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Want to advance? Win a contest!
If you're trying to move up in your skilled trades career - or maybe just trying to get a foot in the door - there's no better way to get attention than by winning a contest. Why? Well, depending on the contest, you have a chance to show your knowledge and expertise. It's a way to back up the claims you've made on your resume. And employers notice. They're always looking for their next 'superstar'.Curious? Here are a few contests to consider:NATE Bowl: run by NATE, for HVAC technicians. A... |
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Women in the skilled trades
Women make up less than 3% of the skilled trades workforce - but their numbers are growing. If you're female and considering the industry, here are a few good resources to check out:Tradeswomen Now and TomorrowTradeswomen, Inc: aimed at California skilled trades workers National Assoc. of Women in Construction 9-to-5 National Assoc. of Working Women: not specifically for the trades, but lots of good info Non-Traditional Employment for Women (NEW): specific to New York City Sisters in the... |
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More skilled trades help for veterans
Related to yesterday's article regarding veterans and jobs in the HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and facilities industries, there's more help out there. According to this article in P&M, the Green Mechanical Council is partnering with the Veterans Green Jobs Alliance to launch a new pilot project in Louisiana to develop green training programs and education for veterans. Check it out! |
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Helmets to hardhats
If you're a veteran, I hope you've already found out about Helmets-to-Hardhats. But if you haven't, here's some good news:Helmets to Hardhats is a national program that connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military members with training and employment opportunities within the construction industry. The program is administered by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment, and Veterans Employment and headquartered in Washington, D.C.The program is a great way to get... |
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Friday humor
Time for another installment of MEP humor:What is the true definition of a pipe?Answer: A pipe is a long hole, surrounded by metal or plastic centered around the hole. The I.D. (inside diameter) of all pipe must not exceed the O.D. (outside diameter) - otherwise the hole will be on the outside.NOTE: Be sure to specify to your vendor whether you want level, uphill or downhill pipe. If you use downhill pipe for going uphill, the water will flow the wrong way. A baby seal walks into a... |
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Good advice
A recent article about a successful HVAC contractor contained a quote that really caught my eye: ""We figured that we could not afford to participate in a recession so we simply refused to allow ourselves to see the gloom".How about you? Are you refusing to participate in the recession? The downturn in the economy may be having an effect on you (or not), but you still control your own fate.Tired of your current employment situation or worried about whether your firm is doing well? Get proactive... |
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Is this you?
A recent article in HRSpectrum, a publication of Cornell University, discusses the reasons that high-performing employees leave their companies. Although low-performing employees may leave because of hours, work load, or absenteeism policies, high performers are looking for better opportunities, better pay, and more challenges.Does this sound like you? Well, the good news is that your employer will often be willing to do more to keep you. If you're dissatisfied, tell him (or her). Point out exactly... |
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Tough times? Maybe...maybe not
There's no doubt that the economy in general is suffering these days. But what is happening at a national level doesn't necessarily have to affect you as a MEP professional. HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and facilities folks are still in short supply throughout much of the country. As mentioned in an earlier post, a willingness to relocate - even inside your current state - may result in not only a better-paying job but a good chance for advancement. If you want to test the waters, set up a Job... |
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Growth in NYC
The economy is complex. Sure, many parts are slowing down. But both this year and next will be good for commercial property construction in New York City, according to a recent forecast by the Building Congress. "Flying in the face of the nation's economic challenges, the city is on schedule to break new records for both construction spending and employment in 2008. Next year looks good, too, as spending is anticipated to reach $33.4 billion in 2009 and construction employment is expected to hold... |
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Renewable energy - a great job opportunity
For the first time, renewable energy has topped 10% of the total US energy pie. That's good news for the environment - and good news for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing professionals. According to a recent MEP Jobs survey, 41% of job seekers said that they are already installing geothermal systems, wind turbines, solar hot water, photovoltaic, and other renewable energy systems.What does this mean for you? New employment opportunities! Public utilities and private companies across the country are... |
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Waterless urinals in Long Beach?
