recommended!tasks!and!knowledge!and!skill!requirements!for!each!job!title.!

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Introduction!!In!2011!the!AIRAH!Board!set!the!organisation!the!following!four!strategic!aims:!

• Claim!the!sustainability!space!• Close!the!skills!gap!• Inform!regulation!and!policy!decisions!• Build!and!engage!membership!

In!order!to!address!the!second!strategic!aim,!the!first!step!is!to!understand!the!career!pathways!through!the!HVAC&R!industry.!Following!this,!it!can!be!determined!where!the!skills!gaps!lie.!AIRAH!will!then!work!with!industry!to!prioritise!addressing!these!gaps.!

Industry!research!found!for!trade!level!entry!the!skills!packages!for!Certificate!II,!III,!IV,!Diploma!and!Advanced!Diploma!provided!clear!definitions!of!skills,!tasks!and!knowledge!(!however,!there!are!no!clear!frameworks!for!career!pathways!for!mechanical!engineers!working!as!Buildings!Services!Engineers!or!Refrigeration!Engineers.!

As!a!starting!point!for!this!project,!and!for!simplicity,!two!entry!points!to!the!career!of!Building!Services!Engineer!industry!have!been!considered:!

1) Via!trade!level!qualifications!(apprentices)!or!diploma!/!advanced!diploma!and;!2) Via!engineering!qualifications!(typically!mechanical!engineering).!

This!applies!to!both!Building!Services!Engineering!career!pathways!and!Refrigeration!Engineering!career!pathways.!

What!is!a!building!services!engineer?!During!the!initial!research!for!this!project!AIRAH!engaged!with!Engineers!Australia,!which!provided!the!following!description:!

Building(Services(Engineering!

Building-Services-Engineering-is-multiJdisciplinary-in-nature.-By-definition,-it-is-"the-practice-of-the-art-and-science-of-engineering-for-the-purpose-of-achieving-optimal-integrated-building-systems-incorporating-environmental-control-and-safety-provisions-for-the-comfort-and-wellbeing-of-the-occupants-of-the-built-environment.”-

Building-Services-Engineering-is-concerned-with-aspects-of-the-built-environment,-involving-air-conditioning-and-mechanical-ventilation,-electrical-light-and-power,-fire-services,-Fire-Safety-Engineering,-water-and-waste-services,-data-and-communications,-security-and-access-control,-vertical-transportation,-acoustics-in-buildings-and-energy-management.-

AIRAH!recognises!that!Building!Services!Engineering!is!multi(disciplinary.!However,!in!the!Australian!industry!context,!engineers!typically!come!from!single!engineering!discipline!backgrounds!into!the!

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industry!and!learn!aspects!of!other!disciplines!on!the!job.!It!is!noted!that!overseas!Building!Services!Engineering!degrees!exist!that!provide!a!multi(disciplinary!approach!to!study.!!

The!aim!of!this!research!is!to!help!define!the!current!career!pathway!for!mechanical!engineers!working!as!Building!Services!Engineers!in!Australia.!It!is!also!noted!that!the!majority!of!non(technical!tasks,!skills!and!knowledge!are!applicable!to!Buildings!Services!Engineers!from!all!disciplines.This!report!analyses!the!results!of!in(depth!industry!interviews!and!an!industry!survey!of!Building!Services!Engineers!conducted!by!AIRAH!in!2012,!and!recommends!a!model!career!pathway!for!Building!Services!Engineers.!

The!interviews!and!survey!were!undertaken!to!define!job!titles,!roles,!skills,!and!knowledge!requirements!of!mechanical!engineers!working!in!the!building!services!sector.!!

The!results!of!the!project!and!model!career!pathways!will!be!used!to:!

• Examine!the!feasibility!of!formally!recognising!Building!Services!Engineers!as!a!discreet!occupation!by!the!Australian!Bureau!of!Statistics.!

• Help!identify!where!skills!gaps!in!the!industry!lie.!• Refine!the!roles,!tasks,!skills!and!knowledge!for!Building!Services!Engineers!working!in!

contracting!organisations!and!in!facility!management!roles.!

They!may!also!be!useful!for:! !

• Discussions!with!the!higher!education!sector!about!the!opportunity!of!developing!a!degree!in!building!services!engineering!or!post!graduate!qualifications.!

• Share!with!other!like(minded!institutes!in!the!building!services!sector!(e.g.!fire,!electrical)!that!may!wish!to!develop!similar!careers!pathways.!

A!similar!approach!will!be!used!to!develop!the!careers!pathway!for!Refrigeration!Engineering.!

The!Process!In!the!first!stage!of!the!project,!AIRAH!interviewed!a!number!of!industry!professionals!to!examine!their!job!roles,!tasks,!skills!and!knowledge,!and!educational!experiences.!This!first!stage!identified!three!distinct!roles:!!

• Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!• Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!• Principal!Engineer!

In!the!second!stage,!feedback!on!these!proposed!roles!(and!the!tasks,!knowledge!and!skill!required!to!undertake!them)!was!sought!from!mechanical!building!services!engineers!via!an!online!questionnaire!in!August!and!September!2012.!Input!to!the!survey!was!sought!from!members!of!AIRAH,!CIBSE!ANZ,!Engineers!Australia!and!via!the!“AIRAH!Au”!Linkedin!online!discussion!group.!

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The!first!part!of! this!report!analyses!the!survey!responses!and!makes!recommendations!to!update!the!initial!role!descriptions,!tasks,!skills,!and!knowledge!based!on!feedback!from!the!industry.!

The!second!part!of!this!report!outlines!the!recommended!model!career!pathways.!

Industry!Survey!Analysis!

About!the!respondents!

Demographics!

Fifty(six!people!responded!to!the!survey;!the!majority!of!respondents!were!male.!The!survey!did!not!ask!for!demographic!information!(such!as!age!or!nationality).!!Respondents’!companies!are!listed!in!Appendix!1.!

Organisations!

Respondents!came!from!a!very!wide!variety!of!organisations,!which!are!listed!in!Appendix!1.!Several!organisations!had!more!than!one!respondent.!

Figure!2!shows!the!size!of!respondents’!organisations.!It!shows!that!the!greatest!percentage!came!from!organisations!with!more!than!200!employees!(41%),!although!small!and!medium!organisations!were!also!well!represented.!

Figure!2:!Size!of!respondents’!organisations!

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Job!titles!

Table!1!shows!the!job!titles!nominated!by!respondents.!The!table!differentiates!between!responsess!from!design!engineers!in!consulting!organisations,!contracting!organisations!and!facility!management!roles.!

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Table!1:!Job!titles!nominated!by!respondents!from!contracting!and!other!organisations!

Mechanical!engineers!working!in!consulting!organisations!

Contracting!organisations! Facilities!manager!

• Associate!• Associate!Director!(!Building!

Engineering!

• Associate!Director!(!Buildings!

• Building!Services!Engineer!• Design!Engineer!• Director!(3)!• Director!and!Technical!

Supervisor!

• Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!(2)!

• Manager!• Mechanical!Designer!• Mechanical!Engineer!(3)!

• Mechanical!Engineering!Manager!

• Principal!(3)!• Principal!engineer!• Principal!Mechanical!

Engineer!(2)!• Project!Engineer!• Project!Manager!• SE!Asia!Manager!• Senior!Engineer!• Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!

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• Sustainability/Mechanical!Engineer!

• Technical!Director!

• Director,!HVAC!and!Refrigeration!Engineer!

• Engineering!Officer!• Engineering!Services!

Manager!

• Estimating!Engineer!• Principal!• Project!Engineer!(3)!• Senior!Engineer!• Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!

(2)!

• Sustainability!Engineer!

• Building!Services!Engineer!

• Engineering!Services!Manager!

• HVAC&R!specialist!• Mechanical!Engineer!(2)!• Project!Engineering!

Coordinator!

• Sustainability!and!Energy!Manager!

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Respondents!were!not!asked!to!align!themselves!to!one!of!the!three!proposed!job!roles!(Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer,!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!and!Principal!Engineer),!although!such!alignment!is!evident!from!most!titles.!

Generally,!there!is!greater!use!of!managerial!terminology!in!the!job!titles!of!respondents!than!in!the!proposed!job!titles,!with!Director,!Manager,!Senior!and!Project!occurring!in!titles.!

Qualifications!

The!survey!asked!respondents!to!nominate!which!qualifications!they!hold.!It!offered!the!names!of!eight!qualifications!as!well!as!postgraduate!studies!or!other!qualifications!(with!respondent!to!provide!details).!

Figure!3!shows!qualifications!held!by!respondents.!It!shows:!

• 46%!of!respondents!hold!a!Bachelor!of!Mechanical!Engineering.!• One!quarter!of!respondents!hold!a!certificate,!diploma!or!advanced!diploma.!Further!

analysis!of!the!data!shows!that!for!most!of!these,!this!is!their!highest!qualification.!!• All!respondents!held!at!least!one!qualification.!

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Table!2!shows!the!other!qualifications!held!by!respondents.!!

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Qualification!

• Advanced!Diploma!Business!Studies!

• Advanced!Diploma!of!Engineering!(!Mechanical!• Associate!Dip!Mech!Eng!(!Building!Services!(!RMIT!

• Associate!Diploma!of!Mechanical!Engineering!• Bachelor!Tech!Electrical!and!Electronics!Engineering!• Bachelor!of!Aerospace!Engineering!• Bachelor!of!Commerce!

• Bachelor!of!Computer!Science!• Bachelor!of!Engineer!(Electronic!and!Telecommunication)!• Bachelor!of!Technology!(HVAC&R)!• Certificate!IV!in!Electrical!• Certificate!of!Mechanical!Engineering!• Diploma!of!Management!• Diploma!of!Marketing!• Diploma!of!Building!Services!Engineering!• HNC!Mechanical!and!Electrical!Engineering!(UK)!

