8. Environmental engineers

Just about everything we do has an impact on the environment. Measuring that …is the job of environmental engineers. They apply their engineering skills to assess the … of projected or actual human activity, from the use of off-road recreational vehicles to housing developments. They also work to manage natural … and control pollution. They’re also involved in …, waste disposal and public health issues. Many environmental engineers work as consultants helping their clients … with regulations and clean-up operations at hazardous waste sites. Usually environmental engineers have a four-year college degree. How much training they need and where they get it depends on their specialization. Their specialization also … whether they work indoors or outdoors and how much paper work they have to do. Environmental engineering is a career that combines … and creativity because both qualities are needed to find solutions to environmental issues. When this job is done well the Earth … a little protection so future generations can also enjoy its bounty.

8.3. Translate the phrases given below from English into your language.

• an impact on the environment

• projected human activity

• off-road recreational vehicles

• housing developments

• to be involved in recycling

• public health issues

• to comply with regulations

• clean-up operations

• to enjoy bounty

8.4. Listen again and answer the questions

1. What is the job of environmental engineers?

2. What aspects of our life are environmental engineers involved in?

3. Do you think/consider the job of environmental engineers dangerous?

4. What qualities are needed for a career in environmental engineering?

5. Is it easy to find correct solutions to environmental issues?

6. How much training do specialists in environmental engineering need?

9.1 Listen to the following text.

9.2. Complete the text with the words from the box. Then listen and check.

Self-employed, skilled, owners, installations, products, apprenticeship

9. Sheet metal workers

Sheet metal workers fabricate, install and maintain … from large metal sheets: roofs, sidings, air ducts, gutters, even outdoor signs are made by these highly … craftspersons.

Following detailed plans they cut, mold, bend and shape large pieces for … at a job site.

Sheet metal workers should have knowledge of drafting, reading blueprints, handling tools and welding. The job also requires standing for long periods, bending, squatting and lifting heavy materials. Some workers pick up the trade as helpers who carry metal and clear debris. However formal … is the best way to learn the craft. Local chapters of professional associations run these programs. To qualify applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent. Unlike many other construction trades very few sheet metal workers are … . People who are willing to invest the time to master this valuable craft can become respected specialty craftspersons or even the … of their own business.

9.3. Translate the phrases given below from English into your language.

• Install and maintain products

• To clear debris

• Standing and squatting

• Construction trades

• To master the craft

9.4. Listen again and answer the questions

1. What products can sheet metal workers fabricate, install and maintain?

2. What kind of knowledge should sheet metal workers have?

3. What does their job require?

4. What is the best way to learn the craft?

AUDIOSCRIPT

1.1 Engineering (Can you be an engineer?)

Engineering is the ideal field for people with a very strong grasp of maths and science and a very analytical mind. Engineering jobs require at least a four-year degree usually in engineering or in some cases related degrees such as mathematics or physical science may be accepted instead. Engineers specialize in different fields such as mechanical, civil, aerospace, chemical and industrial engineering. Engineers have one of the highest starting salaries of any field because such an extensive education is required in order to become an engineer and in order to focus an engineer’s time as much as possible there are many related support positions. Often right below an engineer is an engineering technology graduate and another support position is that of an engineering technician. Some related careers include positions as computer-aided-drafting or CAD-technicians (also known as drafters) who work for the engineers to draw out the design and blueprints.

2.1 Mechanical engineers

Mechanical engineers know about machines. They design engines, robots and generators but they also design everyday items like kitchen appliances and power tools. Whatever the device, if it has moving parts, mechanical engineers will almost certainly involve in its creation. That’s because this is the broadest of all engineering disciplines.

Some mechanical engineers, for example, do the research, needed to create a product; others design the product itself, while still others design the machines to make the product. When an item is highly technical mechanical engineers may even be involved in selling the product. You’ll need excellent math and science skills plus the ability to think analytically and to deal with abstract ideas.

A knack for creative problem solving is also helpful.

So work can be demanding but mechanical engineers often get to see their designs turn into new products and machines which can be very satisfying indeed.

3.1 Industrial engineers

Finding the most effective way to produce a product or a service is the job of industrial engineers. They are the …. between management goals and the work that must be done to …. those goals. They solve problems by combining production resources: people, machines, materials, information and energy. They use mathematical techniques, …. computer systems, cost analysis, financial planning, quality control and complex distribution plans to improve .... A bachelor’s degree is minimal but a master’s degree or PhD. …. more respect in a marketplace. Students who are good at problem-solving, mathematics, computer applications, science and systems analysis may want to …. this career. Although they usually work in comfortable office surroundings, industrial engineers may spend days observing problems and testing strategies in plants and …. centers. They may also travel a great deal. Experienced industrial engineers who successfully pursue opportunities and management science can rise to upper levels of strategic planning and management.

