Business Operations and 21st‑Century Skills for Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Work

Professionalism

The set of behaviors and attitudes that make you reliable, safe, and effective on a jobsite.

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP)

Systems in a building that involve mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work.

Life Safety

Measures taken to ensure the safety of individuals in a building or worksite.

Work Ethic

A commitment to performing tasks reliably, safely, and to standard.

Punctuality and Readiness

Arriving on time and prepared with necessary equipment and information.

Task Ownership

Taking responsibility for one’s work and ensuring it meets the required standards.

Teamwork

Collaborating effectively with others to achieve shared goals.

Professional Problem-Solving

Addressing conflicts in a constructive manner for the benefit of the project.

Predictability

The ability to perform consistently and as expected in professional tasks.

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

A technique to identify potential hazards and implement safety measures before commencing work.

Safety Culture

The shared attitudes and practices that prioritize safety in the workplace.

Risk Management

The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling risks to ensure safety.

Customer Service

Providing value to customers by addressing their needs and concerns effectively.

Digital Etiquette

Professional behavior and communication standards in digital environments.

Quality Assurance (QA)

Systematic processes to prevent defects in products and services.

Quality Control (QC)

Operations designed to verify that products and services meet defined standards.

Documentation

The process of creating records that provide evidence of work done.

Change Management

The process of capturing, approving, and managing changes in a project or scope.

Inventory Management

Ensuring the right materials are available when needed without excess stock.

Asset Management

Management of tools and equipment to ensure they are available and functional.

Productivity

The efficiency with which tasks are completed in a work environment.

Lean Thinking

A methodology focused on minimizing waste and maximizing value in processes.

Sustainability

Practices that reduce environmental impact and promote efficient resource use.

Collaboration

Working together towards a common goal with shared resources and information.

Leadership

Influencing and guiding others to achieve project objectives effectively.

Conflict Resolution

Strategies for resolving disputes or disagreements in a professional manner.

Lifelong Learning

The continual improvement of skills and knowledge throughout one’s career.

Technical Documentation

Records such as submittals and RFIs that communicate technical specifications.

Verbal Communication

Fast and flexible exchange of information through spoken words.

Written Communication

Documented exchange of information that creates a lasting record.

Digital Tools

Software and technology utilized for project planning, documentation, and communication.

Cybersecurity

Protection of sensitive data and systems from unauthorized access or attack.

Evidence-Based Practice

Using documented data and facts to inform decisions in MEP work.

Comprehensive Communication

Clear and thorough sharing of information that ensures all parties understand.

Customer Expectations

The anticipated outcomes and services that a customer expects from MEP work.

Ethics in MEP

Principles guiding decisions to ensure safety and integrity in work conduct.

Direct Costs

Expenses directly associated with a specific job or project.

Overhead Costs

Indirect costs incurred in the operation of a business that are not assigned to specific projects.

Proposal

A formal offer outlining the price and terms for completing a specific scope of work.

Estimating Scope

Determining what tasks, materials, and labor are required for a project.

Change Order

A document that outlines changes to the scope or terms of an existing contract.

Inspection

An official examination to ensure compliance with codes and standards.

As-Built Drawings

Records that document the actual installation of systems compared to the plans.

RFI (Request for Information)

Formal process used to seek clarification on drawings or specifications.

Technical Competence

The knowledge and skill required to perform specialized tasks effectively.

Job Notes

Documentation used to keep track of job specifics for future reference.

Time Management

The process of planning and controlling how much time to spend on specific activities.

Interconnected Systems

How different MEP systems affect and influence each other within a building.

Root Cause Analysis

A method to identify the underlying reasons for a problem or failure.

Performance Metrics

Standards used to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of work processes.