Full Description

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has employed thousands of student engineers--young, aspiring college students striving for a degree in engineering--to encounter new challenges in an engineering environment where they may apply all fundamentals they've learned in college. The supervisors at the LADWP have assigned some of the most challenging tasks at hand to the students, allowing them to practice their engineering problem-solving skills in real world situations. Some of these tasks have included generating computer hydraulic models, designing cement lining projects, planning future aqueduct systems, and developing water main replacement programs. These tasks not only allow the students to see the same type of work an engineer does on a daily basis, but they also give the students a chance to see the engineering field from a new point of view--from the inside. The LADWP student program includes student tours of some of the Department water and power facilities including hydro-electric power plants, steam power plants and filtration plants. These tours of the LADWP facilities illustrate some of the new innovations and technologies found in the engineering world today, encouraging the students all the more to strive for excellence in their own engineering careers knowing that such intricate and complex ideas may be practical. The students also develop committees for the student program itself. In addition, the students coordinate informal meetings with management personnel on a weekly basis to discuss the many changes that are occurring in the engineering field. These engineering professionals also share ideas about the different career paths an engineer may choose. Furthermore, the LADWP strongly supports the students in the program reminding them that their college study should always be the first priority over their employment at the Department. LADWP employees are very helpful and encouraging to the students as they share some of their ideas about engineering as well as advising them on the transition between college study and the workplace. Overall, the LADWP has concluded that the Student Engineer Program is one of their finest business strategies in the organization. At the same time, potential engineers have been allowed to enjoy practical engineering experience they will never forget.

Product Details

Published: 01/01/1995 ISBN(s): 0898678315 Number of Pages: 6File Size: 1 file , 260 KB