In previous rantings about education, (September 2003: 'School Sucks') some may recall my statement: "Serial data loading is for EPROMS - Neural Networks require experiential training". I still passionately believe this to be true - but I think that I have been guilty (to a degree - pun intended) of seeing things only from one view.
Recent e-mailings with one of our readers has again brought to my attention the chasm that exists between the academics and the hands-on folk in industry - and I believe that it would be to the advantage of all if we were to facilitate and encourage meaningful and constructive interactions between these two very necessary components of the discipline. SA certainly needs both in order to continue to excel in engineering. For those uncertain of what I am wittering about - here is a description of the two sides, as I perceive them in the context of this discussion:
The largely theoretical type
People in this category pride themselves in being able to solve the most complex of problems by making use of their thorough understanding of automatic control theory - and their firm grasp of mathematics. Not everybody can attain this level, it requires an above average intellect - and as such, these folk have earned a deserved level of respect. You could throw any scenario at a successful member of this group and they could work out the optimum solution - to as many decimal places as you would like. It is likely that most of these folk come from well-spoken families. They achieved good results at school and went on to university, spending three, four - or more years. Many of these folk climb the corporate ladder, 'following the money' - they get MBAs, and sadly their engineering knowledge goes to waste.
Observation: it is quite possible for a bright person to attain degrees and yet not be 'the right stuff' - or have a real love for real-life engineering.
The practical type
These folk get into engineering via almost any route, as it is 'in their blood'. They can come via a Technical College, Technikon - or Universities (yes there is hope for those with degrees <grin>). They can even get into this line of business starting as a sweeper. They show an interest and lend a hand to technicians and engineers. Over time they demonstrate an uncanny ability to assess a scenario and come up with a workable solution using what is on hand. I have personally known a man who had very little formal, tertiary education, but his analog electronic design work was on a par (and more original) than some highly qualified engineers. Sadly it is difficult for him to apply for positions in other engineering companies - just because he has no degree - but his work speaks volumes!
When all hell breaks loose - and there is no time to ponder over pages of calculus - the practical individual will be able to give you a ballpark solution (in an instant) that could save the plant - and lives. He is worth his weight in gold - as it were. Try to find one of these guys... it is difficult, because the current system often rejects them!
Observation: It is quite possible for a person showing poor academic aptitude (or interest) to come up with some brilliant engineering solutions - probably because they are more likely to 'think outside of the box', as they have not been taught what to think - they form their own (original) understanding as they go along.
We need both types
In his regular articles, Michael Brown continues to lament the poor grasp that many professionals have of control loop dynamics. In real plants, knowing the maths and passing exams is not enough. There is that practical element - that ability to attain a grasp that goes beyond knowing formulae. Ideally you need both. Where do you find such a person? Why is there still no mechanism in place that filters out the 'real' engineers?
As far as hands-on engineering is concerned, certificates, diplomas and degrees should be considered as 'learners' licences'. They should serve as boosters to enhance one's position for admission into training schemes - where a real feel for the discipline can be attained by hands-on involvement. I say that the theoretical brains and the practically gifted in SA need to join forces and together produce control engineers that stagger the rest of the world. Concentrating on one side and excluding the other is to deny that we each have two arms. After 10 to 20 years in industry, the significance of that degree should fade in comparison to the experienced attained. Experience counts far more than book knowledge. A legitimate, endorsed CV should be worth more than a degree.
Genuinely gifted engineers (including those without degrees) also need to be acknowledged for their ability in a way that enables them to easily apply for suitable positions. The system needs to make it easy for companies needing such talent to find it. As I said - the current system rejects those without academic qualification and offers them no means of furthering their careers. Those with academic qualifications often climb the ladder and vanish from engineering.
An engineer is not a person brandishing a piece of paper. An engineer is a person who knows where to find the right formulae and is capable of coming up with workable, safe and profitable solutions.
John Gibbs - Editor
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