Mechanical Contractor Competency Model - Admission/Application Essay Example

Mechanical Contractor Competency Model Diagram The competency model entails from the top tier one up to tierfive. From the top, the competency models entails: management competencies and occupation-specific requirements; industry-sector technical competencies (mechatronics, mechanical, electrical, computers, controls, and industry safety); industry-wide technical competencies (design and development, operations, maintenance, installation and repair, quality assurance and continuous improvement, and health, safety, security and environment); workplace competencies (business fundamentals, teamwork, planning and organization, problem-solving and decision making, checking, examining and recording, and working with tools and technology); academic competencies ( reading, writing, mathematics, science, communication, critical and analytical thinking, and basic computer skills); and personal effectiveness competencies (interpersonal skills, integrity, professionalism, initiative, dependability and reliability, and lifelong learning). Below is a tier to tier element description in competency model: TIRE 1 Interpersonal Skills This entails the following requirements: Individuals interact respectfully and properly with coworkers and supervisors, show respect for the perspectives, customs, opinions, perspectives, and individual differences of other people, be open-minded and flexible when addressing different people with different personalities, apply proper solutions and strategies for handling differences and conflicts to keep a smooth flow of work, make efforts to listen to other people and consider their opinions, and working with those who have diverse backgrounds and personalities. Integrity This demands that the individual does the following: always treat other people with fairness, honesty, and respect; adhere to the field’s ethical standards; accept responsibility for actions and decisions; and remain responsible for achieving goals of work within accepted timeframes. Professionalism Here, an individual must do the following: show self-control through staying composed and handling stressful circumstances calmly, have a positive attitude at work, show acceptance to criticism and take efforts to learn from mistakes, comply to standards and rules of dress, and stay away from drug and substance abuse. Initiative Under initiative, we must do the following: pursue work with great effort, drive, and energy to achieve tasks, seek out new work challenges and responsibilities, insist at tasks regardless of obstacles, interruptions, or setbacks, strive to surpass expectations and standards, and develop and keep challenging but realistic goals. Dependability and Reliability An individual should: follow written and verbal directions, behave consistently, predictably, and reliably, fulfill obligations, complete assignments, and meet deadlines, and comply with organizational rules, policies, and procedures. Lifelong Learning A person needs to show interest in professional and personal continuous learning and development, go for feedback and change behavior for better performance, handle unanticipated situations as opportunities to adopt and learn new techniques, widen skills and knowledge through continuing education and shadowing, indicate interest in continuous personal and professional learning and development, be responsible for personal career development through identifying career pathways and personal interests, apply newly acquired skills and knowledge to complete specific assignments, develop and maintain membership in the professional body where your career belongs, keep continuing education credits and certifications, and study technical publications to be abreast of industry new developments. TIRE 2 Reading Under reading, we must: identify, interpret, and understand both written non-technical and technical information in various documents such as memos, manuals, graphs, reports, charts, tables, signs, schedules, and regulations; master the critical purpose and message of documented materials; locate significant facts, details, specifications, and main ideas; and deduce or identify the meaning of technical or unfamiliar vocabulary Mathematics Know and apply mathematical principles: Here, an individual has to: understand Number Relationships and Systems – decimals, whole numbers, fractions, alternate base systems (e.g. octal, binary, and hexadecimal numbers); arithmetic - arithmetic operations on numbers, percentages, square root, exponentiation, and logarithmic functions; solid and Plane Geometry – perimeter, volume, distance, area, spatial coordinates, spatial reasoning, visualization, and geometric modeling; measurement – time measurement, mass, length, measurement systems, units, and system conversion (e.g. from English to metric); mathematical Notation - the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas; mathematical Problem Solving and Reasoning – strategies, deductive and inductive and reasoning, arguments, conjectures, and interpretation of results; Elementary Statistics and Laws of Probability - mean, median, and standard deviation; Algebra and Functions - equations, patterns, and functions; Elementary Trigonometry - triangles and trigonometric functions; and Elementary Calculus – vectors, exponential, conic sections, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, complex numbers, and analytic geometry Basic Computer Skills Navigation and File Management In this section, someone needs to: use mouse, scroll bars, and dialog boxes to operate computer operating system, and access and switch between applications and files of interest. Internet and E-mail Under this section, we need to navigate the Internet to find information; open and configure standard browsers; use searches, hypertext references, and transfer protocols; send and retrieve electronic mail (e-mail); and write e-mail with an appropriate tone Word Processing