In May, Baker Electric Inc. in Escondido, Calif., partnered with U.S. CAD, a building information modeling (BIM) solutions consultant and an Autodesk Platinum Partner, to provide a uniform on-boarding experience for Baker Electric’s new staff members and increase the technical expertise of its existing staff.


The introduction of BIM to Baker Electric has been important, since the firm, in its roles as both a prime contractor and a subcontractor, operates as a full-service electrical and photovoltaic contractor, providing comprehensive preconstruction services, as well as planning, coordination, design/build, in-house electrical engineering and project management from initial design to follow-up maintenance.


“The ability to see how everything is built allows us to coordinate better with the other trades, find issues early in the project, and address these areas quickly, which has allowed our field team to be more productive and efficient,” said Todd Albright, Baker Electric’s planning manager.


Baker Electric had already been involved with BIM, but its employees required more in-depth training than what was being provided, which consisted of traditional classroom instruction, usually over the course of several days.


The company’s goal in partnering with U.S. CAD and Autodesk was to prepare employees for the increasing demand of BIM-required projects. Part of the new strategy involved “mentoring days,” during which U.S. CAD’s electrical and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) expert was on-site to provide guidance and answer workflow and technical questions about real-life projects. In addition to the initial training, employees were then able to work on actual projects while U.S. CAD’s electrical and MEP expert looked over their shoulders and responded to questions.


This additional training has helped bring all team members to the same technical level and gives Baker Electric the flexibility to rotate staff through this on-site mentoring program.


“The process is also valuable for new employees,” Albright said. “With new hires, we want to cater the training to them, and they benefit from some good one-on-one teaching.”


Baker Electric has been happy with the addition of the mentoring days, as well.


“Baker adopted BIM some time ago, and now, with our team members on the same technical skill level, our customers will see additional value,” Albright said.