Smart Homes Need Smart Technicians

I remember way back as a child visiting some homes that still had iceboxes rather than refrigerators and milk delivered by a milkman. Similarly, I bet many of you reading this grew up in homes without many of the modern conveniences we now take for granted. Many “smart homes” of today are equipped with technology […]

Getting Hired With A Criminal Record

In my last blog I addressed some issues about landing a trade job despite so-called skeletons in your closet. Those bones might include things like DUIs, drug convictions or other misdemeanors. For less serious crimes, job opportunities will be limited in the trades but not completely out of the question. A felony conviction for any […]

Master License – What Is It?

Trade careers are rewarding and full of opportunities for growth and development. One of those opportunities is to earn your master license. With commitment and dedication to becoming an expert, plumbing, HVAC and electrical journeymen can advance to the master level. Are you cut out for your master license? Let’s find out. What is a […]

Journeyman License – What Is It?

The skilled trades have numerous opportunities for growth and development, and one of those milestones is the journeyman license. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC professionals can all earn their journeyman license with the right amount of expertise and dedication. Do you have what it takes to become a journeyman? Let’s find out. What is a Journeyman […]

Customer Experience in the Trades

When people have to hire an electrician, plumber or HVAC technician, it can feel stressful. After all, they are trusting your company to come into their home and fix an important issue. They want the experience to go smoothly and to feel satisfied after you leave. Here are some ways to demonstrate customer service excellence […]

Do You Have Skeletons In Your Closet?

Before hiring anyone, most trade employers will do a background check that includes criminal history, driving records and past employment. If they’re diligent, they will also attempt to contact the people you list as references to see what they say about you. If you have a clean background, have never been in significant trouble, and […]

Best Practices for Ensuring Workplace Safety in the Trades

Workplace safety is crucial in any field, especially in the trades. Jobs in electrical, plumbing and HVAC are all incredibly rewarding, but injuries can occur in these fields without proper vigilance. Here are some essential workplace safety tips to keep you healthy and productive in the trades. Stay in (Relatively) Good Shape You don’t need […]

Prepare To Answer These Questions

You’ve filled out your job application. If you fit the role, your would-be employer will ask to meet you for at least one and sometimes multiple face-to-face interview sessions. Whether you are a highly paid executive or a novice seeking to become a trade apprentice, how you handle this part of the process goes a […]

Soar With The Eagles

If and when you enter a trade, you will meet a variety of new people both as co-workers and mentors. As in any occupation, they are likely to be a mixture of personalities and attributes. Some may be hard-working, others not. Some will be outgoing, others introverted, and so on. Some will likely share certain […]

Where Today’s Youth Are Discovering the Trades

young people discover the trades

Gen Z has gotten a bad rap. Older generations have bemoaned what they view as a lackluster work ethic and an obsession with going viral. While it’s true that Gen Z grew up immersed in social media, they are shedding the “lazy” reputation their elders have saddled them with. For the skilled trades, it couldn’t […]