Here, we must use a computer application to type text, insert pictures; format, edit, and print text; utilize tools to finalize a document such as spell check, thesaurus, and headers; and save and retrieve word processing documents Spreadsheets Under spreadsheets, someone has to use a computer application to enter, manipulate, and format text and numerical data; insert, delete, and manipulate cells, rows, and columns; modify spreadsheets with the use of formulas, functions, and formatting; and create and save worksheets, charts, and graphs. Presentations When presenting, we need to use a computer application to create, manipulate, edit, and show virtual slide presentations; and enhance a presentation with clip art, animation and transitions. Databases In database, there is a need to use a computer application to manage large amounts of information, create and edit simple databases, input data, query a database to retrieve certain records, and create reports to communicate the information. Graphics When it comes to graphics, work with pictures in graphics programs or other applications, create simple graphics, manipulate the appearance of graphics, and insert graphics into other files/programs. TIER 3 Teamwork Here, there is a need to work with multi-disciplinary teams effectively, accept and commit to the goals of the team to which you are a member, locate duties of members of the team and communicate with all members effectively, cooperate with other team members to define objectives of the team and establish consensus for the best outcome, acknowledge the effects of performance of individuals in the team, apply team skills to accomplish team objectives, goals, manage conflict, and solve problems, seek and give constructive feedback, be open-minded to new ways, new ideas of operating, and the advantages of new work approaches, and demonstrate and express views respectfully and openly, and respect the rights of other people to do so. Working with Tools and Technology Selection and Application This requires that we identify, select, and apply appropriate and cost-effective tools or technological solutions, identify potential hazards related to the use of tools and equipment, operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures and safety standards, and apply computer applications and information technology in supporting collection, manipulations, storage, and transmission of data and information. Remaining Current Here, we need to demonstrate an interest in learning about new and emerging tools and technologies; identify sources of information concerning state-of-the-art tools, equipment, materials, technologies and methodologies; and locate and identify opportunities for enhancing knowledge of technologies and tools that may help in improving productivity and streamlining work. Troubleshooting and Maintenance At this point, we should be able to perform routine maintenance on tools, technology, and equipment, determine causes of operating errors and decide what to do about it, troubleshoot maintenance problems in accordance with established procedures, and perform work functions that require engaging in hands-on activity. Operations Critical Work Functions There is a need to support the control and operation of process and production tools, establish industrial process and production documentation and plans, manage the processes of continuous improvement, monitor industrial systems and processes, conduct industrial operations and process applications, and effectively manage consumables, raw materials and outputs. Technical Content Areas Industrial Process and Production Basics This part should include knowledge of processes in the industry (batch or continuous) – transporting, processing, or conveying gases, liquids, or goods on conveyers or in pipes (e.g. brewing, chemicals, smelting, refining, pharmaceutical manufacturing, utilities), continuous flow, balancing, fermentation, mixing, filtration, reaction, separation – Distillation, and recovery etc. Under discrete Manufacturing - the assembly, manufacture, or handling of individual parts (e.g. aircraft, automotive, consumer good, heavy equipment, aerospace), there is fabrication, assembly, and finishing. In Hybrid Manufacturing - the bottling or packaging of goods (e.g. consumer packaging, food, printing, beverage packaging, pharmaceutical packaging), there are finished goods storage and handling, bottling, and packaging. Process and Production Monitoring This entails calibration, Process Troubleshooting, Controlling Process Flow, Documentation and Reporting, Environmental Parameters, Instrumentation, Performance of Analytical Tests, and Time, Materials, and Costs. Industry-wide Standards This entails documentation of Measurement and Control Instruments and Systems (ISA 5), Enterprise/Control Integration (ISA 95), and Manufacturing and Control Systems Security (ISA 99). Project Management and Execution Here we can mention contracts, Material and Resource Management, Operator Training, Personnel Management Methods, Project Lifecycle, Project Management, and Tools and Techniques. TIER 4 Maintenance, Installation, and Repair Critical Work Functions There is a need to locate, diagnose, and repair problems in equipment; support the customization, installation, or upgrading of equipment; harmonize precautionary maintenance to ensure industrial and production process are running smoothly; maintain equipment operation’s hands-on knowledge; maintain tools, equipment, and workstations; and communicate effectively with other people to ensure repairs and maintenance meet the needs of operations. Technical Content Areas General Skills This entails Basic Disassembly/Assembly Skills, Installation and Calibration of Instrumentation, Equipment Troubleshooting, Installation of Parts for Industrial Equipment, Schematic Drawings and Control Documents, Use of Hand Tools, and Machining Skills, which involves cutting, drilling, lathing, and milling. Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Skills This includes Electrical/Electronic Systems, Hydraulic/Pneumatic Systems, Mechanical Power Transmission Systems, Mechanical Systems, and Piping Operations. Reliability and Maintainability Here, there is Analysis of Failure Data, Basic Reliability Models, and Documentation Requirements. Investigative Techniques Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement Critical Work Functions Under this category, someone needs to implement support controls for management of quality, master and use primary concepts associated with quality measurement, locate and identify new techniques and approaches to improve levels of quality, apply production and process systems to ensure maintenance of quality levels, use inspections and audits to continuous quality improvement process implement and suggest actions of continuous improvement, correct the process and product to meet the standards of quality, and maintain and support systems of quality. Technical Content Areas Corrective and Preventive Actions This entails Documentation Creation, Eliminating Non-Conformities, and Verification and Documentation. Continuous Improvement This involves Benchmarking and Best Practice, Business Process Reengineering, Data Analysis, Performance improvement strategies, and Systems Analysis. Improving Quality This is done through Problem Solving Tools, Sampling and Charting, and Statistical Process Control. Quality Assurance This involves Industry Standards, Lean Manufacturing, Meeting Customer Needs, and Quality Management Systems and Tools. Quality Assurance Audits There are Audit Procedures and ISO 9000. Statistical Process Control Methods We need to have Acceptance Sampling, Capability Analysis, Factor Analysis, Inspection/Test/Validation, and Reliability Analysis. TIER 5 Mechatronics Critical Work Functions Here, there is a need to calibrate, program, test, configure, start-up, and operate a system of mechatronics; master the significant phases of planning, controlling, and executing system of mechatronics; view mechatronics as the integration, in the industrial process, of multiple disciplines; locate main mechatronics areas of application; comply with mechatronics industry standards, codes, and regulations; use mechatronics in various scientific, manufacturing, and technical applications; and apply the researched future and emerging technologies in mechatronics. Technical Content Areas Four Areas of Mechatronics This includes Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Systems and Process Control Engineering, and Computer Science. Project Planning, Control, and Execution for a Mechatronic System This involves efforts to establish project objectives; show linkage between project, technical, and business objectives; develop a work plan, schedule, and budget; implement a work plan through teamwork and shared responsibility; demonstrate knowledge of each of the four areas of mechatronics; integrate the four areas of mechatronics to design a system; use written, oral, and computer communication skills to document and communicate actions, plans, and results; design, construct, program, calibrate, configure, test, startup, operate, troubleshoot, and repair a mechatronic system; create documentation for a mechatronic system including maintenance procedures; and complete a project audit to determine best practices and areas for improvement. Codes, Standards, and Regulations (as applicable) This includes American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), International Society of Automation (ISA), International Electro-technical Commission (IEC), National Electrical Code (NEC), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Other Industry-specific Codes, Standards, and Regulations, and Other International Codes, Standards, and Regulations. Mechanical Critical Work Functions Here, there is a need to identify, align, install, repair, and adjust mechanical components; measure and calculate torque, speed, pitch, power, mechanical efficiency, ratio, and motor current in both S.I. and English units for a variety of drive configurations and types; illustrate lubrication, troubleshooting, reactive, and preventive maintenance procedures for components of mechanics; and apply mechanical measuring and drawing devices to check tolerances, size, and assemble components of mechanics. Technical Content Areas Measurements This entails speed, torque, power, pitch, ratio, Mechanical Efficiency, and Motor Current. Complex Components These are clutches, brakes, gear boxes, transmissions, Ball Screws, and Linear Guides. Mechanical Components These are fasteners, frames, shafts, keys, bearings, couplings, sheaves, bushings, idlers, speed Belt Systems - Multiple, Conventional, Notched, Wedge, and Variable, sprockets, V-Belt Drive Systems, Master Links, belts, shafts, chain Drives - Multiple Strand, Single Roller, and Silent, cams, Gears - Helical, Spur, Right Angle Bevel, and Worm , followers, and Electric Motors. Lubrication These are lubricants, and Automatic Lubrication Systems Pneumatics These are Components, Schematics Symbols and Diagrams, and Maintenance and Troubleshooting Procedures. Hydraulics This entails Components, Schematic Symbols and Diagrams, Speed, Flow, and Pressure Control, Cylinder Synchronization and Regeneration, and Maintenance and Troubleshooting Procedures. Advanced Techniques These include Precision Measurement and Alignment Techniques, Vibration Analysis, Central Lubrication, and Conveyor Systems. Electrical Critical Work Functions Here, we must inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and test electrical systems and components; document, install, and maintain electrical systems and components; demonstrate knowledge of the means of interpreting taken electrical measurements and operating proper electrical measurement instruments to include current, voltage, and resistance measurement; master circuits of electrical control such as components and various output devices and input