• Masters!in!Air!Conditioning!• Master!of!Engineering!

• Master!of!Engineering!Science!/!Master!of!Engineering!Studies!• Master!of!Business!Administration!

• Master!of!Engineering!with!Renewable!Energies!

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The!table!shows!that:!

• Most!qualifications!appear!to!have!been!awarded!in!Australia!(judging!from!their!titles).!

• About!10!percent!of!respondents!held!a!management,!marketing!or!other!business!qualification.!!

• There! were! a! number! of! qualifications! held! from! related,! non(engineering! fields! (such! as!computer!science).!

Two!respondents!noted!they!had!completed!the!AIRAH!Graduate!Certificate!in!HVAC!Code!Compliance!postgraduate!qualification.!

Some!other!non(specific!references!were!made!to!postgraduate!studies!(including!postgraduate!studies!in!indoor!air!quality,!business!management,!and!fire!and!risk!engineering.!

Although!the!question!asked!about!qualifications,!a!number!of!respondents!mentioned!their!experience!(in!one!case!over!40!years).!One!also!mentioned!“various!AIRAH!courses.”!

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Survey!Analysis!2!Level!1!2!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!

Job!title!

The!first!of!the!job!titles!proposed!in!the!survey!was!Graduate-Mechanical-Engineer.!Table!3!shows!other!titles!that!respondents!knew!of!for!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineers.!

Table!3:!Alternate!titles!for!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineers!

Title!

• Cadet!Engineer/Draftsman!!• Engineer!(2)!!• Estimator,!Project!Manager!!• Graduate!Building!Services!Engineer!!• Intermediate!Mechanical!Engineer!!• Junior!Engineer!(3)!!• Junior!Mechanical!Engineer!!• Mechanical!Designer!!• Mechanical!Engineer!(2)!!• Project!Engineer!(2)!• Site!Engineer!!• Sustainability!/!Mechanical!Engineer!!

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Survey(findings(There!is,!in!the!proposed!job!titles!structure,!a!clear!graduation!(from!graduate,!to!senior,!to!principal).!Such!a!graduation!was!supported!in!a!general!sense!by!respondents.!

Many!of!the!titles!in!Table!3!support!this!graduation!(with!terms!such!as!cadet!and!junior).!Several!of!the!titles!do!not,!and!do!not!create!a!clear!distinction!between!a!title!at!this!level!and!a!title!at!the!senior!level.!Indeed,!some!of!these!titles!(such!as!Project!Engineer)!would!be!found!at!both!the!graduate!and!senior!levels.!

Two!of!the!titles!do!not!include!engineer.!This!is!significant!given!(as!in!Figure!2)!that!a!considerable!percentage!of!the!workforce!are!not!degree(qualified!engineers.!It!could!also!be!presumed!that!some!people!with!engineer!in!their!job!titles!are!also!not!degree(qualified!engineers.!

Discussion(It!would!seem!somewhat!problematic!to!have!just!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineers!at!the!entry!level!of! the! career! path! structure!when!many! people! at! the! entry! level! are! not! in! fact! graduates! of! a!Bachelor!of!Engineering!course.!They!may!have!trade!qualifications,!a!diploma!or!advanced!diploma,!no!qualifications,!or!be!studying!a!bachelor!degree.!To!use!this!title!would!mean:!

• Recognising!graduates!of!certificate,!diploma!and!associate!diploma!courses!as!‘graduates’.!

• Turning!a!blind!eye!to!the!number!who!are!not!graduates.!

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Recommendation(1. That,!rather!than!have!one!level!with!a!title!(!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!(!there!be!two!titles!

recognised!differing!entry!pathways:!

• Engineering!Officer!(for!those!with!a!trade!background,!have!studied!a!diploma!or!advanced!diploma,!or!currently!studying!an!engineering!degree,!but!have!not!yet!graduated!from!one).!

• Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!(the!most!junior!position!for!graduates).!

Role!

Survey(findings(The!role!proposed!in!the!survey!for!Graduate-Mechanical-Engineers!was:!

• Provide! documents,! drawings! and! written! advice! that! complies! with! legislation! and! client!and/or!senior!engineers’!expectations!

Of!the!50!respondents!to!this!question,!78!per!cent!agreed!with!the!description.!Eleven!respondents!disagreed!and!explained!why.!Some!respondents!suggested!tasks!(which!have!been!added!to!the!task!list!–!Table!4).!!

Several!responders!noted!that!the!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineers!need!to!work!under!supervision!as!one!said,!“the!work!requires!the!control!and!input!from!a!senior!level”.!This!was!not!reflected!in!the!role!description.!

One!respondent!suggested!including!“systems!design”.!Given!that!such!duties!would!be!done!under!supervision,!we!consider!they!are!adequately!reflected!in!the!task!list!below.!The!same!applies!for!the!suggestion!“carry!out!calculations,!inspections,!observations!and!works!under!supervision”.!One!suggested!adding!“work!collaboratively!with!client!and!rest!of!consultant!team!in!meeting!the!functional,!operational!and!performance!requirements!of!the!brief,”!which!we!consider!is!adequately!addressed!by!the!skill!list!below.!

Discussion!Although!it!is!difficult!to!disagree!with!a!78!per!cent!approval!rating,!two!aspects!warrant!further!discussion.!

First,!the!proposed!role!statement!and!the!task!list!do!not!align:!the!task!list!includes!verbal,!and!coordination!tasks,!whereas!the!role!statement!does!not.!Essentially,!it!defines!the!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!as!a!producer!of!written!materials.!

Second,!the!key!defining!aspect!of!this!role!is!that!they!work!under!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer.!This!was!suggested!by!some!respondents,!and!is!implicit!in!many!of!the!tasks,!that!they!work!under!the!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer.!It!is!implied!in!the!proposed!role!statement!but!is!not!explicit!enough,!“comply!with!…!!senior!engineer’s!expectations,”!suggests!supervision!but!could!just!as!well!apply!to!the!work!of!anyone!below!the!senior!engineer!level.!

It!is!recommended!these!two!issues!should!be!addressed!in!the!role!statement.!

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Recommendation(2. That!the!role!statement!for!the!Engineering!Officer/Graduate!Engineer!be:!

Undertake!concept!design,!schematic!design,!design!development,!tender!documentation,!construction!supervision!and!practical!completion!duties,!under!the!direct!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer.!

Tasks!

Survey(findings(and(amended(tasks!The!survey!asked!respondents!whether!they!had!any!comments!on!a!list!of!tasks!proposed!for!the!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!role.!Table!4!shows!the!list!of!tasks.!Note!that!accepted!amendments!suggested!by!respondents!are!in!italics.!

Table!4:!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!tasks!

Tasks!

Concept!design!

• Receive!plans/brief!from!architect!

• System!to!be!used!determined!by!Senior/Principal!Engineer!

• Determine!room!and!ceiling!spaces!required!for!mechanical!services!

• Confirm!understanding!of!the!brief!

• Evaluate!environmental!performance!

Schematic!design!

• Preliminary!thermal!calculations!

• Client/architect!liaison!

• Depict!generally!how!the!system!will!function!

• Environmental!performance!assessment-and!measurement!

Design!development!

• Perform-software-modelling-and-calculations-

• Determine!heat!loads!and!prepare!calculations!

• Detailed!design!determining!size!of!plant!and!equipment!

• Analyse-and-apply-performance-requirements-of-Australian-Standards,-the-National-Construction-Code,-State-Planning-Legislation-and-Regulations-

• Coordinate!with!other!services!(electrical,!hydraulic,!fire,!lifts)!

• Prepare!reports!(specifications,!equipment!schedule)!including!quality!requirements!

• Submit!all!documents!to!Senior!Engineer!for!review!

• Support!to!achieve!good!design!outcome!

Tender(documentation(

• Assist-with-fee-and-cost-calculations,-and-budget-preparation-

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• Engage-with-contract-issues!!

• Package!documentation!for!approval!from!client,!architect!and!other!building!services!

• Review!tenders!for!discrepancies!in!scope!(materials!and!costs)!

• Review!against!brief!

• Coordination!

Construction!supervision!

• Conduct!site!visits!to!confirm!installation!by!contractor!is!according!to!the!design!

• Respond!to!requests!for!information!(RFIs)!

• Ensure!regular!client!contact!and-engage-with-clients-as-directed!

• Prepare!site!inspection!reports!

• Review!of!variations,!defects!and!liabilities!period!and!practical!completion!

• Assist-with-ensuring-that-specified-design-flow-rates-are-achieved-(contractor)-

• Assist-with-labour-allocation-(contractor)-

Practical!completion!

• Inspect!for!defects!

• Assist-with-addressing-defects-(moved-from-Construction(supervision)-

• Hand!over!operations!and!maintenance!manual!to!the!building!owner!

• Inspect!installation!in!one!year’s!time!

Other!duties!as!required!

• Assist!with!witnessing!commissioning!

• Other!duties!as!directed!by!Senior!Engineer!and/or!manager!

!

Discussion(Respondents!made!three!types!of!comments!about!the!task!list:!

1)!that!a!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!would!not!usually!be!expected!to!be!competent!in!every!item!on!the!list.!

2)!the!list!tends!to!favour!design!and!consultancy!rather!than!construction,!installation,!maintenance,!or!facility!management.!!

AIRAH!proposes!evolving!the!career!pathway!in!2015(2016!based!on!feedback!on!this!first!version.!

3)! Many! respondents! indicated! that! there! is! a! level! between! Graduate! and! Senior! Mechanical!Engineer.!Comments!included:!

• “By!the!time!a!graduate!engineer!can!do!all!that,!they!are!not!a!graduate!engineer!anymore.”!

