Tools For Christmas
Christmas is almost here and it’s likely some of your loved ones are in a last-minute gift shopping mode. Don’t know what to get for you? Well, skilled trade workers usually are expected to provide their own set of hand tools. You may want to drop hints to loved ones that certain tools make for […]
How’s Your Emotional I.Q.?
Different kinds of intelligence are required to succeed in the trades. You need a good mechanical aptitude, of course. You need to be good at math and able to read well enough to understand manuals and other work-related documents. One other type of intelligence is needed to lead you to a successful career in the […]
What If You Have No Good References?
Before they hire you, most employers will ask for references of people you have worked for in the past. They especially would like to know about former supervisors, department heads or company owners. The more prestigious the titles of the people you give as references, the more impressed a potential employer will be. Some of […]
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 […]