Becoming a Plumber: How to Get Started

Plumber checking pipes

As people come to realize the benefits of being a plumber, the industry is slowly growing. Outside of dealing with sewage and dirty pipes, the job is varied and pays well even for the less experienced plumbers. It is also one of the few jobs that will always be in demand. We will take a closer look at how to start a career in plumbing.

Education and Apprenticeships

To become a plumber, you need a combination of education, hands-on training, and certification. Most plumbing programs require a high school diploma or equivalent as a compulsory element. Math courses and chemistry are also greatly beneficial because plumbers need to manage chemicals and determine ratios for use.

Completing a plumbing program is beneficial. Aspiring plumbers can attend a vocational or trade school to earn a certificate or diploma in plumbing. These programs usually cover plumbing theory, blueprint reading, plumbing codes, and safety practices. Another option is to attend community college that offers extensive plumbing courses which can lead up to an associate’s degree.

On-the-job training is possible with an apprenticeship and teaches real-life skills. Apprenticeships can last anywhere from 4 to 5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. If you cannot get an apprenticeship, it is still possible to simply work in the field under the supervision of experienced plumbers, meaning that you will learn about the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems.

Licensure and Licensure Renewal

Most states require plumbers to achieve licensure. Requirements for these licenses can vary depending on the state. Many states require passing an exam, while others may have other requirements such as completing a specific number of work hours or continuing education. Plumbers can also pursue certifications in specialized areas, such as gas fitting, backflow prevention, or medical gas installation, which may require additional training and testing.

Staying informed about the latest regulations and advancements in the field is essential. Plumbing codes and technologies change, so many states require continuing education for license renewal.

Do not Take Shortcuts When It Comes to Safety

When learning plumbing, there are two significant pitfalls, neglecting safety precautions and skipping the fundamentals. Plumbing often involves working with water, electricity, and potentially hazardous materials/chemicals. Failing to prioritize safety can lead to accidents, injuries, or exposure to harmful substances. It is important to understand proper safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). You should also make sure that the area is safe before beginning any plumbing tasks.

Develop a solid understanding of basic plumbing principles and techniques. Rushing to learn advanced skills without a solid understanding of the basics (such as pipe fitting, soldering, and the principles of water flow) can lead to poor workmanship and costly mistakes. Taking the time to properly understand the foundational concepts will make more complex tasks easier and more manageable overall.

Specialization Gives You an Edge

Plumbers often choose a specialty to become more competitive in the job market. Specializations include residential, commercial, industrial, gas fitting, drainage and sewer systems, water treatment, and emergency plumbing. Specializing can lead to better job opportunities and sometimes higher pay.

Becoming a plumber is not just a career choice but an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives by providing essential services that ensure health, safety, and comfort in their homes and businesses. With a strong demand for skilled tradespeople, a plumber can enjoy job stability, competitive wages, and the satisfaction that comes from solving complex problems. Through a combination of hands-on training, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellent customer service, aspiring plumbers can forge a rewarding path that offers both professional growth and personal fulfillment. Embarking on this journey not only equips individuals with valuable skills but also enables them to contribute positively to their communities, making plumbing a vital and respected profession.

Are you looking for a skilled trades job? Contact Trade Management today!

Breaking Barriers: Skilled Trades Careers for People with Disabilities 

Around 13.5 percent of the U.S. population has some type of disability. There is a common misconception that people with disabilities are not capable of excelling in skilled trades. However, this could not be further from the truth. In fact, 10.2% of all women with disabilities in the workforce are working in skilled trades versus 7.4% of women without disabilities in the workforce. 38.8% of employed men with disabilities are working in skilled trades versus 34.5% of employed men without disabilities. With the right training and support, individuals with disabilities can thrive in trade school programs and go on to secure successful employment opportunities in various skilled trades. In this blog post, we will explore how training and employment in skilled trades can be a viable option for people with disabilities, and how they can pursue fulfilling careers in this industry. 

The Benefits of Training in Skilled Trades 

Training in skilled trades offers a myriad of benefits for individuals with disabilities. Trade schools offer a well-organized educational setting, practical training, and guidance from professionals. Not only does trade school provide a valuable skill set that can lead to lucrative employment opportunities, but it also offers a sense of empowerment and independence. By gaining hands-on experience in a trade school setting, individuals with disabilities can develop their talents and highlight their abilities to potential employers. Additionally, training in skilled trades can also provide individuals with disabilities with a powerful sense of accomplishment and pride in their work, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.  