4.1 Computer software engineers

Now that so many of us have computers we tend to take them for granted. We turn them on and we expect them to do work perfectly. But without computer software engineers we would be staring at empty screens. Most of these engineers are driven by an eager desire to learn what makes the box come to life and ideas for expanding the machine’s reach. Basically software is to computer what programs are to television. Software is the content that you look at and interact with on a computer. With training at a career school, college or manufacturer these engineers analyze and solve programming problems and create the framework for code writers that write the tiny steps that make up a program. They may have to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or to solve unexpected technical problems. One of the challenges for computer software engineers is to constantly update their awareness and skills. It is essential to have a strong grasp of mathematics and the ability to follow varied details of the instructions. Software engineers also need old-fashioned communication skills so they can analyze and meet the needs of today’s computer users as well as users of tomorrow.

5.1 Computer programmers

Computers are everywhere. They’re in your car, in your VCR and in your microwave oven. And of course they are on your desktop at home, school and work. But no computer anywhere can do anything without precise detailed instructions. Those instructions are called “programs” and they are created by computer programmers using computer languages like Java, C++, Visual Basic, Cobol, SAS, DB2 and others. A programmer’s real skill is in breaking a job down into a series of small steps and in anticipating problems. For example, what should a cash machine do when a customer enters the wrong password? What happens when a cellphone battery is getting low? Or what if a fax comes in when the fax machine is out of paper? A programmer may work on a program intended for a specific job or client or on designing or revising package software for general use. These programs include games and educational software as well as tools for desktop publishing, financial planning, spreadsheets or many other applications. Not surprisingly, the demand for a computer programmer is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years. But prospects are best for college graduates with both computer training and some knowledge of the business or industry in which they hope to apply their programming skills.

6.1 Safety engineers

Many jobs carry an element of risk. Through the years, however, the United States has tried to make even the most dangerous places work as safe as possible. Industrial safety and health engineers are responsible for making sure workplaces meet the requirements of laws designed to protect people. They promote work site or product safety and health by applying knowledge of industrial process as well as mechanical, chemical and psychological principles. They must be able to anticipate and evaluate hazardous conditions as well as hazardous control methods. Depending on the industry for which they are responsible safety and health engineers draw on their knowledge and experience. They work with other public health and safety officials to coordinate efforts. They also can be investigators who search for violations and the causes of accidents and they explore new ways of doing things that minimize dangers. Training workers in safety and emergency procedures is another aspect of this job. Many of these require a four-year college degree in engineering and hence by work-related experience. And it’s clear to see that protecting America’s workers requires skills and a strong sense of responsibility.

7.1 Nuclear engineers

Tremendous energy is trapped in the nucleus of a tiny atom. Harnessing that energy is the work of nuclear engineers. They search for efficient ways to capture the bursts of energy from a disintegrating atom and put it to use. Nuclear engineers can be found developing numerous applications for nuclear energy including power plants for consumer heat and electricity, methods for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, preservation of food supplies or sterilization of medical instruments and systems to power ships and spacecraft. Nuclear engineers also make sure that atom’s awesome power is used with care and that nuclear waste is disposed of safely. The ingredients for success in nuclear engineering include strong aptitudes in physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics as well as technical writing and computer programming, a creative approach to problem solving and a college degree in one of the engineering sciences is also needed. Since nuclear power is used in aircraft-carriers and submarines, naval experience is also a path to this career. The majority of nuclear engineers work for public utilities or engineering consulting firms. Nuclear engineers have to be very responsible people who take great pride and great care in the work that they do.

8.1 Environmental engineers

Just about everything we do has an impact on the environment. Measuring that impact is the job of environmental engineers. They apply their engineering skills to assess the effect of projected or actual human activity, from the use of off-road recreational vehicles to housing developments. They also work to manage natural resources and control pollution. They’re also involved in recycling, waste disposal and public health issues. Many environmental engineers work as consultants helping their clients comply with regulations and clean-up operations at hazardous waste sites. Usually environmental engineers have a four-year college degree. How much training they need and where they get it depends on their specialization. Their specialization also affects whether they work indoors or outdoors and how much paper work they have to do. Environmental engineering is a career that combines practicality and creativity because both qualities are needed to find solutions to environmental issues. When this job is done well the Earth gains a little protection so future generations can also enjoy its bounty.

9.1 Sheet metal workers

Sheet metal workers fabricate, install and maintain products from large metal sheets: roofs, sidings, air ducts, gutters, even outdoor signs are made by these highly skilled craftspersons.

Following detailed plans they cut, mold, bend and shape large pieces for installations at a job site.

Sheet metal workers should have knowledge of drafting, reading blueprints, handling tools and welding. The job also requires standing for long periods, bending, squatting and lifting heavy materials. Some workers pick up the trade as helpers who carry metal and clear debris. However formal apprenticeship is the best way to learn the craft. Local chapters of professional associations run these programs. To qualify applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent. Unlike many other construction trades very few sheet metal workers are self-employed. People who are willing to invest the time to master this valuable craft can become respected specialty craftspersons or even the owners of their own business.

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