The Challenges of the \"Learn-As-You-Go\" Approach in MEP Engineering

Entering the MEP engineering field is often like jumping into the deep end without a life vest. For many new engineers, the traditional "learn-as-you-go" approach is the default onboarding process, where guidance is minimal, and practical knowledge is acquired piecemeal through trial and error.


While this model has produced competent engineers over time, it places unnecessary stress on both junior engineers and their mentors. Let’s explore why this approach often falls short—and how BETI is offering a solution.

Starting with a Binder and a Code Book:

The Typical Onboarding Process

The first day for many MEP engineers follows a familiar pattern:

  • A binder of company standards is handed over.
  • A copy of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is introduced.
  • Vague instructions to "start reading" are given.

Within hours, new engineers are assigned tasks like counting light fixtures for a ComCheck, or drawing lines between receptacles. While seemingly straightforward, these tasks often lack proper context or training. Engineers are left to figure out not just how to perform their tasks, but also why they matter in the broader context of MEP design.


This lack of structured training forces junior engineers to rely heavily on senior staff, leading to a slow, inefficient learning curve.

College: A Misaligned Foundation

Most engineering graduates enter the workforce armed with theoretical knowledge but little practical understanding. Courses may teach the principles of electricity, but topics like panelboards, BIM software, or construction documents are rarely addressed.


This gap between academic theory and workplace application leads to:

  • Stumbling through software.
  • Difficulty grasping the purpose of construction documents.
  • A lack of confidence in asking questions—because they don’t even know where to start.

For example, many junior engineers don’t understand foundational concepts like load calculations or wiring diagrams until months—or even years—into their careers. This delay hinders their ability to contribute meaningfully early on.

The Ripple Effect on Senior Engineers

The "learn-as-you-go" model also places a heavy burden on senior engineers. Mentorship, while valuable, takes significant time and effort. Experienced engineers must repeatedly stop their work to provide ad hoc training on tasks that could have been covered in a structured program. This not only reduces their productivity but can also lead to frustration and burnout.

A Better Way: BETI’s Four-Week Training Program

The Building Engineer Training Institute (BETI) recognizes these challenges and offers a streamlined solution. Our four-week bootcamp is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping engineers with the skills they need to succeed in MEP design from day one.


Here's what sets BETI apart:

  • Foundational Electrical Design: Learn the basics like voltage, current, three phase power, and how we actually use these in the workplace.
  • Revit Training with a Purpose: Instead of just learning "what the buttons do," students are taught how to design in Revit while thinking like an engineer and adhering to building codes.
  • Real-World Workflow: From coordinating mechanical cut sheets to managing deadlines, students learn the practical aspects of MEP projects.
  • Accelerated Learning Curve: With structured, focused training, engineers can contribute confidently to projects in just four weeks, saving months of trial and error.

Giving Back Time to Senior Engineers

By providing junior engineers with the skills and confidence to tackle real-world tasks independently, BETI’s program alleviates the mentoring burden on senior staff. This frees up time for experienced engineers to focus on higher-level design and project management—maximizing productivity across the team.

Investing in the Future of MEP Engineering

The "learn-as-you-go" approach is outdated and unsustainable in today’s fast-paced industry, where the labor shortage makes engineers’ time more valuable than ever. It wastes time, adds stress, and delays engineers' ability to make meaningful contributions.


BETI offers a modern solution, giving new engineers the practical tools they need to hit the ground running while empowering senior engineers to focus on what they do best.


If you’re ready to improve onboarding, save time, and invest in the next generation of MEP professionals, have your junior engineers apply to our next Electrical Engineering Bootcamp today!

Apply Now!

AI. Experience.

Each word is crafted with Chat GPT and guided by an experienced, licensed engineer's insights.

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