Employment Opportunities in Skilled Trades 

Once individuals with disabilities have completed their training in skilled trades, they can explore a wide range of employment opportunities in various industries. From carpentry and electrical work to plumbing and welding, there are countless career paths available for individuals with disabilities in the skilled trades sector. Many employers are actively seeking to diversify their workforce and are eager to hire individuals with disabilities who have the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed in their respective fields. By tapping into these employment opportunities, individuals with disabilities can secure stable and rewarding jobs that offer competitive wages and benefits. 

People with cognitive disabilities often possess unique strengths and perspectives that can be invaluable in skilled trades, including fields like electrical work. While conditions such as dyslexia and autism present challenges, they do not define a person’s ability to excel in complex technical roles. For example, electricians play a crucial role in maintaining and repairing electrical systems, and the dynamic nature of this work environment can be a perfect fit for individuals who bring diverse ways of thinking to problem-solving. Trade school programs are designed to provide hands-on training, equipping aspiring electricians with the skills they need to succeed. The need to read blueprints, perform calculations, and work carefully can be effectively managed with the right support and adaptive strategies, enabling those with cognitive differences to thrive and excel in this rewarding field. 

Individuals with hearing impairments often excel in work settings that require focus and minimal distractions. Both competitive industries and traditional trades value these abilities, making them viable options for employment for roles such as metal joiners, drafters, and carpenters. Precision and skill in hand coordination are essential for this work.  

Overcoming Challenges in Training and Employment 

While training and employment in skilled trades can be a viable option for people with disabilities, there are certainly challenges that they may face along the way. One of the major obstacles is the lack of accessibility and accommodation in trade school programs and workplace settings. From physical barriers to discrimination and stigma, individuals with disabilities may encounter various hurdles that can hinder their progress in pursuing a career in skilled trades. However, by advocating for inclusive policies and accommodations, individuals with disabilities can overcome these challenges. 

The Importance of Support and Resources 

To succeed in training and employment in skilled trades, individuals with disabilities need access to the necessary support and resources. This includes mentorship programs, job coaching, assistive technology, and other accommodations that can help them thrive in their chosen field. By providing individuals with disabilities with the tools and resources they need to succeed, employers can support them in reaching their full potential and achieving their career goals in the skilled trades industry. Also, employers and educators can play a crucial role in advocating for individuals with disabilities by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that fosters diversity and equal opportunity for all. 

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion 

To create a more inclusive and equitable workforce in the skilled trades industry, it is essential to promote diversity and inclusion at all levels. This includes actively recruiting individuals with disabilities, implementing inclusive policies and practices, and providing ongoing support and resources to help them succeed in their careers. By fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, employers and educators can create a culture that values the unique talents and perspectives of all individuals, regardless of their abilities. 

Empowering the Next Generation 

As we look towards the future of training and employment in skilled trades for people with disabilities, it is essential to empower the next generation of talent and provide them with the opportunities and support they need to thrive in this industry. By investing in education and training programs that are accessible and inclusive, we can prepare individuals with disabilities for successful careers in skilled trades and help them reach their full potential. Through mentorship, advocacy, and ongoing support, we can create a firm foundation for the next generation to break down obstacles, shatter stereotypes, and make a positive impact in the skilled trades industry. 

Training and employment in skilled trades offer many opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue rewarding and fulfilling careers. By providing access to inclusive training programs, employment opportunities, and support resources, we can champion individuals with disabilities to succeed in the skilled trades industry and achieve their career goals. Are you interested in a skilled trades career? Are you looking to add to your workforce? Contact Trade Management today! 

Hiring Reliable Workers for Your Construction Projects: A Hiring Guide for Employers 

In the construction industry, the quality and reliability of your workforce can make or break your project. Construction projects often operate on tight schedules and budgets. Delays caused by unreliable workers can lead to significant cost overruns and missed deadlines. Therefore, ensuring that your workforce is dependable is paramount. This means having workers that not only show up on time but also consistently deliver high-quality work and adhere to safety standards. 

As an employer, partnering with a staffing agency that specializes in skilled tradespeople can significantly streamline your hiring process and ensure you get the best talent. These agencies have extensive databases of pre-screened candidates, saving you time and effort.  Moreover, they understand the specific skills and certifications required for various trades, ensuring you get qualified personnel. 

