The Core Competencies of a Construction Engineering Technician This paper will discuss the core competencies of a 120A, Construction Engineer Technician (CET). Competencies may incorporate a skill, but are more than a skill, they include abilities and behaviors, as well as knowledge that is fundamental to the use of a skill. Core competencies are portable across: time, levels of authority, levels of responsibility, and unforeseen situations. Core competencies, as discussed in this paper, are core personal and professional attributes that are critical to successful job performance as a CET. There are six core competencies that form the foundation of CET success. The six core competencies are: structured thinking, decision making, resourcefulness, …show more content…
Creative thinking reexamines traditional strategies and practices, while proactively looking for new ideas and ways to improve them. The creative thinker looks at problems and opportunities from a unique perspective. They see patterns and themes that are not immediately apparent to others and have an ability to refine and shape a new idea so it has a higher likelihood of success. Creativity requires developing new ideas and concepts that are effective in resolving situations at hand. The successful CET uses creative thought to observe the internal and external environment to not just solve problems, but to find them before they derail success. The operational environment where the CET works is subject to unforeseen and unexpected challenges that require creative thinking that produce viable …show more content…
A technical competency is defined as the ability to effectively apply the depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform effectively in a particular job. However, having technical competency only tells half the story when applying the standard to CET’s. The CET must also be adaptive at quickly learning technical aspects in areas that are not familiar. This technical adaptability is essential to success as a CET. The CET must possess six core competencies to be successful. Recognizing these qualities in future CET candidates is essential while selecting candidates that will become the next generation of CET’s. Although other competencies are required to become a successful CET, the six that were discussed in this paper are essential. The reliance and high expectations that Commanders have in CET’s is a result of the high standards that have been maintained by past and current CET’s. To ensure accurate recruitment, and investment of training dollars in future CET candidates, core competencies must be assessed and