If you're a plumbing pro and are looking for new opportunities, new tools, or just want a break, check out the 2008 ASPE Convention & Engineered Plumbing Exposition in Long Beach, CA (Oct. 25-29). You'll see (of course) the latest in waterless urinals, pump technology, water reclamation, sprinkler systems, and solar hot water. |
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4-day work week? Not likely
There's been some talk recently of a 4-day work week for more people in order to save energy. Not surprisingly, lots of folks like this idea. In fact, the state of Utah has mandated it for most state employees.Apart from problems with child care, school schedules, and other issues, it seems unlikely to us that most people in the MEP industry will see a 4-day work week anytime soon. Whether you're in new construction, maintenance, installation, or some other area, the expectation of... |
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Bumper humor
It's the end of the week. Time for some bumper sticker humor (because we know that many of you live in your trucks!):A day without sunshine is, like, night. A penny saved is a government oversight. We do precision guesswork. Hard work has a future payoff. Laziness pays off now.We are born naked, wet and hungry. Then things get worse. I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian.You're young and you got your health, what do you want with a job ?And... |
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Talking AND listening - the art of the job interview
So you're hot on the trail of your next HVAC, facilities, or other skilled trade job. You've applied and now someone wants to talk to you - face to face. By taking fifteen or twenty minutes beforehand to prepare, you will greatly increase your chances of (a) a job offer and (b) learning the info you want to know about the company.Job interviews are all about communication. You communicate your skills, experiences, and interests, and the interviewer communicates information about the company and... |
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Job hunting and appearance
What does your personal appearance have to do with getting that next job in the skilled trades?Usually, quite a bit. Tattoos, unkempt hair, irregular personal hygiene, and torn clothing will usually count against you in a job interview. Why, you may ask? If you're an top-flight mechanic or technician, why should your new boss care? You can get the work done, right?The work is only part of the job - an important part, yes. Particularly if you work in the field, your appearance has an impact... |
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Canada's looking good for construction
Maybe the Canadian winters are all bad. According to a new study commissioned by Manpower, the net outlook for construction employment in the fourth-quarter (+22%) was decidedly stronger than in the third quarter (+9%).You can find more info here. |
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DDC, BACnet, and the tech invasion
No matter if you started out in HVAC, electrical, or plumbing - you've seen the gradual introduction of digital technology in the form of controls. This has resulted in changes in what you need to know and how you do things.The good news, of course, is that new technologies mean new jobs. If you acquire the skills, you're more likely to find a better, higher-paying job. Here are a few resources to help you get started:BACnet: provides the latest information on BACnet - A Data Communication Protocol... |
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Career sites and free advice
The good thing about the Internet is that you can find out almost anything. But that's the bad thing, too - after all, who can you trust?In that light, here is a list of reliable, trustworthy career sites that you may find useful. I've used them, they've been around for a while, and they are great resources for those basic things like how to build a resume, how to start your job search, etc.: Weddles: Good info on job seeking strategy, plus a guide to job boardsJob Board Reviews: ... |
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Friday humor
It's Friday and time for some humor. First off, this is only marginally electrical, but that won't stop me:Q: How many jugglers does it take to change a light bulb?A: One, but it takes at least three light bulbs. And then there's this...... Did you hear that someone broke into our local police station and stole the toilet? Right now the cops have nothing to go on...This will make you groan:Q: Who was the world's first electrician?A: Noah...because he made an arc lighter And finally: Top... |
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Resumes part 2
A while back we talked about the importance of having a resume. We can't stress this enough. A resume doesn't have to be fancy or complex - but it's hard to move up in the MEP industry without one. A recent MEP Jobs survey showed that almost 70% of employers required a resume before they would talk with a job applicant.But as we've shown, creating a resume doesn't need to be complicated. It does take a few hours, though. So make a resolution this week to spend a few hours on yourself. Sit down... |