• “The!graduate!engineer's!task!as!described!should!be!split!into!two!levels,!say!Graduate!and!Engineer.!The!latter!has!more!experience!and!would!assist!in!training!the!graduate!…!their!duties!would!include!coordination!with!other!disciplines.”!

• “They!look!good!in!writing;!however,!I!have!never!come!across!anyone!who!has!carried!out!the!full!job!description.!If!they!completed!half!the!tasks!successfully,!they!would!be!considered!gun!engineers.”!

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• “Intermediate!Design!Engineer.”!

• “Some!of!the!tasks!mentioned!above!fall!under!the!scope!of!an!Intermediate!(mechanical)!Engineer!with!2(3!years!of!experience.!These!tasks!can!be!handled!by!Graduate!Engineer!if!the!project!size!is!small,!otherwise!would!require!a!lot!of!technical!help!and!assistance.”!

• “I!think!there!should!be!a!Mechanical!Engineer!step!between!levels!1!and!2.”!

These!comments!are!partly!addressed!by!emphasising!that!the!role!is!performed!under!supervision.!The!difference!between!the!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!and!the!proposed!Mechanical!Engineer!role!is!the!amount!of!support!and!guidance!required.!

Recommendations(3. That!there!be!a!job!title!of!Mechanical!Engineer.!

4. That!the!role!of!the!Mechanical!Engineer!is!to:!

Undertake!concept!design,!schematic!design,!design!development,!tender!documentation,!construction!supervision!and!practical!completion!duties,!under!the!limited!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer,!or!independently.!

5. That!the!tasks!undertaken!by!an!Engineering!Officer!/!Graduate!Engineer!and!a!Mechanical!Engineer!be!those!in!Table!4!(the!differentiation!being!in!the!extent!of!supervision!required).!

The!second!concern!—!that!there!is!a!design/consultancy!focus!—!was!made!in!the!following!comments:!

• “Tasks!seem!to!be!those!performed!by!a!Graduate!Consulting!Engineer.!As!Graduate!Mechanical!Contracting!Engineer!there!is!more!project!management!involved!like!controlling!job!costs,!liaising!with!subcontractors!(i.e.,!plumbers,!electricians!and!equipment!suppliers!etc.).”!

• “The!assumption!is!that!the!graduate!works!in!a!consultants!office,!there!are!other!possibilities!i.e.!contractor,!install,!maintain!and/or!manage.”!

• “The!items!at!each!stage!depend!on!the!size/type!of!the!project.!This!description!is!accurate!for!larger!projects!but!a!bit!less!so!for!smaller!ones.!The!formulation!of!a!mechanical!services!brief!for!the!client's!approval!occurs!during!the!concept!stage.”!

• “The! list! appears! to! centre! around! design,! whereas! many! engineers! are! employed! in! other!areas/industries!e.g.!construction.”!

AIRAH!acknowledges!the!focus!on!design!and!consultancy!and!will!undertake!further!work!to!identify!additional!and!different!tasks!required!for!those!in!contracting!organisations!and!in!managing!buildings.!This!applies!to!all!findings!in!the!research.!

Skills!

Survey(findings(and(amended(skills(The!survey!asked!respondents!whether!they!had!any!comments!on!a!list!of!skills!required!for!the!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!role.!Table!5!shows!the!list!of!skills.!Note!that!accepted!amendments!suggested!by!respondents!are!in!italics.!

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Table!5:!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!required!skills!

Skills!

• Active!listening!!• Appreciation!of!the!built!environment!• Brief!interpretation!• Clear!communication!and!non(technical!writing!(co(workers,!clients,!architects,!on(site!contractors)!• Computational!analysis!• Document!control!• Drafting!and-3D-modelling!!• Information!gathering!(access!the!“right”!information)!• Negotiation!skills!(with!other!services!and!architect!on!design)!• Perform!calculations!• Presenting!to-clients!• Problem!solving!• Basic!project!management!(including!on!multiple!projects)!• Report!writing!• Spatial!reasoning!• Teamwork!• Time!management!• Basic-job-costing-and-financial-skills!!• Basic!engineering!measurement!techniques!(for!air!and!water!flows,!noise)!• Undertaking-continuing-professional-development-• Basic-review-and-analysis-

!

One!respondent!suggested!“well(developed!public!speaking!and!marketing!skills.”!These!would!not!appear!to!be!required!at!this!level.!!

Knowledge!

Survey(findings(and(amended(knowledge(The!survey!asked!respondents!whether!they!had!any!comments!on!a!list!of!knowledge!requirements!for!the!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!role.!Table!6!shows!the!list!of!knowledge!requirements.!Note!that!amendments!suggested!by!respondents!that!have!been!accepted!are!in!italics.!!

Respondents!made!no!comments!that!could!not!be!incorporated!into!the!list!below,!but!one!noted,!“(the!whole!list)!could!be!a!big!ask!for!a!graduate.”!

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Table!6:!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!required!knowledge!

Knowledge!

• Acoustics-• Air!conditioning!system!types!• Basic-psychrometrics-• Building!materials!characteristics!• Building!structures!• Climate!• Computer!software!• Conservation!(energy/water)!• Construction!stages!• Costs-(of-construction,-labour-and-other-consultants)-• Cultural!differences!• Daylight!• Design!responsibilities!for!occupational!health!and!safety!• Different!design!techniques!• Drawing-practices-and-standards-• Duct-design-• Dynamics!• Electrical!engineering!controls!• Energy!performance!• Engineering!and-refrigeration!principles,!techniques,!procedures!and!equipment!• Environmental!rating!tools!• Financial-implications-of-different-design-concepts-• Fluid!mechanics!• Human-factors-in-engineering-design-• Internal!comfort!requirements!• Legislative!compliance-requirements!(building!hierarchy,!Australian!Standards,!National-

Construction-Code,-relevant-state-and-territory-acts-and-regulations)!• Low!energy!technologies!• Mathematics-• Network-piping-analysis-• On(site!hazards!• Protective!equipment!• Refrigeration-and-water-systems-• Right!sizing!• Safe!work!method!statement!• Statics!and!strength!of!materials!• Sustainability-and-environmental-issues-• Thermodynamics!• Working!at!heights-

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Skills!and!knowledge!for!the!future!!

The!survey!asked!respondents!whether!they!could!nominate!any!“emerging!skills!and!knowledge”!requirements!not!covered!by!the!lists!above.!These!are!shown!in!Table!7.!

Table!7:!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!skills!and!knowledge!for!the!future!

Skills!

• Building!information!modelling!(BIM)!• Energy!modelling!• Revit!–!MEP!• Calculation!for!mixed!mode!ventilation!• Passive!system!design!• Low(energy!system!design!skills!• Energy!management!(including!relevant!software)!

Knowledge!

• Basic!understanding!of!building!management!systems!• Soft!Landing!framework!• Environmentally!responsive!building!design!and!design!requirements!of!other!disciplines!• NABERS,!Green!Star!requirements!• Sustainable!development!and!green!building!• Mixed!mode!ventilation!• Emerging!energy(efficient!products!and!technologies!

!

Discussion(Also,!respondents!made!two!general!points:!!

• There!is!a!need!for!a!back(to(basics,!with!Australian!engineers!lacking!lots!of!basic!engineering!knowledge.!

• That!given!tough!economic!conditions,!engineers!at!all!levels!need!increasingly!good!marketing,!interpersonal!and!communication!skills!(as!one!said,!the!ability!to!“listen!more!and!talk!less’’).!

Recommendations(6. That!the!skills!in!Tables!5!and!7!be!those!required!by!an!Engineering!Officer/Graduate!

Engineer!and!a!Mechanical!Engineer.!

7. That!the!knowledge!in!Tables!6!and!7!be!that!required!by!an!Engineering!Officer/Graduate!Engineer!and!a!Mechanical!Engineer.!

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Survey!Analysis!2!Level!2!2!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!

Job!title!

The!second!of!the!proposed!job!titles!was!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer.!Table!8!shows!other!titles!respondents!knew!of!for!Senior!Mechanical!Engineers.!

Table!8:!Alternate!titles!for!Senior!Mechanical!Engineers!

Title!

• Associate!• Design!Engineer,!Project!Engineer!• Engineer,!Team!or!Section!Leader!• Estimator!(contractor)!• Lead!Engineer!• Lead!Mechanical!Engineer!

• Mechanical!Engineer!• Project!Engineer!(3)!• Project!Manager!• Project!Team!Leader!

• Senior!Engineer!• Senior!Project!Engineer!• Senior!Site!Engineer!• Services!Co(ordinator!• Services!Leader!

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As!noted!for!the!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!description,!many!of!these!alternate!titles!would!appear!to!be!picking!up!a!level!between!Graduate!Engineer!and!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!suggested!as!Mechanical!Engineer.!

It!is!noted!the!notion!of!the!multidisciplinary!nature!of!building!services!becomes!apparent!in!the!titles!above!at!the!senior!engineering!level.!

Role!

The!role!proposed!in!the!survey!for!Senior!Mechanical!Engineers:!

• Conceptualise,- design- and- document- engineering- services- in- a- multiJdiscipline- project-environment.-

Of!the!48!respondents!to!this!section,!79!per!cent!agreed!with!the!description.!Ten!respondents!disagreed!and!explained!why.!As!with!the!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!position,!many!of!the!suggestions!were!for!tasks!(which!have!been!added!to!the!task!list!in!Table!9,!in!italics).!

The!rest!of!the!comments!were!mainly!to!note!that!aspects!of!the!role!are!performed!by!those!at!Level!1,!and!at!Level!3;!and!that!a!significant!aspect!of!this!role!is!that!the!managing!junior/less!

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experienced!engineers!do!the!tasks.!For!example,!“some!of!the!above!tasks!can!be!handled!by!an!intermediate!engineer,!like!ensuring!BCA!requirements!are!met,!determine!system!selection,!prepare!reports,!etc.”.!

