One of the contributing factors for my retirement was the lack of competent human resources. With the Covid fiasco, and the availability of a steady paycheck of unemployment benefits, it was much easier for many to just stay home, not pursue work, and in many situations, the amount of money received was more than could be made due to weather affecting construction. To aggravate the problem, suppliers faced the same problem, which could lead to expensive delays. Although the problems I faced were gradually becoming more apparent before Covid, everything snowballed and even good employees became less interested in performing quality work. The younger generation that was needed to be trained to replace the older craftsmen were woefully unprepared for the environment that construction demands, and I found I was more of a babysitter than a superintendent.
In my later years of construction, I had to deal with the newer engineers that, in my opinion, didn’t have the skills needed to design quality work. Plans wouldn’t fit site conditions, pointing out anticipated problems could lead to either bad decisions, or avoiding decisions. In one situation, even though the specifications demanded additional work, the engineer refused to pay for the work. I did it anyway to prevent an accident and bigger problems. Their ridiculous reason for not paying for the work only proved they were not only a coward, they had no integrity.
Is it too late to demand excellence, honesty and a good work ethic? I don’t know. I do know things won’t change much until DEI, EEO and other bizarre ideas of equality are abandoned. Nobody is equal, and pulling everyone to the lowest level of competence with policies only makes things worse.
“I had to deal with the newer engineers that, in my opinion, didn’t have the skills needed to design quality work.” Don’t get me started! But, here’s a news flash: a just-out-of-school EIT or brand new engineer isn’t really expected to have any sense, just like a just-minted 2nd Lt. There are supposed to be competent superiors to mentor them through the know-everything-but-understand-nothing phase. Problem is that, increasingly, the mentors are non-existent. I see so many plans where it is blatant that the designer hadn’t a clue for practicality, cost or effectiveness. One of the my main gripes is that… Read more »
Well, all that is true. But I remember when I was just a new grad I at least tried to impress on my boss that I wanted to get the job done. These new kids seem completely unconcerned with getting it done. They think it’s punching a clock.