re: Engineers/Construction Workers?

As others have said, a lot of it has to do with work ethic, and or drive to get better.

Another factor is having a really good mentor that is open to helping a younger guy. That doesn't necessarily mean telling him what to do and how to do it, sometimes you just have to give them something with little explanation and put their feet to the fire to see how they react. Most younger guys coming out of college have had constrictions and guidelines on what to do and when to do it. When they come back with questions because they don't know you can use it as a teaching opportunity.

The younger guy being able to accept constructive criticism is a good quality that I don't think a lot of people have.

I graduated LSU with a CM degree with basically no field experience, was hired right away and was sent to a jobsite with a Project Manager who has worked with me a lot and pushed me to think for myself and get better at what I do. He's taken me to many high level meetings to watch how to interact with clients and know when to speak your mind and when to take your beatings.

TL;DR

It takes an individual who wants to get better at what he does and someone to push him to get there.