This!is!consistent!with!comments!for!the!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!role,!where!it!is!recommended!that!the!supervision!framework!be!noted!in!the!role!and!that!it!be!aligned!to!the!task!list.!

Recommendation(8. That!the!role!statement!for!the!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!be:!

Undertake!feasibility!assessment,!master!planning,!design!development,!tender,!and!construction!supervision!duties,!with!broad!conceptual!guidance!from!a!more!senior!engineer.!

As!with!the!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!role,!one!respondent!noted!that!the!list!appears!to!centre!around!design,!whereas!many!engineers!are!employed!in!other!areas!and!industries!(such!as!construction).!

Tasks!

Survey(findings(and(amended(tasks(The!survey!asked!respondents!whether!they!had!any!comments!on!a!list!of!tasks!proposed!for!the!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!role.!Table!9!shows!the!list!of!tasks.!Note!that!accepted!amendments!suggested!by!respondents!are!in!italics.!

Table!9:!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!tasks!

Tasks!

Feasibility!assessment!

• Translate-client’s-brief-into-a-system-that-achieves-the-engineering-functions-required-of-a-building-

• Assist!in!setting!vision!and!performance!outcomes!

• Identify!the!viability!of!the!project!

• Formulate!a!brief!for!the!client!

• Form!a!“works!package”!(tender)!

• Determine-and-submit-an-engineering-design-services-fee-

• Estimate-other-costs-and-program-times-

• Plan-work!

Master!planning!

• Determine!system!selection!options!

• Identify!industry!trends!

• Ensure!concept!design!is!on!track!and!meeting!timelines!with!internal!staff!

• Test!solutions!

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Design!development!

• Review!detailed!documents!(incl.!sizing!and!system!selection)!prepared!by!Mechanical!Engineer!

• Monitor!progress!of!design!

• Ensure-design-meets-the-performance-requirements-of-Australian-Standards,-the-National-Construction-Code,-State-Planning-Legislation-and-Regulations-

• Communicate!with!internal!project!team!members!and!external!clients!

• Negotiate!with!other!building!disciplines!and!coordinate!feedback!

• Facade!design!

Tender!

• Manage!queries!from!tenderers!

• Review!contractors’!pricing!(matches!design!criteria)!

• Check!exclusions!

• Recommend!selected!tender!to!client!

• Review!against!statutory!and!brief!requirements!

Construction!supervision!

• Review!contractors’!installation!proposal!

• Ensure!integrity!of!design!

• Conduct!site!inspections,!if!required!

• Check!contractors’!quality!assurance!procedures!

• Witness!systems!in!operation!

• Review!energy!consumption,!if!required!

• Certification!

• Assess!variations!

• Review!alternative!proposals!!

• Assist!in!rectifying!defects!

Other!

• Supervise-the-preparation-and-submission-of-bids-

• Supervise-relationships-with-clients-

• Direct-resources,-personnel-and-new-business-towards-fulfilment-of-overall-organisational-objectives-

• Provide-technical-assistance/training-to-less-experienced-engineers-

• Supervise/lead/manage-professional-and-nonJprofessional-staff,-individually-or-in-teams!

• Provide-technical-review-of-engineering-services-to-ensure-the-functional,-operational-and-performance-requirements-are-met-

• Conduct-lifeJcycle-costing-and-energy-audits-

• Ensure-that-the-operating-and-maintenance-manuals-(including-commissioning-data)-are-provided-to-the-client-

• Financially-manage-projects-as-assigned----

• Develop-and-oversee-schedules--

• Be-responsible-for-the-commissioning-of-systems-

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Recommendation!

9. That!the!tasks!undertaken!by!a!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!be!those!in!Table!9.!!

Skills!

Survey(findings(and(amended(skills(The!survey!asked!respondents!whether!they!had!any!comments!on!a!list!of!skills!required!for!the!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!role.!Table!10!shows!the!list!of!skills.!Note!that!accepted!amendments!suggested!by!respondents!are!in!italics.!

Table!10:!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!required!skills!

Skills!

Skills!for!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!plus:!• Allocate-labour-(contractor)-

• Analyse!quality!control!• Benchmarking!

• Coordinate!with!external!design!team!members!• Collaboration!

• Communication!!

• Critical!thinking!• Design!requirements!of!other!disciplines!(electrical,!fire,!hydraulics!etc.)!

• Develop!assumptions!• Job-costing-and-financial-skills-

• Leadership!• Manage!client!expectations!

• Manage!contracts!

• Manage!multiple!projects!• Manage!multiple!view!points!

• Manage!project!finances!• Manage!staff!

• Mentorship!and!staff!professional!development!• Negotiation!

• Non(technical!writing!

• Planning!and!monitoring!• PreJcommissioning-of-installed-systems-(contractor)-

• Presentation!(to!client)!• Prioritise!

• Problem!solving!(inventive)!

• Resolve!conflicts!between!builders/property!owners!and!contractors!• Selling!design!solutions!

• Manage-own-continuing-professional-development-

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Knowledge!

Survey(findings(and(amended(knowledge(The!survey!asked!respondents!for!comments!on!a!list!of!knowledge!requirements!for!the!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!role.!Table!11!shows!those!requirements.!Note!that!accepted!amendments!suggested!by!respondents!are!in!italics.!

Table!11:!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!required!knowledge!

Knowledge!

Knowledge!for!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!plus:!

• New!technologies!• Local,!state!and!federal!government!regulations!and!acts!

• Meeting!procedures/etiquette!• Provide!a!rationale!for!system!selection!and!design!

• Building!disciplines!• Scheduling!• Motivations!

• Contract!law!• NABERS,!Green!Star!• Emotional!intelligence!• Occupational!change!• Re(lifing!buildings!• Climatically!responsive!building!design!• Business!management!

• Advanced-psychrometrics---

• Advanced-refrigeration-principles---• Quality-assurance-and-auditing-• Vision-setting--!• Occupational-change--!• Mentorship-!

• Basic-knowledge-of-the-fundamentals-of-design-of-other-disciplines-(electrical,-fire-safety,-hydraulics,-waste-management,-etc.)-

• LifeJcycle-costing-analysis-

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Skills!and!knowledge!for!the!future!!

The!survey!asked!respondents!whether!they!could!nominate!any!emerging!skills!and!knowledge!requirements!not!covered!by!the!lists!above.!These!were!substantially!the!same!as!nominated!for!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer,!with!a!few!additional!skills!and!knowledge!shown!in!Table!12.!

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Table!12:!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!skills!and!knowledge!for!the!future!

Skills!

• Building!information!modelling!coordination!• National!Construction!Code!alternative!solutions!and!advanced!alternative!modelling!• Integrating!green!designs,!zero(carbon!considerations!• Forward!projection!/!life(cycle!planning!

Knowledge!

• Relevant!legal!requirements!!• Occupational!change,!re(lifing!of!existing!buildings,!collaboration!and!stewardship!

Recommendations(10. That!the!skills!in!Tables!10!and!12!be!those!required!by!a!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer.!

11. That!the!knowledge!in!Tables!11!and!12!be!that!required!by!a!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer.!

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Survey!analysis!2!Level!3!2!Principal!Engineer!

Job!title!

The!third!of!the!proposed!job!titles!in!the!survey!was!Principal!Engineer.!Table!13!shows!other!titles!that!respondents!knew!of!for!Principal!Engineers.!

Table!13:!Alternate!titles!for!Principal!Engineers!

Title!

• Associate!• Associate!Directors!• Chief!Engineer!• Director!• Engineering!Manager!(4)!• Manager!

• Principal!• Project!Manger!• Senior!Project!Manager!

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Role!

The!role!proposed!in!the!survey!for!Principal!Engineers!was!as!follows:!

• Translate!client’s!brief!into!a!system!that!achieves!the!engineering!functions!required!of!a!building.!

• Direct! resources,! personnel! and! new! business! towards! fulfilment! of! overall! organisational!objectives.!

Of!the!44!respondents!to!this!section,!84!per!cent!agreed!with!the!description.!Five!respondents!offered!comments,!the!general!theme!being!that!the!role!description!needs!to!emphasise!the!principal!engineer’s!responsibilities!more!directly.!Most!of!this!translates!into!tasks,!which!have!been!included!in!the!task!list!in!Table!14!in!italics.!It!could!also!be!dealt!with!by!aligning!this!job!role!with!their!suggestions!for!the!other!two:!

• Lead!business!development,!service!provision!and!technical!quality!and!innovation.!!

• One! respondent!noted! that! the! tasks!were!“pretty!much! the! same!as! for!a!Senior!Engineer,”!which!is!an!argument!for!emphasising!the!issue!of!ultimate!responsibility.!

Recommendation(12. That!the!role!statement!for!the!Principal!Engineer!be:!

Translate!client’s!brief!into!a!system!that!achieves!the!engineering!functions!required!of!a!building.!

Direct!resources,!personnel!and!new!business!towards!fulfilment!of!overall!organisational!objectives.!

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Lead!business!development,!service!provision!and!technical!quality!and!innovation.!

Tasks!Table!14:!Principal!Engineer!tasks!

Tasks!

Business!development!

• Present!and!explain!proposals,!reports!and!findings!to!clients!

• Consult!or!negotiate!with!client!to!prepare!project!brief!

• Understand!client!requirements!

• Analyse!technology,!resource!needs!and!market!demand!to!plan!and!assess!the!feasibility!of!projects!

• Networking!

• Preparation!of!proposals!to!management!

• Technical!mentorship!

• Manage!team!professional!development!

• Manage!client!expectations!

Management!

• Ensure!functional,!capital!and!operational!requirements!are!met!

• Develop!and!implement!policies,!standards!and!procedures!

• Recruit!employees,!assign,!direct!and!evaluate!performance!

