Increase in population means more demand for energy, water, sanitation, housing, transportation,clean environment, waste management, new lands etc. and hence can be directly equated to an explosion in the sphere of human needs. Technological advancements which are pacing beyond human comprehension exert pressure on every service provider in terms of quality, aesthetics, durability, economics, management,communicative dexterity, time, profitability etc. and in response, most service providers try to establish their supremacy by imbibing higher degree of professionalism in their respective fields of activities.This general law is becoming more and more relevant to construction industry wherein Civil Engineers play a role of vital energy that upholds the entire industry.

Let us now, look briefly at the two extremes of our engineering existence. From star studded sky to the apparent motions of planets, from unpredictable natural phenomena to predictable seasonal changes,from atomic structure to solar system, from planks constant to billions of light years, from Aryabhatta to astronomer in space station, from ancient pyramids to present wonders of the world, from cave to atomic reactors, from the unfathomable depth of mysterious natural resources to engineering marvels in space,from conventional energy to non conventional energy,from abundant sea water to desalinization, from underground bunkers to skyscrapers and the list goes on and on. The pendulum of human life sways and swings in the shadow of engineering mind. When such is the scenario, what is our role and contribution to that immediate future which probably belongs to a far demanding human race!!! a seed of thought for Civil Engineering fraternity to contemplate.

The ongoing technological revolution has changed most of the routines of traditional Civil Engineer.DSS (Decision Support System) and GIS (Geographical Information Systems) are becoming a part of Civil Engineering design. Laser beam replaces the old survey instrument and satellite signals replace the photogrammetric methods of mapping. Space age fabrics replace conventional RCC roofs; Geo-textiles minimize soil erosion. Robots manage smart buildings and Civil Engineering is moving towards high technology.

Future Civil Engineer:

The ever increasing human demands and needs get translated ultimately into an engineering skill. A professional called Architect, with his creative mind tries to decode the unsaid aspects and with his wisdom tries to evolve a system which eventually meets the cause. But in the process, he has to integrate the multidisciplinary activities involved in his creation, weave them together and produce an effect or even a product that matches the need. It is here, the role of Civil Engineer comes into relevance.Vivid imaginations get converted into stress diagrams and then get transformed from 2 dimensional to 3 dimensional existences using the raw materials. This process of Conversion from 2D to 3D with the available resources and within the framework of affordability without compromising on quality, aesthetics and time, indeed is a Herculean task. Performing this Herculean task calls for an enormous amount of professionalism, skill, practical knowledge, pragmatic handling of human psychologies and above all, WILL to implement and establish the challenge asked for.

Philosophy of Training

Indian Education system neglects vocational training while focusing on faculty development in an individual. For a Civil Engineer to take on the above referred challenges and to exercise control on the above referred requirements, education imparted at universities and colleges has to be upgraded considerably.Before a Civil Engineer is asked to deliver almost the impossible, he should be trained systematically and should be exposed to the diversified field conditions.And this is the true role of any Finishing school.

The new age Civil Engineer has to equip himself through a process of training with the following abilities in addition to all the conventional knowledge
at his command:

• An ability to integrate the knowledge of other sciences.
• An ability to communicate effectively.
• An ability to understand the techniques, skills,modern tools necessary for engineering practice.
• An ability to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and social context.
• A clear understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
• Understanding of the elements of construction.
• An ability to adapt to the advanced construction technologies and ethodologies.
• Capability to interpret the GFC drawings integrated with other services.
• An ability to look beyond and work towardsestablishment of sustainable future society.

Immediate Need of the Hour and the Role of Finishing Schools:

Time is the essence in most projects and hence requires an application of expert knowledge right from the time one starts a project. In view of this,service providers always look for experienced manpower including Civil Engineers who are going to manage at site. As there is a tremendous shortage of experienced and trained civil engineers, there is a need to advance the skill and practical knowledge of fresh graduates. Here, the finishing schools play a pivotal role and should keep the following agenda as an immediate action plan to cater for the need of the industry and train the fresh engineers in respect of:-

• Different activities involved during construction phase.
• Dos and don'ts on a project site.
• Quality control aspects and on- site tests.
• Other inter-related activities and services.
• Project planning and project monitoring.
• Use of mechanical equipment to enhance the productivity.
• Effective use of resources.
• Specifications with reference to structure and finishing items.
• Standard billing procedure including rate analysis.
• Personality development and on site interactions.
• Resource mobilization, data collection and comparison and site records.
• Environment-Health-Safety aspects.
• Site visits.
• Interpretation of drawings.
• Responsibility and accountability.
• Modern construction methodologies.
• Tips for continuous up gradation of knowledge.

Where to Look for Such a Finishing School

There are quite a few schools engaged in providing practical training to the fresh engineers. One has to study the contents of the offer in the context of what is said above and decide. InCiFin School, a finishing school with a difference,a wing of InCiCon-AG, is on the anvil and shall be dedicated to the Civil Engineering fraternity shortly. Course content and other study materials are under preparation. InCiCon-AG, an Innovative Civil Engineering Conclave, with more than two decades in the construction industry has planned an integrated approach to bridge the gap between the industry and academia. Details will be communicated to all the concerned in due course of time.

Conclusion:

Though it is not possible to cover the entire gamut of Civil Engineering issues in a limited duration, a systematic approach with an emphasis on micro level aspects of construction industry by well experienced Civil Engineers is sure to bring about enough awareness among the participants. This would also help them to acquire additional knowledge based on sound pragmatic foundation. This approach should be able to help us to launch a new age Civil Engineer with commitment to the engineering fraternity in particular and to the future sustainable society in general.Lastly, few words about the economic slow down that is bothering civil engineers at present. The present crisis surely is a temporary phenomenon and
to be considered as a purification process in the economic system of any developing nation. We have to take advantage of this slow down, add values to
our skills and be ready to take on the next cycle of challenges with confidence.

Ajit Sabnis,Chairman, Association of Consulting Civil Engineers, Bangalore Chapter,Founder Partner of InCiCon-AG, Bangalore