Introduction

1. Overview of Training

2. Living in Australia

3. Conclusion

Outline

Pre-visit training

Life in Australia

Summary

About pre-visit dialogues

About host company

About life in Australia

Acknowledgment

About exchange program
AJCE Activity 2008

1. Summary

2. Training in ARUP
Iechnical Iour

Workshop

Capacity Building for Young Professionals

Presentation

3. Work-life balance
Working Hours

Holidays

4. Life in Australia

5. Acknowledgment

1. Introduction
The Young Professionals Exchange Program (YPEP) is the program of mutual visit and the training of the young engineers in Japan and Australia. It has started in 1996 based on the memorandum of understandings between AJCE and ACEA I 1995. The purposes of this program are in the skill improvement and the view expansion of the trainees themselves, and in the construction of an excellent relation to keep the development in the future into the business with the maintenance of networks cultivated in the training programs. This report is on visit-training and pre-visit training in 2008. The visit-training was carried out in Sydney and Newcastle, Period of the program was 7th - 25th / October.
2. Pre-visit training
In this program, trainees had obligation to prepare for the visit-training in advance by contacting  mentors in the host companies. We exchanged  profile of trainees, specialized fields, and the plan of the schedule of visit-training by E- mail. Through the information exchange, I could spend time in Australia effectively. Mr. James Disher, my mentor and Mr. Mark Wilson took care of me for training and home-stay.  They applied their experience as the YPEP2007 trainees and planned my program enthusiastically and friendly.
3. Visit-training
3-1. Outline of the host company Costin Roe Consulting Pty Ltd. is a consulting firm mainly working for private customers. They provide services in structural designs in the Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and civil engineering fields as well as the maintenance and repair of housing complexes so-called “Strata Engineering Solutions“. Though they are small-scale organization of about 20 employees, they have a variety of business results from small- scale projects like structural inspection of individual house to large-scale projects that require diversified technology like design and management of compound facilities. 3-2. Activity of the consultant engineer in Australia In Australia, the consulting engineers promote activities that will contribute to the improvement of status of their profession besides their regular practices. By the request from ACEA secretariat, professionals visit high schools where the students who refrain from entering into college gather. The professionals explain subject like “What is the occupation of consulting engineer?". ACEA pursues this approach to contribute to the improvement of engineering education and helping to raise the level of interest & ability in engineering from a long-term aspect. This would encourage them to enter into colleges, eventually into  consulting engineering industry. Mr. James Disher ,my mentor also contributed to this activity in the past. It is encouraging to see promotion of similar initiatives by ACEA.
3-3. Home-stay in Newcastle
l basically stayed in the condominium in Sydney. I also stayed home of Mr. Mark Wilson who is senior engineer of Mr. James Disher, and works in Newcastle office. It was a precious experience for me to be able to touch Australia’s unique culture and lifestyle through the home-stay with his family, and to watch Japan from another aspect.
3-4. Young Summit
We had the Young Summit (Reporting Seminar) at ACEA office with Australian professionals on October 24th. In the seminar, Japanese trainees reported on the content of the training each. We exchanged the opinions about the difference of the Young Professionals Development System in Japan and Australia. 4. Difference in Professional Development Programs between Japan and Australia 4-1. Internal Course There are On-the-Job Training and mentoring program in Costin Roe. The system has many common features about the education method from the young to senior. Study meetings are regularly carried out in the office.
4-2. External Course
There exists master's degree acquisition and seminar participation activities outside of the company. In Australia, as for the master's degree acquisition, the emphasis seems stronger than Japan, and the system of support from a company is more advanced than that of Japan. As for seminar participation, the system is similar to Japan as the Continued Professional Development system is applied. But its function is quite different. In Japan, it is offered basically to hear specialist's presentations. Participants leave soon after the presentations without networking. In Australia, participants exchange opinions positively and make efforts to expand their networking and knowledge before and after presentations. We should follow this kind of good practices in Japan.
5. Acknowledgment
I wish to express my gratitude to ACEA and AJCE for their support and encouragements. Special thanks to everyone in Contin Roe Consulting who welcomed me and made my training fruitful and memorable. I would like to extend my thanks to management of Oriental Consultants who gladly sent me to this program.  I woe special thanks to my family for their warm support. Hereafter, I will try further promotion of the YPEP for the improvement of the consulting engineer's status and recognition, by taking the experience and networks obtained through this program.
Hidechika Nakamura YPEP2008 Trainee P.T.MORIMURA & ASSOCIATES, LTD
1. Prologue