• Be-responsible-for-staff-training--

• Provide-mentorship-and-stewardship-to-support-team-in-delivering-on-the-functional,-operational-and-performance-requirements-of-the-brief-

• Set-financial-targets-

• Determine-concepts-in-line-with-the-organisation’s-policy-direction!

• Be-responsible-for-office-profitability-

• Be-responsible-for-marketing-and-bringing-work-into-the-office-

• Be-responsible-for-contract-reviews-and-dispute-resolution!

• Lead-continued-professional-development-

Technical!

• Set!concepts!and!review!design!development!

• Resolve!design!and!test!problems!

• Ensure!design!intent!is!met!

• Certification!

• Manage!design!errors!

• Respond!and!manage!potential!professional!indemnity!claims!

• Assure!the!quality!of!work!by!less!senior!engineers!

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Recommendation(13. That!the!tasks!undertaken!by!a!Principal!Engineer!be!those!in!Table!14.!

Skills!

Survey(findings(and(amended(skills(The!survey!asked!respondents!whether!they!had!any!comments!on!a!list!of!skills!required!for!the!Principal!Engineer!role.!Table!15!shows!the!list!of!skills.!Note!that!accepted!amendments!suggested!by!respondents!are!in!italics.!

Table!15:!Principal!Engineer!required!skills!

Skills!

Skills!for!Senior!Engineer!plus:!

• Complex!problem!solving!

• Client!research!

• Active!learning!

• Judgement!and!decision!making!

• Risk!management!

• Technical!skills!and!knowledge!management!

• Marketing-

• Cost-analysis---

• Quality-assurance/auditing!

• Human-resource-management-

• Leadership!

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Knowledge!

Survey(findings(and(amendments(The!survey!asked!respondents!whether!they!had!any!comments!on!a!list!of!knowledge!requirements!for!the!Principal!Engineer!role.!Table!16!shows!the!list!of!knowledge!requirements.!Note!that!accepted!amendments!suggested!by!respondents!are!in!italics.!

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Table!16:!Principal!Engineer!required!knowledge!

Knowledge!

Knowledge!for!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!plus:!

• Business!development!

• Expert!witness!

• Financial!principles,!documentation!

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• Human!resources!

• Industry!trends!

• Knowing!the!audience!

• Leadership!techniques!

• Marketing-

• Office-culture-

• Personal-development-and-structures-

• Strategic!planning-

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Skills!and!knowledge!for!the!future!!

The!survey!asked!respondents!whether!they!could!nominate!any!emerging!skills!and!knowledge!requirements!not!covered!by!the!lists!above.!Respondents’!suggestions!are!shown!in!Table!17.!

Table!17:!Principal!Engineer!skills!and!knowledge!for!the!future!

Skills!

• Advising!staff!and!clients!about!energy!modelling!for!energy(efficient!equipment!• Advanced!comfort!management!• Collaboration,!mentorship!and!professional!development!of!staff!• Applying!a!more!holistic!approach!to!BIM!• Outsourcing!and!working!with!staff!in!other!countries!

Knowledge!

• The!latest!technologies!and!engineering!design!trends!from!USA!and!Europe!

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Recommendations(14. That!the!skills!in!Tables!15!and!17!be!those!required!by!a!Principal!Engineer.!

15. That!the!knowledge!in!Tables!16!and!17!be!that!required!by!a!Principal!Engineer.!

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Summary!of!Recommendations!from!Occupation!analysis!Based!on!the!evidence!collected!from!the!industry!survey,!the!following!recommendations!have!been!considered!and!accepted:!

Level!1!2!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!

1. That,!rather!than!have!one!level!with!one!title—Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer—there!be!two:!

• Engineering!Officer!(for!those!with!a!trade!background,!or!currently!studying!toward!an!engineering!degree,!but!not!yet!having!graduated!from!one).!

• Graduate!Engineer!(the!most!junior!position!for!graduates).!

2. That!the!role!statement!for!the!Engineering!Officer/Graduate!Engineer!be:!

Undertake!concept!design,!schematic!design,!design!development,!tender!documentation,!construction!supervision!and!practical!completion!duties,!under!the!direct!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer.!

3. That!there!be!a!job!title!of!Mechanical!Engineer.!

4. That!the!role!of!the!Mechanical!Engineer!is!to:!

Undertake!concept!design,!schematic!design,!design!development,!tender!documentation,!construction!supervision!and!practical!completion!duties,!under!the!limited!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer,!or!independently.!

5. That!the!tasks!undertaken!by!an!Engineering!Officer/Graduate!Engineer!and!a!Mechanical!Engineer!be!those!in!Table!4!(the!differentiation!being!in!the!extent!of!supervision!required).!

6. That!the!skills!in!Tables!5!and!7!be!those!required!by!an!Engineering!Officer/Graduate!Engineer!and!a!Mechanical!Engineer.!

7. That!the!knowledge!in!Tables!6!and!7!be!that!required!by!an!Engineering!Officer/Graduate!Engineer!and!a!Mechanical!Engineer.!

Level!2!2!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!

8. That!the!role!statement!for!the!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!be:!

Undertake!feasibility!assessment,!master!planning,!design!development,!tender,!and!construction!supervision!duties,!with!broad!conceptual!guidance!from!a!more!senior!engineer.!

9. That!the!tasks!undertaken!by!a!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!be!those!in!Table!9.!!

10. That!the!skills!in!Tables!10!and!12!be!those!required!by!a!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer.!

11. That!the!knowledge!in!Tables!11!and!12!be!that!required!by!a!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer.!

Level!3!2!Principal!Engineer!

12. That!the!role!statement!for!the!Principal!Engineer!be:!

Translate!client’s!brief!into!a!system!that!achieves!the!engineering!functions!required!of!a!building.!

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Direct!resources,!personnel!and!new!business!towards!fulfilment!of!overall!organisational!objectives.!

Lead!business!development,!service!provision!and!technical!quality!and!innovation.!

13. That!the!tasks!undertaken!by!a!Principal!Engineer!be!those!in!Table!14.!

14. That!the!skills!in!Tables!15!and!17!be!those!required!by!a!Principal!Engineer.!

15. That!the!knowledge!in!Tables!16!and!17!be!that!required!by!a!Principal!Engineer.!

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Technical!skills!vs!soft!skills!During!the!review!of!the!various!roles!it!became!apparent!that!Building!Services!Engineers!(mechanical)!must!possess!a!diverse!range!of!technical,!process,!and!analytical!skills!and!knowledge.!What!is!also!apparent!is!the!range!of!soft!skills!and!knowledge!required.!The!soft!skills!and!knowledge!have!been!separated!out!in!the!model!career!pathways!for!ease!of!identification.!

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Model!career!pathways:!!Following!the!interviews,!industry!survey!and!analysis,!the!model!career!pathway!is!offered!to!the!HVAC&R!industry!for!use!as!guidance.!Full!details!of!tasks,!skills!and!knowledge!see!Appendix!2.!

It!is!recognised!that!engineers!will!have!varying!exposure!to!the!aspects!of!the!skills,!tasks!and!knowledge!depending!on!a!range!of!factors!including!size!and!structure!of!their!organisation.!

In!order!to!improve!the!proposed!pathway,!all!feedback!is!welcome.!

!Figure!4!–!Career!pathway!for!Mechanical!Engineers!working!in!Building!Services!

Lvl! Title! Role!

1! Engineering!Officer!(for!those!with!a!trade!background,!or!currently!studying!toward!an!engineering!degree)!!Graduate!Engineer!(the!most!junior!position!for!graduates)!

Undertake!concept!design,!schematic!design,!design!development,!tender!documentation,!construction!supervision,!and!practical!completion!duties!under!the!direct!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer.!

2! Mechanical!Engineer! Undertake!concept!design,!schematic!design,!design!development,!tender!documentation,!construction!supervision,!and!practical!completion!duties!under!the!limited!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer,!or!independently.!

3! Senior!Mechanical!Engineer! Undertake!feasibility!assessment,!master!planning,!design!development,!tender,!and!construction!supervision!duties!with!broad!conceptual!guidance!from!a!more!senior!engineer.!

4! Principal!Engineer! Translate!clients!brief!into!a!system!that!achieves!the!engineering!functions!required!of!a!building.!Direct!resources,!personnel!and!new!business!towards!fulfilment!of!overall!organisational!objectives.!Lead!business!development,!service!provision!and!technical!quality!and!innovation.!

Level!4!Principal!Enginer!

Level!3!!Senior!Mechanical!

Engineer!

Level!2!!Mechanical!Engineer!

Level!1!!Graduate!

Mechanical!Engineer!

Level!1!Engineering!Officer!

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Next!steps!and!future!work!!

This!research!report!and!proposed!model!career!pathway!will!form!the!basis!for!a!number!of!actions!by!AIRAH:!

• It!will!be!made!available!to!the!industry!to!use!as!a!guideline.!AIRAH!will!approach!Engineers!Australia!and!CIBSE!ANZ!to!disseminate!the!information!through!their!networks!too.!

• The!methodology!employed!in!this!research!will!be!duplicated!to!determine!a!model!pathway!for!Refrigeration!Engineers.!

• Review!of!alternative/additional!tasks,!skills!and!knowledge!for!Building!Services!Engineers!working!in!contracting!organisations!and!in!facility!management!roles.!

• In!order!to!progress!its!strategic!aim!of!“Close!the!Skills!Gap”!AIRAH!will!review!the!technical!skills,!particularly!at!Level!1,!to!identify!where!the!skills!gaps!are!and!prioritise!addressing!them.!

• AIRAH!will!discuss!with!universities!the!possibility!of!developing!a!building!services!qualification!• AIRAH!will!continue!discussions!with!the!Australian!Bureau!of!Statistics!(ABS)!about!recognising!

