WEEK 1

Looking back on the first day of work as an On the Job Trainee at Nikkie

Builders, we were first briefed by Engineer Nicole Joyce Gepilango on the things

that we should and should not do during site visits. Since I also had a 80-hour

internship in the company last 2018, I am well aware of my job as an intern or

trainee on site. Our site visits include of 2 sites which is the University of San

Agustin- High School Campus in Sambag Jaro and a residential building

located in Westwood Grand Subdivision, Dungon B.,Jaro,Iloilo City.

As shown in the picture below, this is the Gymnasium of the High School

Campus of the University of San Agustin. The project here is to change the

insulator since it’s life span is at most 5-10 years. After changing the insulation, it

will now be time to install the roofing and create a new rain gutter that is

connected to the downspout and directed to the drainage in order that the

water will be disposed correctly in the drain.

When we arrived at our site in Westwood Grand Subdivision, we were amused

by a 2 storey residential building. The exterior of the residential building is

almost done and the team are focused on the interior finishes of the project as

seen below in the picture.

What we pondered on with what Manang Nikkie said is that the reality of

being an engineer and a contractor is really a different world from what we

learned in school. The theoretical aspects of it are important though since that is

what Engineers are supposed to do, to be able to explain the theoretical

aspects of it. As an Engineer, you must be able to consult your client and pursue

what the client wants and not what you want in accordance with the designs

and touches of the project you are going to work with because it is your duty as

an Engineer and you always have to keep in mind that you’re clients are the
ones who will use the space in which you are working on so it means that the

clients has the final say to everything.

The first day at work was a productive one since we are able to immerse

ourselves into a different reality in the work life of an engineer. I have learned

that not everything taught at school is applied into our everyday life. An

Engineer must be flexible enough to adjust to situations that are unexpected.

As we arrived at the site in Westwood Grand Subdivision, more

improvements in the project were made. Most of the cabinets in the 2nd floor

have been painted. We also witnessed on how they placed the tiles in the

balcony of the 2nd floor. Tiles used in the balcony were of a darker shade and

measures 60x60 cm. In the picture below, you can see that they are mixing the

mixture of tile adhesive and water and prepared the area for tiles to be placed

in tne 2nd floor balcony.

 As we were at site, there was a complain from the neighbor pertaining to

the wall where they insisted on it to be cleaned & painted ASAP. But what will

the point of painting it and cleaning it if there is still ongoing works in the site. It

would be a waste of materials, time and resources. From what I have

pondered, being an Engineer is not just about the theoretical aspects but it also
includes leadership, communication skills, being meticulous on how you want

your team to work, being optimistic and most of all being able to communicate

and deal with problems that can arise uncontrollably.

ANNIE MAE S.CENTINO

BSCE 3-A

UNIVERSITY OF SAN AGUSTIN