I joined the Japan-Australia exchange training program YPEP2008. In the pre-visit period of 4 months, I exchanged information with the SIMPSON KOTZMAN, the Australian firm that provides similar services as ours. I was least fluent in English among the participants but tried my best. Visit-training in Australia was just for 3 weeks. However, I gained a lot of invaluable experiences.
2. Host Company Description
My host company “SIMPSON KOTZMAN”(herein after referred as SK) is a consulting firm in building engineering services in mechanical, electrical and ESD engineering fields. Their main works cover shopping centres, office buildings, large apartments and schools. SK has main office in Melbourne and branch office in Sydney whose staffs are  around 30 to 40. 3. Content of Visit-training Program 3-1. Training in Engineering Services I was assigned to support lighting system design. Using standard design calculations, I assisted in designing lighting and Control systems.
3-2.Site Visit
l visited construction site locating outside of Melbourne. Difference with Japan is that engineers can not conduct site supervision without the license named “RED CARD”, which will be issued after safety training.
3-3.Participation in seminars
During training, there was a seminar on BIM. 3D Design is important issue in Japan. I found that it has not yet introduced in Australia. Additionally, I participated in a seminar using lunch break which serves as a useful reference. I thought that efficient time management like this should be introduced in our company.
4. Capacity Building of Young Engineers
In the field of mechanical and electrical engineerings, SK places importance in capacity building of young engineers in • Communication skills, • Early involvement of YEs in projects as  good On- the-Job Training, • Attend industry events, seminars, and • Networking in education. Method of training for young engineers seems almost the same in Japan and Asutralia. Regarding networking in Japan, we gain experience through projects not from preliminary education. System of building engineering services is different in every project in Japan. With this in mind that building engineering services in Australia keep consistency, thus well established.
5. Life in Melbourne
Melbourne is the 2nd biggest city in Australia and old buildings are blended with modern and traditional buildings. There were many parks throughout the city with plenty of green spaces. The streets are built in grid lines and TRAMs run on main streets. SK has friendly atmosphere. They communicate well and joke regardless of senior or young which was very impressive. I was very surprised that many people left the office at 6 o’clock. On Friday, some of them start drinking from lunch! I had opportunities of seeing animals indigenous to Australia with young engineers and enjoyed walking on nearby beach. I was invited to home party and enjoyed the gathering.
6. Summary
Through the training, I could learn building engineering services in Australia. In addition, I learnt their working style, time management and way of living. All of these, would be of valuable help in my life. I would like to thank those who supported the training program; ACEA, AJCE, SIMPSON KOTZMAN and P.T.Morimura & Associates. I apologize for not able to fully respond to the training program due to my poor English. I would like to express special appreciations again to all the staffs of SK for their heartfelt hospitality.
Tadashi Hasegawa YPEP2008 Trainee Chodai Co., Ltd.
Welcome Reception
After 10 hours of long flight from Narita to Sydney, trainees and mentors gathered at the ACEA main office in Sydney and welcome reception took place in the afternoon of 7th October. At first, trainees were somewhat stiff in conversation because of fatigue after long flight, stress and language barrier. But cheerful mentors and Ms. Frances Lemon at ACEA made our stiff mind open up gradually. We introduced ourselves. I initiated talking but felt nervous because of rather poor English. After the reception, we moved to scenic restaurant in Sydney. It started with self- introduction, and then lunch with pizza and beer followed. Rare foodstuffs like crocodile, emu and kangaroo meat were on the pizza! They were much delicious beyond imagination. And some beers made us cheerful.
Sydney Sightseeing
Before we moved to host companies, we had a short time to visit Sydney Opera House, locating in a harbor where we enjoy watching beautiful town and the Harbor Bridge. While visiting the Opera House, we were impressed hearing about fascinating story about construction of the Opera House. Unfortunately, we could not take pictures inside because of stage preparation but it was very beautiful. A huge pipe organ surprised us. Then we departed for host companies by airplane, car and other means.
Farewell Party
After three weeks of training, trainees and mentors gathered at ACEA main office in Sydney again on 24th October. At Young Summit (details: refer to another report), we made  presentations regarding achievements made in the training program. After the Summit, we moved to farewell dinner at Thai restaurant facing the Sydney Harbor. Succeeding with exchange of opening addresses, trainees and mentors had pleasant drinking time. We all became congenial company after a full of stimulating conversation. Nobody could expect this at the welcome reception. Of course dishes were excellent!
After Party
After dinner, we moved to bowling alleys and Karaoke party followed. Australian bowling alleys have different illumination and mood from those of Japanese. But once games have started, that was not a problem at all. The games were really exciting. We were one family. We went to Karaoke after bowling! We got slight culture shock. Not like in Japan, room was illuminated in red and screen showed only letters. Japanese Karaoke rooms are softly lighted and letters on a screen come together with motion pictures. We sung favorite songs and spirited up passionately. The Karaoke singing was supposed to last for 1 hour, but the date has changed when we left there.