devices; use the basics of circuit protection such as circuit breakers, fuses, disconnects, and other devices for protection; use the basics of transformers such as application, operation, sizing, and various types; master and use knowledge of industrial distribution of power including bending, conduit basics, conductors, conduit types, over-current protection, disconnects, and installation of power distribution; and master basic electrical wiring control such as electrical panels, electrical prints, wiring fundamentals, and wire color coding. Technical Content Areas Components These include Power Supplies, Switches (NO and NC), Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Motors, Transformers, Buzzers, Solenoids, Lights, Fuses, Circuit Breakers, Rheostats, 3- Phase Motors, Motor Starters - Manual, Magnetic, and Reversing, and Motor Control Circuits. AC/DC Electricity These are Circuits, Measurements - Voltage, Current, and Resistance, Transformers - Operation, Application, Sizing, and Types, Circuit Protection, and 3-Phase. Logic Gates This includes AND, OR, NOT, NOR and NAND Logic and Memory; Ladder Diagrams; and using a Transformer, Switches, Indicators, and Relays. Input and Output Devices These are motor, pneumatic, hydraulic, and combining with Relays, Timers, and Counters. Wiring These are Electrical Prints, Electrical Panels, Termination, Color Coding, Bundling, and Labeling. Power Distribution These include conduits, bending, types, conductors, disconnects, overcurrent protection, and installations. Rotating Electrical Motors and Electronic Motor Drives These entail DC Motors, AC Motors, Starting, Braking, DC Electronic Drives, and AC Variable Frequency and Vector Drives. Schematics Symbols These are Electrical Components, Logic Gates, Input and Output Devices, and Motors. Computers Critical Work Functions Here, there is a need to document, install, and support computer system integration with other systems; maintain installed computer hardware; operate manufacturing systems network; use Manufacturing Operations Management Systems (MOM); and troubleshoot, operate, and maintain logic controllers with programmable capabilities. Technical Content Areas Programmable Logic Controllers These are Principles, Function, and Operation,; Ladder Logic Programming; Troubleshooting, Input and Output Modules; and Visualization, which involves Human Factors, Alarm Management, Machine Level Interfaces, Mobile/Portable, Operator Interface - Human Machine Interface (HMI), and Enterprise Interfaces - Plant-wide Displays, Dashboards. Installation and Maintenance of PC Hardware These are PC Video and Sound System Configuration, Hard Drive Maintenance, Event Viewer, ROM/BIOS, MMC and the Task Manager, Power-On Self Test diagnostics, Control Heat in the Computer, SATA and SCSI Drive Interfaces, Troubleshoot Hardware, Manage Expansion Buses, Maintain Laptop Computers, USB and IEEE-1394 Technologies, AC Power Quality and Protection, Utilize TCP/IP, Internet Connections, and Printers. Network Configuration These entail Cable (Wire and Fiber Optic) Networks, Network Component Configuration, Network Diagnostics, Network Management, and Wireless Networks. Cyber Security of the System Here there are Security Programs, Plans, and Policies; System and Network Security Techniques; and User Support. Industrial Digital Networks This includes Cell Level Networks such as ControlNet, MODBus, and Profibus; Device Level Networks such as CAN Bus, DeviceNet, and Interbus; Enterprise Level Networks such as Ethernet - TCP/IP; and Motion Networks such as SERCOS and Profi-net. Data Management This include Data Documentation; Data Quality Issues; Data Security, Viruses, and Malware; Data Storage and Retrieval; Database Operations and Maintenance; Database Software; Database Structure and Types; and Special Requirements of Real -Time Process Databases. Industrial Safety Critical Work Functions Here, we need to determine and analyze the need for additional or change equipment to enhance safety; use safety standards for operating electrical equipment, pneumatics and mechanical equipment, electrical rotating machinery, process systems, conveyor systems, and robotics; use procedures of instrumentation safely in areas associated with hazard; and install, periodically check, validate, maintain, and document safety equipment. Technical Content Areas Machine and Process Guarding This entails Concepts of Guarding, Design Considerations, Laws and Regulations, Protection Levels, and Risk Analysis. Reliability These are Common Cause and Its Impact on Reliability; Concepts of Mean Time to Failure (MTTF), Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF); Testing Intervals and Its Impact on Availability; Safe and Dangerous Failure Modes; and Types of Redundancy and How They Impact Dangerous and Safe Failure Mode. Manufacturing Safety: Process, Discrete, and Hybrid These are Hazard and Risk Analysis including Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) Studies; Safety Life Cycle; Allocation of Safety Functions to Protective Layers; Determination of Safety Integrity Levels; Safety Requirements Specification; Design and Engineering Issues and System Technologies; Installation, Commissioning, and Validation; and Operations and Maintenance. Alarm Management These are Alarm Management System, HMI Design for Alarm Systems, Key Components of an Alarm Philosophy, Performance Metrics for Alarm Systems, and Products of Alarm Rationalization. Safe Use and Application of Electrical Apparatus There is a need of Equipment for Use Where Explosive Concentrations of Gas, Vapor, or Dust Might be Present, Installation Design for Hazardous Areas, and General Purpose Requirements. Safety Controller Equipment These entail General Purpose Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs); Safety PLCs; Simplex, Duplex, and Quad Systems; System Selection; Diagnostic Annunciation; Instrument Selection for Safety Systems; and Probabilistic Modeling of Sensors. Read More