aecl

Typical day:  Continue whatever project you were on the day before.  But usually it was cutting and prepping piping for the welders, as I was an apprentice at the time.  

What you learned:  Wow, I learned much more than I can mention.  But everything from welding, to installation of piping.  This is the best place to work if you want to learn how to do jobs properly.

Management:  They were good, tough, but good.  Often I would get chewed out for not completing jobs on time, but I knew that they could do it in that time frame.  So I would just try harder to meet their expectations next time.  The manager was truly skilled, and could do any job that was asked of us.  If we had a question about anything, when knew we could just go and ask.  He would even come out and throw a welding helmet on to show you how he wants it done.  Nothing but praise for the management.

Hardest part of the job:  I would say, meeting the expectations.  There were tight deadlines, and they expected perfection when building something.  But as I was an apprentice, this was very difficult for me.

The most enjoyable part of the job:  I would say, the people around you that you work with.  Also, I personally enjoy learning.  So when someone would take the time to teach me something, I would just relish the moment and absorb as much as I could.

I like my assignment in general with varieties, however this is usually   dictated by the nature of jobs. Personally I prefer to work in site instead of sitting in the office all day long. I have good working relationship with co-workers and people associated with other disciplines. It is interesting to work with people with different work experience and background, so that I can learn from others. The hardest part of any job is office politics, I like to work in a harmonious and friendly environment rather than picking side. Occasionally I like to work away from the office for a short period of tome for a change.

AECL (a Government agency) sold their Mississauga location to Candu Energy (part of a larger publicly owned company).  When this happened, a lot of changes happened, and we had to learn a new culture, this was a difficult challenge for all, but working with wonderful, educated, professional staff made it easier.  I learned a lot from each and every one of them.

AECL is World's reknowned company where advance research on the CANDU Reactor take place. It employs more than 2000 sciencist and Professional Engineers to execute the research work. My experience with AECL was amazing where you are provided with a very good environment , highly motivated atmosphere and cooperation.

I drafted different concepts of a control room in MicroStation and handed the models to the graphics and design department.  The graphics and design department would use computer rendering to enhance the MicroStation model and the computer rendered image would be used as a Sales and Marketing pitch to potential customers because the project was in "Design Phase".

A typical work day was to obtain work permits for the branch, type and format documents, order supplies, if there were printer problems you try to fix them.  Any employees hired, you had them complete certain paperwork.

Great place to work.  Hectic environment working with the Director, 4 Manager and with 120 engineers,  Varied work load and great professionals in an Nuclear engineering and laboratory environment.  
Was own by Federal Government but the sold it to a private company, does not exist any more.

AECL was a crown corporation. started there and was told there was work there for 50 years. great people to work with. Unfortunately, the Government of Canada decided to sell it off (which is now CNL) and everyone lost there pensions.

Management doesn't set the expectations clear, and majority of people point finger at others when something goes wrong. The majority of employees are old and not very supportive when being reached for help.

Working at AECL's Chalk River Laboratories allowed me the chance to take what knowledge I had already and have it grow.  The work environment was positive and co-workers were always ready to assist.

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