Building!Services!Engineer!as!a!recognised!occupation.!• Discuss!with!Engineers!Australia!how!this!aligns!with!national!registration!and!how!AIRAH!can!

support!pathways!for!non(degree(qualified!engineers!to!become!registered!(articulation).!!• Collect!feedback!and!review!the!model!pathway!in!2015.!• Consider!that!at!senior!level!there!is!a!split!(!one!path!more!technical!management!and!the!

other!is!more!people!management!focused.!• Identify!where!AIRAH!training!aligns!with!skills!requirements.!

!2End!of!report2!

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Appendix!1:!Respondents’!organisations!• 101!Collins!St!Pty!Ltd!• A.G.!Coombs!• ADG!Engineers!• AE!Smith!• AECOM!• Airmatrix!• ASC!Engineers!• Australian!Airconditioning!&!Mechanical!Services!• Australian!National!Maritime!Museum!• Bayliss!Consulting!• BCA!Consultants!• Cardno!ITC!• City!Building!Engineering!Services!(Aust)!• Cundall!• Dept.!of!Health!&!Ageing!(SA)!• EEC!WSP!• Elms!Consulting!Engineers!• Faircloth!&!Reynolds!!• Green!Leaf!Engineers!• Hi!Air!Australia!• Jones!Lang!LaSalle!• LEHR!Consultants!International!Aust.!!• Multitech!Solutions!!• New!Directions!In!Building!Services!• Norman!Disney!&!Young!• Northrop!Consulting!Engineers!• Pacific!Institute!of!Technology!• Parmac!Airconditioning!• Peter!Carrington!&!Associates!• Rooty!Hill!RSL!Club!and!Novotel!Hotel!• Sanderson!Consultants!• SEiD!• Townsville!Airport!• Umow!Lai!• University!of!Queensland!• Watson,!Fitzgerald!&!Associates!• WSP!Buildings!

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Appendix!2:!Model!Career!Pathway!!

Level!1!(entry!level)!|!Engineering!Officer!or!Graduate!Engineer!!

Model!Career!Pathway!|!Building!Services!Engineer!(mechanical)!|!Version!1.0!Level!1!(entry!level)!|!Engineering!Officer!or!Graduate!Engineer!Title! Engineering!Officer!(for!those!with!a!trade!background,!diploma!or!advanced!diploma,!or!

currently!studying!toward!an!engineering!degree)!!Graduate!Engineer!(the!most!junior!position!for!engineering!graduates)!

Role! Undertake!concept!design,!schematic!design,!design!development,!tender!documentation,!construction!supervision!and!practical!completion!duties,!under!the!direct!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer.!

Tasks! Concept!design!• Receive!plans/brief!from!architect!• System!to!be!used!determined!by!Senior/Principal!Engineer!• Determine!room!and!ceiling!spaces!required!for!mechanical!services!• Confirm!understanding!of!the!brief!• Evaluate!environmental!performance!Schematic!design!• Preliminary!thermal!calculations!• Client/architect!liaison!• Depict!generally!how!the!system!will!function!• Environmental!performance!assessment!and!measurement!Design!development!• Perform!software!modelling!and!calculations!• Determine!heat!loads!and!prepare!calculations!• Detailed!design!determining!size!of!plant!and!equipment!• Analyse!and!apply!performance!requirements!of!Australian!Standards,!the!National!

Construction!Code,!State!Planning!Legislation!and!Regulations!• Coordinate!with!other!services!(electrical,!hydraulic,!fire,!lifts)!• Prepare!reports!(specifications,!equipment!schedule)!including!quality!requirements!• Submit!all!documents!to!Senior!Engineer!for!review!• Support!to!achieve!good!design!outcome!Tender!documentation!• Assist!with!fee!and!cost!calculations,!and!budget!preparation!• Engage!with!contract!issues!!• Package!documentation!for!approval!from!client,!architect!and!other!building!services!• Review!tenders!for!discrepancies!in!scope!(materials!and!costs)!• Review!against!brief!• Coordination!Construction!supervision!• Conduct!site!visits!to!confirm!installation!by!contractor!is!according!to!the!design!• Respond!to!requests!for!information!(RFIs)!• Ensure!regular!client!contact!and!engage!with!clients!as!directed!• Prepare!site!inspection!reports!• Review!of!variations,!defects!and!liabilities!period!and!practical!completion!

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• Assist!with!ensuring!that!specified!design!flow!rates!are!achieved!(contractor)!• Assist!with!labour!allocation!(contractor)!Practical!completion!• Inspect!for!defects!• Assist!with!addressing!defects!!• Hand!over!operations!and!maintenance!manual!to!the!building!owner!• Inspect!installation!in!one!year’s!time!Other!duties!as!required!• Assist!with!witnessing!commissioning!• Other!duties!as!directed!by!senior!engineer!and/or!manager!

Technical! /!analytical!/process!skills!

• Appreciation!of!the!built!environment!• Brief!interpretation!• Computational!analysis!• Document!control!• Drafting!and!3D!modelling!!• Information!gathering!(access!the!“right!information”)!• Perform!calculations!• Problem!solving!• Spatial!reasoning!• Basic!job!costing!and!financial!skills!!• Basic!engineering!measurement!techniques!(for!air!and!water!flows,!noise)!• Undertaking!continuing!professional!development!• Basic!review!and!analysis!

Soft!skills! • Active!listening!!• Clear!communication!and!non(technical!writing!(co(workers,!clients,!architects,!on(site!

contractors)!• Negotiation!skills!(with!other!services!and!architect!on!design)!• Presenting!to!clients!• Basic!project!management!(including!on!multiple!projects)!• Report!writing!• Teamwork!• Time!management!

Knowledge! • Acoustics!• Air!conditioning!system!types!• Basic!psychrometrics!• Building!materials!characteristics!• Building!structures!• Climate!• Computer!software!• Conservation!(energy/water)!• Construction!stages!• Costs!(of!construction,!labour!and!other!consultants)!• Cultural!differences!• Daylight!• Design!responsibilities!for!occupational!health!and!safety!• Different!design!techniques!• Drawing!practices!and!standards!• Duct!design!• Electrical!engineering!controls!• Energy!performance!• Engineering!and!refrigeration!principles,!techniques,!procedures!and!equipment!• Environmental!rating!tools!

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• Financial!implications!of!different!design!concepts!• Fluid!mechanics!• Human!factors!in!engineering!design!• Internal!comfort!requirements!• Legislative!compliance!requirements!(building!hierarchy,!Australian!Standards,!

National!Construction!Code,!relevant!state!and!territory!acts!and!regulations)!• Low!energy!technologies!• Mathematics!• Network!piping!analysis!• On(site!hazards!• Protective!equipment!• Refrigeration!and!water!systems!• Right!sizing!• Safe!work!method!statement!• Statics!and!strength!of!materials!• Sustainability!and!environmental!issues!• Thermodynamics!• Working!at!heights!

Skills!and!knowledge!for!the!future!

Skills!• Building!information!modelling!(BIM)!• Energy!modelling!• Revit!–!MEP!• Calculation!for!mixed!mode!ventilation!• Passive!system!design!• Low!energy!system!design!skills!• Energy!management!(including!relevant!software)!!Knowledge!• Basic!understanding!of!building!management!systems!• Soft!Landing!framework!• Environmentally!responsive!building!design!and!design!requirements!of!other!

disciplines!• NABERS,!Green!Star!requirements!• Sustainable!development!and!green!building!• Mixed!mode!ventilation!• Emerging!energy!efficient!products!and!technologies!

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Level!2!|!Mechanical!Engineer!!

Model!Career!Pathway!|!Building!Services!Engineer!(mechanical)!|!Version!1.0!Level!2!|!Mechanical!Engineer!Title! Mechanical!Engineer!Role! Undertake!concept!design,!schematic!design,!design!development,!tender!documentation,!

construction!supervision!and!practical!completion!duties,!under!the!limited!supervision!of!a!more!senior!engineer,!or!independently.!

Tasks! Concept!design!• Receive!plans/brief!from!architect!• System!to!be!used!determined!by!Senior/Principal!Engineer!• Determine!room!and!ceiling!spaces!required!for!mechanical!services!• Confirm!understanding!of!the!brief!• Evaluate!environmental!performance!Schematic!design!• Preliminary!thermal!calculations!• Client/architect!liaison!• Depict!generally!how!the!system!will!function!• Environmental!performance!assessment!and!measurement!Design!development!• Perform!software!modelling!and!calculations!• Determine!heat!loads!and!prepare!calculations!• Detailed!design!determining!size!of!plant!and!equipment!• Analyse!and!apply!performance!requirements!of!Australian!Standards,!the!National!

Construction!Code,!State!Planning!Legislation!and!Regulations!• Coordinate!with!other!services!(electrical,!hydraulic,!fire,!lifts)!• Prepare!reports!(specifications,!equipment!schedule)!including!quality!requirements!• Submit!all!documents!to!Senior!Engineer!for!review!• Support!to!achieve!good!design!outcome!Tender!documentation!• Assist!with!fee!and!cost!calculations,!and!budget!preparation!• Engage!with!contract!issues!!• Package!documentation!for!approval!from!client,!architect!and!other!building!

services!• Review!tenders!for!discrepancies!in!scope!(materials!and!costs)!• Review!against!brief!• Coordination!Construction!supervision!• Conduct!site!visits!to!confirm!installation!by!contractor!is!according!to!the!design!• Respond!to!requests!for!information!(RFIs)!• Ensure!regular!client!contact!and!engage!with!clients!as!directed!• Prepare!site!inspection!reports!• Review!of!variations,!defects!and!liabilities!period!and!practical!completion!• Assist!with!ensuring!that!specified!design!flow!rates!are!achieved!(contractor)!• Assist!with!labour!allocation!(contractor)!Practical!completion!• Inspect!for!defects!• Assist!with!addressing!defects!!• Hand!over!operations!and!maintenance!manual!to!the!building!owner!• Inspect!installation!in!one!year’s!time!