In fact, they can handle the entire interview process for you or send you pre-screened candidates for you to interview. Either way, the interview process remains a crucial step in identifying the right candidates. We break down what to look for in an interview and suggest effective questions to ask.

Conducting Effective Interviews 

Conducting thorough interviews is essential. Here’s what to look for during the interview process to gauge a candidate’s reliability and suitability for your construction projects: 

1. Experience and Skills 

Look for candidates with a proven track record in the specific trade you require. Ask about their previous projects and the roles they played. This helps you assess their hands-on experience and the skills they’ve developed. 

Sample Question: “Can you describe a recent project you worked on and your responsibilities?” 

This question encourages candidates to provide a comprehensive overview of their experience, highlighting their role, the tasks they performed, and the results of their efforts. It allows you to gauge their level of involvement and the impact they had on the project. 

2. Certifications and Training 

Verify that the candidate holds the necessary certifications and has undergone relevant training. This ensures compliance with industry standards and job skills competency. It also indicates that the candidate is committed to their profession by showcasing their initiative, follow-through, and desire to be successful. 

Sample Question: “What certifications do you hold, and how have they been beneficial in your previous roles?” 

You may have candidates with certifications but little experience or candidates with extensive experience but perhaps lacking in certifications. This information will help you to get a well-rounded assessment of their ability to perform the job. 

3. Reliability and Punctuality 

During the interview, discuss the importance of reliability and punctuality in the workplace. Look for candidates who demonstrate professionalism and understand the impact of their role on the overall project. Reliable and punctual workers ensure that tasks are completed on schedule, try to prevent project delays, and contribute to a cohesive work environment. These qualities reflect a strong work ethic and an understanding of the worker’s role within the larger project team. 

Sample Question: “Can you provide an example of how you’ve managed to meet tight deadlines in your previous jobs?” 

Meeting tight deadlines often requires excellent time management skills. By asking this question, you can gauge how well candidates prioritize their tasks, manage their time, and stay organized under pressure. It allows them to discuss specific projects, their responsibilities, and the strategies they used to meet deadlines. This insight is crucial for determining their ability to handle the demands of construction projects. 

Sample Question: “Do you consider your presence at work vital to project completion?” 

This question allows them to showcase their dedication, reliability, and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure project success. It reflects their understanding of the importance of their role and their impact on the project’s overall timeline. This can even help you evaluate the relevance of their past experience to the current role and the level of responsibility they’ve handled. 

4. Problem-Solving Skills 

Construction sites often present unexpected challenges. Assess the candidate’s ability to think on their feet and solve problems efficiently. Reliable workers are those who can navigate obstacles without compromising the project’s progress. 

Sample Question: “How do you handle unforeseen issues that arise on-site?” 

By asking this question, you can get an idea of the candidate’s problem-solving skills, ability to handle stress, and how they approach unexpected issues. It also provides insight into their practical experience and adaptability in real-world scenarios. It helps you understand how they navigate obstacles and maintain productivity, ensuring that deadlines are met without compromising quality. 

5. Teamwork and Communication 

Construction projects are collaborative efforts. Evaluate the candidate’s ability to work well with others and communicate effectively. Good interpersonal skills are crucial for maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment. 

Sample Question: “Describe how you work within a team to complete a project. How do you overcome friction? How do you view your role in ensuring the team works well together?” 

This question helps you understand their ability to work effectively within a team and how they contribute to achieving project goals. You’re also asking about how they see their role. Do they describe leadership traits? Do they take ownership? Keep in mind, the candidate may not be interviewing for a supervisor position, so use discernment as you evaluate their response. You want an idea of how they interact with a team and if they take ownership of their part in the outcome while realizing they are only one person on the team. 

6.  Understanding Accountability 

Asking candidates to describe a situation where their team missed a deadline provides insight into their sense of accountability. How they discuss this experience reveals whether they take responsibility for their actions and the actions of their team.  

Sample Question: “Can you describe a time when a team you were a part of missed a project deadline?” 

Keep in mind, the missed deadline can happen for a multitude of reasons, and it can’t be assumed the candidate played any role. But this question will highlight their ability to analyze what went wrong, identify contributing factors, and learn from the experience. Understanding how they handled a missed deadline and what steps they took afterward shows their capacity for growth and improvement.  