Acknowledgment
I had a little hesitation at the beginning of the visit- training. However, it was overwhelmed by super hospitality of everyone in host companies as well as ACEA. We felt quite safe and comfortable throughout the training and social programs. I am profoundly grateful to the all mentors, members of ACEA especially Frances and AJCE staffs.
Hidechika Nakamura YPEP2008 Trainee P.T.MORIMURA & ASSOCIATES, LTD In the followings are brief summary on the Young Summit held on the last day of YPEP2008.
1. Agenda of Young Summit
DATE: Friday 24 October, 2008 Time Schedule: 2.00pm~ Opening address 2.10pm~ Presentation by Trainees & Discussion 3.20pm~ Afternoon Tea 3.35pm~ Presentation by Trainees & Discussion 5.00pm End Venue: Meeting room, ACEA main office, Sydney
2. Contents of Young Summit
In the Young summit, there were 14 participants. They were 6 trainees, 6 young engineers from host companies and 2 ACEA staffs. The contents of reports from trainees were different from the past because no specific topics were given by ACEA. Discussions were based on the presentations regarding the training program. In addition, differences in the young professionals training program between Japan and Australia was selected as a topic.
3. Training Program
As the details of training programs are presented in the separate section, summary of the presentations and discussion are reported.
(1) Similarity in Training and Education
• On-the-Job Training • Young engineers submit reports and have the opportunities to present in periodical seminars on technical and operational aspects. • There are several educational programs such as “ PDP and CPD ” for professionals offered by the Institution of Engineers and Institution of Professional Engineers in Australia/ Japan. And similar programs by other organisations. • Advanced or expertise engineering study in Universities (2) Difference in Training and Education • The way of On-the-Job training. Senior engineers involve positively in the course of practices carried out by junior engineers when it is appropriate. • The style of seminar is different from Japan considerably. • Young professionals are encouraged to obtain Postgraduate degree, such as Master's degree. • Networking is considered as important practice .
4. Summary
l observed that training programs for young professionals in Australia are provided mainly by On- the-Job Training. The fundamental methodology and contents of training programs seem similar in Australia and Japan. However, interaction between senior and junior professionals in Australia appeared much active than Japan. This also applies to implementation of training program for young professionals. Furthermore, system of Networking in Australia seems far advanced than that of Japan. I strongly feel that we should introduce this practice in Japan.
Yoshihisa ASADA Professional Development Promotion Sub-Committee, AJCE Young Professional Group, AJCE
1. Introduction
The reporting meeting for the young professional exchange program (YPEP) between AJCE and ACE was held at the conference room of Oriental Consultants Co., Ltd. on 7th November, 2008. The main speakers were the six trainees who had received three months of pre-training before leaving for Australia and three weeks with the Australian host company from 6th October to 26 October. Another 20 young professionals also participated. The discussion covered: (a) an outline of YPEP activities, (b) reporting of the YPEP activities in 2008, (c) round table discussion and (d) introduction of FIDIC-YPF / AJCE-YPG activities.
This report presents details of the round table discussion. As a part of agenda item (b), each trainee spoke about their experience from the training program and presented opinions on differences between the consulting engineer professions in Australia and Japan with respect to processes and procedures, the working environment, and human resource development.
2. Topics of round table discussion
The round table discussion was designed as an opportunity to discuss the differences between Japan and Australia reported by the participants and their implications for the future professional development of young Japanese consulting engineers. The discussion topics were formulated by the core-members of the young professional group with reference to the trainee's requests. The table below shows the three selected discussion topics.
The discussion was proceeded by dividing  into three groups and two trainees were allocated to each group, creating a dynamic atmosphere. Trainees were assigned to play the role of facilitating the discussion, compiling the points raised, and presenting the outcome to the whole group after the round table discussion. The outcomes of the discussions on each topic were as follows. Topic 1: Working Style of Australian consulting engineers Topic 1 was guided by a presentation of trainee, Mr. Masato Ishiyama, IDEA Consultants, Inc., then discussion involving all participants followed. Mr. Ishiyama reported that the main characteristics of the working style in Australian consulting engineers are (a) they work less overtime, (b) they receive fewer phone calls from clients; quiet office environment helps to concentrate in work, and (c) there are more opportunities for networking in the consulting engineering industry outside of their company. After his presentation, there were questions and opinions expressed by participants. A summary of this discussion is as follows.
