How do I offer technical training in the DR?

[flsii]

Hi Everyone!!

This is my first posting in the DR1 Forums, so I hope I'm in the right place to pose the following questions. I am currently a self-employed structural steel detailer (or structural steel draftsman... as they used to be called) looking to retire in a few more years and would like to volunteer what I've learned about this industry to others upon my retirement. I've chosen the DR mainly because my wife and I are consistently amazed by the industry and attitude of the Dominican people and that's certainly a must in this occupation. I must say, we've been to many other parts of the Caribbean over the years and none compare to what we've found in the DR people during our many visits to all sides of the island. While we're not looking to live in the Dominican, I realize it could take a long time to set-up and organize such an undertaking, so I was wondering if anyone could direct me to an agency or branch of government that may be willing to help me with any of the necessary details required towards establishing a training program in structural steel detailing. I would also be more than interested in hearing about any personal pro's and con's that may arise from attempting such a venture so I can determine beforehand whether it's feasible or not to even consider. As an aside, I do have a working, but limited, conversational knowledge of Spanish, so any language barriers shouldn't present too big a problem. Anyway, any and all help, opinions or comments would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks in advance!!!

Frank
F.L. Stanley & Assoc.

[Hillbilly]

There are a couple of very good structural steel companies here. There are several fine universities that teach civil engineering, which, I think, covers the design of steel structures.
There is also INFOTEP which trains mid-level technicians, such as draftsmen.
You might want to be a little clearer in just what you want to do.
Teach design? Teach drafting?

HB

[flsii]

Hi HB!!

Thanks for the response... and sorry about the lack of clarity. My thoughts were to volunteer to teach this particular type of drafting upon retirement. You see, unless the Dominican is more progressive than the USA and Canada, this type of drafting is not available through formalized schooling, either on a technical level or on a University level, which makes it difficult for anyone wanting to enter into the field without prior personal instruction. Unfortunately, civil engineering, at least as defined by North American standards, does not address this discipline, but is focused primarily on anything that has to do with earthworks, ie: roadways, grades, construction topography, etc. Also, designing steel structures is one thing, but producing legible drawings for fabrication and the subsequent erection of each individual piece of steel on a project is another. While related, they're two different disciplines. However, I'm glad to find out there are good, reputable fabricators in the Dominican, which could possibly be a good starting point. Would you happen to know how I could get in touch with them?? I've checked the "Dominican Yellow Pages" site and all it produced was a steel roofing company. Again, any and all help would be greatly appreciated.... and thanks again for your reply!!!

Best regards,

Frank

[Hillbilly]

I sent your post to a friend of mine in the steel fabricating business. I have asked him how your kind services could best be used.
If I wuz you, I'd have a CV ready. I think that there are at leat three educational institutions that might be interesting for you.
Infotep prepares lower and midlevel technicians
PUCMM is a university that likes to think it is cutting edge
INTEC is a University in Santo Domingo that is also forward looking.

Besides the perhaps four steel fabricators-people that actually build steel buildings- there is a small steel mill that make beams and re-bar, so I don't know if they would need your talents for their drafting department...

As for volunteering. I do not like giving away much of anything, especially if it is a talent that was hard learned over many years. You should probably place a modest price on your teaching. Say $15-20 dollars an hour..

HB

[flsii]

Thanks HB!!!

Upon reflection, I think there may be some merit in your wage suggestion. Unfortunately, people do have a tendency to place more value on things they pay for, as opposed to those they don't, so perhaps I should reconsider. My only concern in that regard was not to have money become a barrier to the many bright young men and women we've had the pleasure of meeting in the past, but whose family and/or finiancal situtations don't allow them the luxury of pursuing further education. Perhaps there are programs in place to assist those willing to learn, but financially unable to take advantage of the opportunity??? Humm...all part of the research, I guess.

