“2017 will bring more employment for piping designers and engineers,” says Dr. William Beazley, retired SPED Executive Director. Beazley said Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) plant spending should rise next year and sustained CAPEX spending means more jobs for pipers. “Every $Billion in sustained plant CAPEX adds about 100 jobs for piping designers.” Dr. Beazley made his comments in a video Keynote address for the 2016 SPED Annual General Business Meeting (AGBM), December 8, 2016.
Beazley predicts modest employment growth in the first quarter of 2017 and stronger growth in the second. “Oil prices have become reasonable and stable,” says Dr. Beazley, “increasing the confidence of mangers to invest. Their confidence is also helped by a new, pro-business attitude from government and years of deferred maintenance.” Q1 hiring will be mostly senior, experienced and trained pipers who help with proposals and kick off new projects.
Q2 will bring even stronger hiring, he predicts. “As projects increase staff, there will be more opportunities for lesser-experienced and trained pipers as EPC firms try to lower their average billing rates,” he says. Some projects must proceed, since leases, proposals and quotations will expire.
Speaking directly to the unemployed SPED members, Dr. Beazley said “it’s a good time to refresh your skills. Piping design has become harder and the barriers to entry are even higher. That’s good news if you are prepared. Start volunteering and networking to get your name out.” Beazley lists several ways pipers can get ready for the coming good times.
Dr. Beazley’s keynote address was webcast on Thursday, December 08 2016 at 7:30 PM eastern standard time.
The direct YouTube address for the event is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdnwGX4vsXg https://youtu.be/lobX3tiymio