Opinion/Question
Response from Trainee Is the reduced In Australia, although the salary system is not clear, monthly reflected years experience, and house rent costs bout $US1,000. They
certainly don’t seem to have higher salanes, but they seem to in the salary
offerences between Australia and Japan with respect to on the-job training There are more tangible targets for training and evaluation system. For acquiring qualifications, the company provides the opportunity for technical experience and to allow them to submit training reports. There is frequent checking of the younger engineer's work sometimes feels like they are only being given tasks as a part of
their normal duties, not for specific purpose of training). Young engineers are always encouraged to express their opinions in meetings.
Topic 2: Possibility of penetrating the overseas
market by Japanese consulting engineers Topic 2 was formulated to discuss the possibility of Japanese consulting engineers entering into overseas markets and was conducted by group discussion. This topic seemed slightly abstract and broad, so a sub-title was adopted: “What kind of Japanese engineering expertise are superior to overseas?” Discussion points 1. What kind of Japanese engineering expertise were recognized from their training that can be applied to overseas markets? 2. What are the advantages in technology, engineer's capability, or production systems? 3. What are the problems or challenges need to be overcome? A summary of the group discussion is as follows. (1) What Japanese technologies can be proudly applied overseas? • High standard engineering expertise (e.g., anti-seismic technology) and keeping project time schedule in time. • Engineers with a broad engineering background and knowledge (in Australia many engineers can handle only their own field of specialization). • High capability of solving problems (precise thinking, good concentration); however, weak on original thinking and creative ideas. (2) Advantages in technology, engineer's capability, or production systems. • When a Japanese company attempts to enter into overseas market, it would be appropriate to joint venture with  Australian company. • Enhancement of sales requires technologies that do not exist in the target market. • Have to understand that possession of high technology alone does not guarantee high sales. Marketing efforts customized for the target country are essential for effective and efficient promotion. • Overseas projects normally require total project management. (3) Problems or challenges that need to be overcome • Language skills, multi-cultural understanding and appropriate communication skills; all need to be improved as much as possible. • We should study and be trained in project management for high-level engineering judgment.
Topic 3: Relationships between Consultants,
Clients and the Public
Topic 3 dealt with issues and activities concerning the relationships with contractors, clients, and the public from the viewpoint of Japanese consultants. A summary of the results of the group discussion is as follows. 1) Contractors - Clients Relationship • The relationship between Japanese consulting engineers and their clients is like a relationship between an employer and an employee (possibly due to the history of the birth of consulting engineering in Japan). • Australian   consulting   engineers   have responsibility for whole projects, from design to construction; therefore, the industry has high status. Also, consultants have considerable flexibility to exercise judgment which is built into their contracts with clients. • For example how much difference in the status of consulting engineers in Japan and other countries. In England, sometimes consulting engineers request research from private firm such as think-tank. Consulting engineers have superior role.. 2) Relationship with Public • In Australia, public relations activities by consulting engineering bodies are conducted frequently and by various methods (including visits to high schools). As a result, public gain higher awareness in the role of consulting engineers, similar to the awareness of doctors and lawyers. Due to time limitations, the group discussions were allocated for only 30 minutes on each topic. However,  participants raised many interesting points in lively discussions, which were much appreciated by the meeting organizers. One of the participants pointed out that this kind of information exchange between young engineers can be extremely helpful for career planning. At the end of the group discussion, one participant suggested that we young engineers should take the initiative to change the status of consulting engineers and our working environment. We should not expect or depend on clients and our companies to change the situation.
3.Conclusion
This discussion provided a precious opportunity for us to freely exchange opinions based on the experiences from YPEP 2008. Many thanks go to all participants. The exchange program provided a great opportunity for the trainees to compare circumstances in Australia and Japan. Participants had valuable experience in identifying the differences in culture and ways of practice and associated issues, presenting findings, and discussing them with other young Japanese engineers. Hopefully, more in-depth analyses of the causes of the differences between the consulting engineer profession in Japan and other developed countries will be continued, thereby identifying directions and actions for improvement. The young professional group (YPG) in AJCE will continue to organize these kinds of opportunities for discussion and networking for young professionals. (after the networking session)