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Other!duties!as!required!• Assist!with!witnessing!commissioning!• Other!duties!as!directed!by!senior!engineer!and/or!manager!

Technical/!analytical!/process!Skills!

• Appreciation!of!the!built!environment!• Brief!interpretation!• Computational!analysis!• Document!control!• Drafting!and!3D!modelling!!• Information!gathering!(access!the!“right!information”)!• Perform!calculations!• Problem!solving!• Spatial!reasoning!• Basic!job!costing!and!financial!skills!!• Basic!engineering!measurement!techniques!(for!air!and!water!flows,!noise)!• Undertaking!continuing!professional!development!• Basic!review!and!analysis!

Soft!skills! • Active!listening!!• Clear!communication!and!non(technical!writing!(co(workers,!clients,!architects,!on(

site!contractors)!• Negotiation!skills!(with!other!services!and!architect!on!design)!• Presenting!to!clients!• Basic!project!management!(including!on!multiple!projects)!• Report!writing!• Teamwork!• Time!management!

Knowledge! • Acoustics!• Air!conditioning!system!types!• Basic!psychrometrics!• Building!materials!characteristics!• Building!structures!• Climate!• Computer!software!• Conservation!(energy/water)!• Construction!stages!• Costs!(of!construction,!labour!and!other!consultants)!• Cultural!differences!• Daylight!• Design!responsibilities!for!occupational!health!and!safety!• Different!design!techniques!• Drawing!practices!and!standards!• Duct!design!• Electrical!engineering!controls!• Energy!performance!• Engineering!and!refrigeration!principles,!techniques,!procedures!and!equipment!• Environmental!rating!tools!• Financial!implications!of!different!design!concepts!• Fluid!mechanics!• Human!factors!in!engineering!design!• Internal!comfort!requirements!• Legislative!compliance!requirements!(building!hierarchy,!Australian!Standards,!

National!Construction!Code,!relevant!state!and!territory!acts!and!regulations)!• Low!energy!technologies!

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• Mathematics!• Network!piping!analysis!• On(site!hazards!• Protective!equipment!• Refrigeration!and!water!systems!• Right!sizing!• Safe!work!method!statement!• Statics!and!strength!of!materials!• Sustainability!and!environmental!issues!• Thermodynamics!• Working!at!heights!

Skills!and!knowledge!for!the!future!

Skills!• Building!information!modelling!(BIM)!• Energy!modelling!• Revit!–!MEP!• Calculation!for!mixed!mode!ventilation!• Passive!system!design!• Low(energy!system!design!skills!• Energy!management!(including!relevant!software)!Knowledge!• Basic!understanding!of!building!management!systems!• Soft!Landing!framework!• Environmentally!responsive!building!design!and!design!requirements!of!other!

disciplines!• NABERS,!Green!Star!requirements!• Sustainable!development!and!green!building!• Mixed!mode!ventilation!• Emerging!energy!efficient!products!and!technologies!

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Level!3!|!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!!

Model!Career!Pathway!|!Building!Services!Engineer!(mechanical)!|!Version!1.0!Level!3!|!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!Title! Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!Role! Undertake!feasibility!assessment;!master!planning,!design!development,!tender,!and!

construction!supervision!duties!with!broad!conceptual!guidance!from!a!more!senior!engineer.!

Tasks! Feasibility!assessment!• Translate!client’s!brief!into!a!system!that!achieves!the!engineering!functions!required!

of!a!building!• Assist!in!setting!vision!and!performance!outcomes!• Identify!the!viability!of!the!project!• Formulate!a!brief!for!the!client!• Form!a!“works!package”/(tender)!• Determine!and!submit!an!engineering!design!services!fee!• Estimate!other!costs!and!program!times!• Plan!work!Master!planning!• Determine!system!selection!options!• Identify!industry!trends!• Ensure!concept!design!is!on!track!and!meeting!timelines!with!internal!staff!• Test!solutions!Design!development!• Review!detailed!documents!(incl.!sizing!and!system!selection)!prepared!by!

Mechanical!Engineer!• Monitor!progress!of!design!• Ensure!design!meets!the!performance!requirements!of!Australian!Standards,!the!

National!Construction!Code,!State!Planning!Legislation!and!Regulations!• Communicate!with!internal!project!team!members!and!external!clients!• Negotiate!with!other!building!disciplines!and!coordinate!feedback!• Facade!design!Tender!• Manage!queries!from!tenderers!• Review!contractors!pricing!(matches!design!criteria)!• Check!exclusions!• Recommend!selected!tender!to!client!• Review!against!statutory!and!brief!requirements!Construction!supervision!• Review!contractors!installation!proposal!• Ensure!integrity!of!design!• Conduct!site!inspections,!if!required!• Check!contractors!quality!assurance!procedures!• Witness!systems!in!operation!• Review!energy!consumption,!if!required!• Certification!• Assess!variations!• Review!alternative!proposals!!• Assist!in!rectifying!defects!Other!

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• Supervise!the!preparation!and!submission!of!bids!• Supervise!relationships!with!clients!• Direct!resources,!personnel!and!new!business!towards!fulfilment!of!overall!

organisational!objectives!• Provide!technical!assistance/training!to!less!experienced!engineers!• Supervise/lead/manage!professional!and!non(professional!staff,!individually!or!in!

teams!• Provide!technical!review!of!engineering!services!to!ensure!the!functional,!operational!

and!performance!requirements!are!met!• Conduct!life(cycle!costing!and!energy!audits!• Ensure!that!the!operating!and!maintenance!manuals!(including!commissioning!data)!

are!provided!to!the!client!• Financially!manage!projects!as!assigned!!!!• Develop!and!oversee!schedules!!• Be!responsible!for!the!commissioning!of!systems!

Technical/!analytical!/process!Skills!

Skills!for!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!plus:!• Allocate!labour!(contractor)!• Analyse!quality!control!• Benchmarking!• Coordinate!with!external!design!team!members!• Design!requirements!of!other!disciplines!(electrical,!fire,!hydraulics!etc.)!• Develop!assumptions!• Job!costing!and!financial!skills!• Planning!and!monitoring!• Pre(commissioning!of!installed!systems!(contractor)!• Manage!own!continuing!professional!development!

Soft!skills! • Collaboration!• Communication!!• Critical!thinking!• Leadership!• Manage!client!expectations!• Manage!contracts!• Manage!multiple!projects!• Manage!multiple!view!points!• Manage!project!finances!• Manage!staff!• Mentorship!and!staff!professional!development!• Negotiation!• Non(technical!writing!• Presentation!(to!client)!• Prioritise!• Problem!solving!(inventive)!• Resolve!conflicts!between!builders!/!property!owners!and!contractors!• Selling!design!solutions!!

Technical!knowledge!

Knowledge!for!Graduate!Mechanical!Engineer!plus:!• New!technologies!• Local,!state!and!federal!government!regulations!and!acts!• Provide!a!rationale!for!system!selection!and!design!• Building!disciplines!• Scheduling!• NABERS,!Green!Star!

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• Re(lifing!buildings!• Climatically!responsive!building!design!• Advanced!psychrometrics!!!• Advanced!refrigeration!principles!!!• Basic!knowledge!of!the!fundamentals!of!design!of!other!disciplines!(electrical,!fire!

safety,!hydraulics,!waste!management!etc.)!• Life(cycle!costing!analysis!

Non2technical!knowledge!

• Meeting!procedures/etiquette!• Motivations!• Contract!law!• Emotional!intelligence!• Occupational!change!• Business!management!• Quality!assurance!and!auditing!• Vision!setting!!!• Occupational!change!!!• Mentorship!!

Skills!and!knowledge!for!the!future!

Skills!• Building!information!modelling!coordination!• National!Construction!Code!alternative!solutions!and!advanced!alternative!modelling!• Integrating!green!designs,!zero!carbon!considerations!• Forward!projection!/!life(cycle!planning!!Knowledge!• Stewardship!

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Level!4!|!Principal!Engineer!!!

Model!Career!Pathway!|!Building!Services!Engineer!(mechanical)!|!Version!1.0!Level!4!|!Principal!Engineer!Title! Principal!Engineer!Role! Translate!client’s!brief!into!a!system!that!achieves!the!engineering!functions!required!of!a!

building.!Direct!resources,!personnel!and!new!business!towards!fulfilment!of!overall!organisational!objectives.!Lead!business!development,!service!provision!and!technical!quality!and!innovation.!

Tasks! Business!development!• Present!and!explain!proposals,!reports!and!findings!to!clients!• Consult!or!negotiate!with!client!to!prepare!project!brief!• Understand!client!requirements!• Analyse!technology,!resource!needs!and!market!demand!to!plan!and!assess!the!

feasibility!of!projects!• Networking!• Preparation!of!proposals!to!management!• Technical!mentorship!• Manage!team!professional!development!• Manage!client!expectations!Management!• Ensure!functional,!capital!and!operational!requirements!are!met!• Develop!and!implement!policies,!standards!and!procedures!• Recruit!employees,!assign,!direct!and!evaluate!performance!• Be!responsible!for!staff!training!!• Provide!mentorship!and!stewardship!to!support!team!in!delivering!on!the!functional,!

operational!and!performance!requirements!of!the!brief!• Set!financial!targets!• Determine!concepts!in!line!with!the!organisation’s!policy!direction!• Be!responsible!for!office!profitability!• Be!responsible!for!marketing!and!bringing!work!into!the!office!• Be!responsible!for!contract!reviews!and!dispute!resolution!• Lead!continued!professional!development!Technical!• Set!concepts!and!review!design!development!• Resolve!design!and!test!problems!• Ensure!design!intent!is!met!• Certification!• Manage!design!errors!• Respond!and!manage!potential!professional!indemnity!claims!• Assure!the!quality!of!work!by!less!senior!engineers!

