4. ROLE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS

Understanding the roles to be played and responsibilities to be assumed by polytechnic passouts is vital in preparation of an effective curriculum. Such roles and responsibilities vary widely depending on the specific field of their activity.

In the construction industry they work as junior engineers, in manufacturing as senior technicians, and in many areas as assistant managers, workshop superintendents, research assistants, technical assistants etc. In small establishments, they often work independently and combine the jobs of an engineer and supervisory technicians whereas in large establishments, they may work under the direction and supervision of senior personnel /engineers. The role in most cases would include the following:

·         Traditional role of interpreting engineer’s wishes/concepts/designs in a practical pragmatic technical format to craftsmen/skilled workers

·         Planning skilled workers/craftsmen schedules and distributing work to individual work stations to optimize physical/human resources

·         Supervising quality of work and ensuring that it meets specifications and standards

·         Training junior colleagues/craftsmen/skilled workers in commissioning, operation and maintenance of existing and new equipment and in carrying out specific duties

·         Involvement in fault location and giving training in fault diagnostics

·         Estimating cost of engineering operations and assisting in bill preparation and scrutiny

·         Satisfying safety considerations of engineering operation and ensuring strict observance of national labour laws and engineering standards

·         Minimising occupational health hazards and ensuring availability of emergency medical aid

·         Advising engineers on social and technical constraints on any work undertaken and suggesting alternative methods of implementing given tasks

·         Preparing technical reports on the progress of the job and removing bottlenecks if within his competence or jurisdiction

·         Working harmoniously in groups with or without supervisor.

Introduction Philosophy of CD Approach to CD Role of ET Attributes of ET Curricular Components

Combination of A &CC Strategies for CI Curriculum Evaluation ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

FEEDBACK

CD : Curriculum Development ; ET : Engineering Technicians ; A& CC :Attributes and Curriculum Components
CI : Curriculum Implementation