Anyway, thanks for forwarding my post to your friend in the steel fabricating business!!! That couldn't be more on target as this type of drafting is strictly geared to that particular industry. While it does sound as though there may be a limited number of steel fabricators in the Dominican itself, this poses no problem to someone trained in this discipline. With the introduction of the computer, all that's needed is a connection to the internet and one can do a project located anywhere in the world, FROM anywhere in the world. A good case in point was a recent posting from a fabricator in Cuba to a primarily American steel detailing forum. They are looking for outside detailers to assist them with several on-going projects they have and are in need of assistance to keep them on track with their timeline. Given the political climate between the two countries, I must admit I was a bit surprised by the posting, but it did make me realize there must be a shortage of trained detailers in that general geographical location to cause this fabricator to extend his search in that particular direction. However, that could be an exception instead of the rule, so I do hope your friend will have the time get back to me, as I would very much like to get his views on the construction climate in the general area.

On a personal note, I would like to thank you for your generosity in both time and effort on behalf of all those like me who have so many questions about the in's-and-out's of life in the Dominican!! I've noticed your postings within many of the different forum topics found in DR1 and you always seem to be there giving advice or lending a hand with whatever question or problem anyone may have. As such, I for one would like to stand up and applaud all your efforts and hope to someday be in a position to personally shake your hand and buy the beer to celebrate all of your unsung generous deeds. I don't think the DR could have chosen a better Ambassador!!!....*G*...

Best regards,

Frank

[Hillbilly]

When you next get down this way, you besure to let me know with plenty of lead time so we can go see a few peiople. Be sure that your vacation is somewhere on the North Shore, that's all...

Thank you for the kind words. We have a wonderful place here and anyone that will make it better is welcome...

HB

[BushBaby]

Hello Frank - Welcome to the DR1 forums. With the ability you have of stringing a few words together, don't be shy at posting more often!!

HB is a good "Font of all knowledge" & a good guy to boot (Don't tell him I said so though!!). If you come to the Puerto Plata area, give me a yell too - I always welcome a beer partner & if you play golf, so much the better.

You've probably already checked the archives for information about retiring/relocating here, but if you want more info about the Puerto Plata area, drop me an e-mail & I'll help where I can. Good luck & look forward to reading a few posts on what, why & how you came to decide on the DR to retire to!! - Grahame.

[flsii]

Hi HB & Grahame!!

Sorry for the delay in responding to your considerate replies, but this work situation seems to continually be in the way. Not much time for anything else, it seems. It would be nice to have a few well trained people to take some of the workload, but I guess that's in the future, eh?? On a more positive note, I do have a trip to your beautiful island planned for the middle of May, but unfortunately it looks as though this time it will be dedicated to the East side as opposed to the North side of the island. My wife is a bit partial to the Punta Cana area and I believe we may already be booked for the week of the 17th in that location....ahhh... but keep in mind, memories and intentions do have a tendency to change with time, so I'll keep you posted.

HB: Thanks for your kind offer!! If you could tell me how much lead time is required, perhaps I may be able to connect with you in May, even though I may be in a different location. If not, I'll plan on seeing you in November, as that is usually the time for our next sojourn to the Dominican. We do like to visit there at least twice a year and I'm trying to figure a way to extend that to three times instead, but so far work and other considerations make that an impossibility. Maybe next year will allow me that pleasure, but I guess I shouldn't get greedy....yet. Anyway, let me know what you think and we'll take it from there.

Grahame: I just took up the game of golf this past summer and I must admit, it's quite addictive!!... of course, my passion for beer has been an on-going thing for a number of years now...*G*.. and the combination of the two is about the best time I can imagine!! I was tempted to take ye olde clubs down last November, but I decided it would probably just be an extra bit of baggage to carry, as I knew of no one interested in the sport at the time.... but I would be more than happy to tee-off a few if you're interested!!! I've heard the golfing is great down there... or is it just the fact one needn't shovel the snow to find the greens that makes it so attractive??? Either way, it sounds great!!!... but then again, that probably won't be until next November, as it looks like it's the East side this time. Ahhh.. but it's is nice to have something to look forward to!!!

Anyway, it's getting rather late and I think I've rambled on enough. It's been so nice conversing with you both and I really appreciate your time and effort in responding to my previous posts. I was a bit hesitant initially to sent my request for information, but now I'm glad I did. All I can say is this is a great forum, with an incredible core of caring people... and I look forward to the day when I can meet you both!!!

Hasta entonces,

Frank

[Hillbilly]

Even if you do go to the East side, bring the clubs. They have some pretty interesting courses over there..

I will send you a PM with important contact info.

HB