Technical/!analytical!/process!skills!

Skills!for!Senior!Engineer!plus:!• Complex!problem!solving!• Technical!skills!and!knowledge!management!• Cost!analysis!!!• Quality!assurance/auditing-

Soft!skills! • Client!research!• Active!learning!• Judgement!and!decision!making!

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• Risk!management!• Marketing!• Human!resource!management!• Leadership!

Technical!knowledge!

Knowledge!for!Senior!Mechanical!Engineer!plus:!• Expert!witness!• Industry!trends!• Personal!development!and!structures!

Non2technical!knowledge!

• Business!development!• Financial!principles,!documentation!• Human!resources!• Knowing!the!audience!• Leadership!techniques!• Marketing!• Office!culture!• Strategic!planning!

Skills!and!knowledge!for!the!future!

Skills!• Advising!staff!and!clients!about!energy!modelling!for!energy(efficient!equipment!• Advanced!comfort!management!• Collaboration,!mentorship!and!professional!development!of!staff!• Applying!a!more!holistic!approach!to!BIM!• Outsourcing!and!working!with!staff!in!other!countries!Knowledge!• The!latest!technologies!and!engineering!design!trends!from!overseas!

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Appendix!3:!Sample!of!online!survey!!

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Have your say | Building Services Engineer |job analysis

Dear Colleague,

As part of AIRAH's third strategic aim - Closing the Skills Gap - we are defining the skills and knowledgerequirements of Mechanical Engineers working in the Building Services sector. The definitions will be usedto examine the feasibility of formally recognising Building Services Engineers as a discreet occupation andwhat the role of someone performing this task does.

AIRAH interviewed members to examine their job roles, tasks, skills and knowledge and educationalexperiences. Three distinct roles have been identified – Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Senior MechanicalEngineer and Principal Engineer.

We would appreciate 7-10 minutes of your time to give us your feedback on the outcomes of this research.Please note that your personal details will be treated in full confidence.

Regards,

Phil Wilkinson

AIRAH Chief Executive Officer

THIS SURVEY WILL NOW CLOSE ON THE 10th September.

Questions marked with an asterix * must be answered.

About you

First name Surname E-mail

Company Job title

* What size is your organisation?

What qualifications do you hold?Certificate IV in Refrigeration and Air conditioning Systems (or equivalent)

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Diploma of Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering

Advanced Diploma of Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering

Bachelor of Building Services Engineering

Bachelor of Business Management

Bachelor of Science

Post Graduate studies – please provide details

Other?

Job title and role

Three distinct roles have been identified - Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Senior Engineer and PrincipalEngineer. Examine the role descriptions and answer the questions below.

Level 1 - Graduate EngineerRole: Provide documents, drawings and written advice that comply with legislation and client and/or seniorengineer’s expectations.

What other job titles are you aware of for Graduate Mechanical Engineers?

Do you agree with the role description?Not applicable

Yes

No (please provide details)

Level 2 - Senior Mechanical EngineerRole: Conceptualise, design and document engineering services in a multi-discipline project environment.

What other job titles are you aware of for Senior Mechanical Engineers?

Do you agree with the role description?Not applicable

Yes

No (please provide details)

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Level 3 - Principal EngineerRole: Translate clients brief into a system that achieves the engineering functions required of a building.Direct resources, personnel and new business towards fulfilment of overall organisational objectives.

What other job titles are you aware of for Principal Engineers?

Do you agree with the role description?Not applicable

Yes

No (please provide details)

Tasks

For each level a set of tasks is defined. Please review these tasks and advise of any changes / omissions.

Level 1 - Graduate EngineerConcept Design

Receive plans/brief from architectSystem to be used determined by Senior/Principal EngineerDetermine room and ceiling spaces required for mechanical servicesConfirm understanding of the briefEvaluate environmental performance

Schematic Design

Preliminary thermal calculationsClient/architect liaisonDepict generally how the system will functionEnvironmental performance measurement

Design Development

Determine heat loads and prepare calculationsDetailed design determining size of plant and equipmentCoordinate with other services (electrical, hydraulic, fire, lifts)Prepare reports (specifications, equipment schedule) including quality requirementsSubmit all documents to Senior Engineer for reviewSupport to achieve good design outcome

Documents for Tender

Package documentation for approval from client, architect and other building servicesReview tenders for discrepancies in scope (materials and costs)Review against briefCoordination

Construction

Conduct site visits to confirm installation by contractor is according to the designRespond to requests for Information (RFIs)Ensure regular client contactPrepare site inspection reportsReview of variations, defects and liabilities period and practical completionAssist with addressing defects

Practical Completion

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Inspect for defectsHand over operations and maintenance manual to the building ownerInspect installation in one year’s time

Do you have any comments on the tasks carried out by a Graduate Mechanical Engineer?

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Level 2 - Senior Mechanical EngineerFeasibility

Assist in setting vision and performance outcomesIdentify the viability of the projectFormulate a brief for the clientForm a ‘works package’ (tender)Determination and submission of engineering design services fee

Master planning

Determine system selection optionsIdentify industry trendsEnsure concept design is on track and meeting timelines with internal staffTest solutions

Design Development

Review detailed documents (incl sizing and system selection) prepared by Mechanical EngineerMonitor progress of designEnsure design meets BCA requirementsCommunicate with internal project team members and external clientsNegotiate with other building disciplines and coordinate feedbackFacade design

Tender

Manage queries from tenderersReview contractors pricing (matches design criteria)Check exclusionsRecommend selected tender to clientReview against statutory and brief requirements

Construction

Review contractors installation proposalEnsure integrity of designConduct site inspections, if requiredCheck contractors quality assurance proceduresWitness systems in operationReview energy consumption, if requiredCertificationAssess variationsReview alternative proposals DFPAssist in rectifying defects

Do you have any comments on the tasks carried out by a Senior Mechanical Engineer?

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Level 3 - Principal EngineerBusiness development

Present and explain proposals, reports and findings to clientsConsult or negotiate with client to prepare project briefUnderstand client requirementsAnalyse technology, resource needs and market demand to plan and assess the feasibility of projectsNetworkingPreparation of proposals to managementTechnical mentorshipManage team professional developmentManage client expectations

Management

Ensure functional, capital and operational requirements are metDevelop and implement policies, standards and proceduresRecruit employees, assign, direct and evaluate performance

Technical

Set concepts and review design developmentResolve design and test problemsEnsure design intent is metCertificationManage design errorsRespond and manage potential Professional Indemnity claims

Do you have any comments on the tasks carried out by a Principal Engineer?

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Skills

For each level a set of skills is listed. Please review these skills and advise of any changes / omissions.

Level 1 - Graduate EngineerClear communication and non technical writing (co-workers, clients, architects, on-site contractors)Negotiation skills (with other services and architect on design)Time managementProject management - managing multiple projectsDocument controlReport writingComputational analysisDrafting

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Information gathering (access the ‘right’ information)Active listening skillsAppreciation of the built environmentTeamworkPerform calculationsBrief interpretationPresentingProblem solvingSpatial reasoning

Do you have any comments on the skills needed by a Graduate Mechanical Engineer?

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Level 2 - Senior Mechanical EngineerSkills for Graduate Mechanical Engineer plus:

Presentation (to client)Analyse quality controlBenchmarkingPlanning and monitoringDesign requirements of other disciplines (electrical, fire, hydraulics etc)PrioritiseDevelop assumptionsProblem solving (inventive)Manage multiple view pointsCritical thinkingNegotiationCollaborationMentorship and staff professional developmentSelling design solutionsLeadership

Do you have any comments on the skills needed by a Senior Mechanical Engineer?

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Level 3 - Principal EngineerSkills for Senior Engineer plus:

Complex problem solvingClient researchActive learningJudgement and decision makingRisk managementTechnical skills and knowledge management

Do you have any comments on the skills needed by a Principal Engineer?

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Knowledge

For each level a list of required knowledge is identified. Please review these and advise of any changes /omissions.

Level 1 - Graduate EngineerEngineering principles, techniques, procedures and equipmentStatics and strength of materialsDynamicsThermodynamicsFluid mechanicsEnergy performanceLow energy technologiesBuilding structuresBuilding materials characteristicsConstruction stagesDaylightLegislation (Building hierarchy – Australian Standards, Building Code)Design responsibilities for occupational health and safetyInternal comfort requirementsConservation (energy/water)Different design techniquesOn-site hazardsProtective equipmentSafe work method statementWorking at heightsComputer softwareCultural differencesEnvironmental rating toolsClimateRight sizingAir-conditioning system typesMathematics

Do you have any comments on the knowledge requirements of a Graduate Mechanical Engineer?

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Level 2 - Senior Mechanical EngineerKnowledge for Graduate Mechanical Engineer plus:

New technologiesLocal, State and Federal government regulations and actsMeeting procedures/etiquetteProvide a rationale for system selection and designBuilding disciplines

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SchedulingMotivationsContract lawNABERS, Green starEmotional intelligenceOccupational changeRe-lifing buildingsClimatically responsive building designBusiness management

Do you have any comments on the knowledge requirements of a Senior Mechanical Engineer?

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Level 3 - Principal EngineerKnowledge for Senior Mechanical Engineer plus:

Knowing the audienceFinancial principles, documentationBusiness developmentIndustry trendsStrategic planningLeadership techniquesHuman resourcesExpert witnessMarketing

Do you have any comments on the knowledge requirements of a Principal Engineer?

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Skills and knowledge for the future

What skills and knowledge do you think will be required in five years time?

Level 1 - Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Level 2 - Senior Mechanical Engineer

Level 3 - Principal Engineer

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other comments?

Do you have any other comments?

0/140 characters

* Indicates Response Required

Submit

AIRAH - Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating3/1 Elizabeth Street | Melbourne VIC 3000

t 03 8623 3010 | e [email protected] | w airah.org.au

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