Site inspector vs. CADWorx project

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11 years 4 months ago - 11 years 4 months ago #8244 by rchris7171
Site inspector vs. CADWorx project was created by rchris7171
I am currently working for a company in Houston, TX that owns and operates an LNG Re-gas facility. They have been approval to build a Liquefaction plant and will be starting construction soon. I am currently in the corporate office but have been scheduled to go to site for the next four to five years as a Piping and Equipment Inspector. I have been getting a lot of calls from recruiters wanting to submit me for work elsewhere, all have been mid and Senior Piping Designer positions with E&C firms looking to staff up for current or upcoming projects. I would only take a position that is “long term” with the opportunity to use CADWorx or PDS Piping Software, because I have not yet had a chance to use either on a project and it seems to be a good chance to become proficient on one of the more widely use Piping Software’s as well as continue to grow as a Piping Designer. I wanted to get some feedback and thoughts on what would help advance me the most either working in the field as a Piping/Equipment Inspector or moving to an E&C Company using CADWorx working on projects with the hopes of long term work.

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11 years 1 month ago - 11 years 1 month ago #6754 by 11echo
Replied by 11echo on topic Re: Site inspector vs. CADWorx project
This maybe alittle late, but I have some input for you. ALONG time ago when I took my first piping class at a local jr college, I really wasn’t that into the subject. I had taken the course because I was on the G.I. Bill and the class I really wanted was cancelled (intro to electric drafting). At this first piping class the instructor talked money and I couldn’t believe the amounts he was telling me I could get as a “Piper”! He went on to ask “How many colleges have Architectural degreed courses?” …It was quickly determined ALOT of colleges has architectural programs. Then he asked “How many have Piping programs?” …nobody had heard of any “Piping programs” …Then he compared salaries, a Piper could make almost double what an architect could with half (or less) training! Bottom line is the more obscure the skill the higher the cost to use it.
These days I see ALOT of 3D design/drafting being sent over seas where the labor force is cheap and plentiful! I’ve heard of design/drafting been done for as little as $4.25/hr.! SO quality doesn’t have to be there, and what is produced can be checked, and re-check and, rechecked again (and normally has too!), and still not break what it would cost here in the states! I suspect this will continue in the industry, until something catastrophic happens, then either the industry or the government will step in and determine why!
SO back to your situation, what position is being offered to you that can’t be sent “over seas” …to someone that will do it for next to nothing? Sounds to me it like the position as a Piping/Equipment Inspector is the more solid position. Bottom-line, you can always fall back on design/drafting and pick up any 3D program that is required at anytime. I can also tell you this ANY hand-on experience with field or shop piping goes along way to benefit any Piping designer’s resume! IMHO …Good Luck!

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10 years 5 months ago - 10 years 5 months ago #6932 by mohsin123
Replied by mohsin123 on topic Re: Site inspector vs. CADWorx project
SO back to your situation, what position is being offered to you that can’t be sent “over seas” …to someone that will do it for next to nothing? Sounds to me it like the position as a Piping/Equipment Inspector is the more solid position. Bottom-line, you can always fall back on design/drafting and pick up any 3D program that is required at anytime. I can also tell you this ANY hand-on experience with field or shop piping goes along way to benefit any Piping designer’s resume! IMHO …Good Luck!

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10 years 5 months ago - 10 years 5 months ago #6933 by Mrkaze
Replied by Mrkaze on topic Re: Site inspector vs. CADWorx project
While you may well wish to get up to speed and learn how to use a new piece of software, remember it is just software!

The experience of being on site for a long period, seeing correct and incorrect piping designs in the physical, noticing things than could be improved and installed better will all add to your ability as a designer.

If you go to a company without being proficient in piping design and layout, the knowledge and use of a new piece of software will mean nothing.

Cadworx is very simple to use and can be quite easily self taught is you have a good foundation of AutoCAD use & 3D modelling.

Piping design experience is not so easy, so every opportunity early in your career should be made to get out there and see it for real.

I'm from the UK & work here also, I use Cadworx & have also used PDMS, Autocad Plant 3D.
We regularly employ people with no Cadworx experience, because it is so easy to pick up, we are more interested in people who can design and have the experience to back it up.

Site work in my past has been the biggest help to me.

Perhaps if you are not happy with the piping/equipment inspector role, you should consider looking for a site based piping designer role, or for a role in a company that provides the design & maintenance & expansion of existing facilities, giving you the opportunity to work both in the design office and on site.

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