Red Flags to Watch For 

While it’s important to stay positive, being aware of potential red flags can help you avoid hiring unreliable workers. These include: 

  • Frequent Job Changes: While varied experience can be beneficial, a history of short-term positions may indicate a lack of commitment. 
  • Vague Answers: Candidates who provide vague or evasive answers to questions about their experience or responsibilities might be trying to cover up a lack of expertise. 
  • Negative Attitude: A candidate who speaks poorly of previous employers or projects may struggle with teamwork and adaptability. 

Building a Positive Workplace Culture 

Employers who seek reliable and dedicated workers must also do their part to acknowledge and reward effort, performance, and hard work. Showing appreciation and building a positive culture reaps big benefits but creating a workplace culture that values reliability is an ongoing endeavor. Encourage open communication, provide opportunities for professional growth and advancement, and recognize hard work and dedication often.  A positive work environment attracts reliable workers and fosters loyalty and productivity. 

Final Thoughts 

Hiring reliable construction workers is crucial for the success of your projects. Remember, the key is to focus on the positive attributes of candidates, ask insightful questions, and look for signs of a strong work ethic and teamwork. With the right approach, you can build a team that gets projects completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. 

If you’re looking for skilled tradespeople for your next project, we can help. Contact us today to find out how we can support your hiring needs and connect you with reliable, skilled workers. 

Mastering Your Craft: Tips for Advancing Your Skills in Your Skilled Trade Area of Expertise

In the world of skilled trades, mastery is the key to success. Whether you are an experienced tradesperson looking to take your career to the next level or someone just starting out on the path to becoming a skilled artisan, the journey to mastery is an ongoing process of learning, refining, and perfecting your craft. In this blog post, we will explore essential tips that can help you advance your skills and achieve true expertise in your skilled trade.

Embrace Lifelong Learning

The first step towards mastering your craft is to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning. Industries evolve, technologies advance, and techniques change. To stay at the forefront of your trade, commit to continuous education.

– Attend workshops, seminars, and trade shows to learn about the latest developments in your field.

– Seek out online courses and certifications that can enhance your skills and keep you competitive in the job market.

Seek Mentorship and Collaboration

One of the most effective ways to accelerate your skill growth is by seeking mentorship from experienced professionals in your field. Mentors can help you grow in a variety of ways by providing valuable insights, sharing their practical knowledge, and guiding you through challenges they have already faced. Additionally, collaborating with colleagues and peers can expose you to new perspectives and techniques that you might not have encountered otherwise. Adopting a culture of sharing knowledge can help you and your peers excel.

Hone Your Problem-Solving Abilities

Mastery in skilled trades often comes down to your ability to solve complex problems efficiently. Challenges will arise, and being able to think critically, analyze situations, and develop creative solutions is crucial. Approach problems with a positive attitude and a willingness to adapt. Over time, you will find that overcoming obstacles becomes second nature which will contribute positively to your reputation as a skilled tradesperson.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The old saying “practice makes perfect” holds true in the world of skilled trades. Regular practice is essential for refining your skills and muscle memory. Set aside time each day to work on your craft, whether it is honing your welding technique, perfecting your woodworking precision, or mastering intricate electrical work. Consistent practice not only improves your skills but also builds confidence in your abilities.

Stay Technologically Savvy

In today’s digital age, technology plays an integral role in nearly every industry and skilled trades are no different. Keep yourself updated with the latest tools, equipment, and software relevant to your trade. Automation and digital tools can enhance your efficiency and precision, giving you an edge in delivering high-quality work. Embrace innovative technologies and invest time in learning how to leverage them effectively.

Attention to Detail

Mastery in skilled trades demands an unwavering commitment to detail. Precision is what sets experts apart from amateurs. Pay meticulous attention to every aspect of your work, from measurements to finishes. Cultivating this attention to detail will not only lead to superior craftsmanship but also earn you a reputation as someone who takes pride in their work.

Embrace Constructive Feedback

Feedback, whether from mentors, peers, or clients, is a valuable resource for improvement. Don’t shy away from constructive criticism; instead, embrace it as an opportunity to refine your skills. Actively seek feedback on your work and use it as a steppingstone for growth. Constructive feedback can guide you towards areas that need improvement, ultimately helping you achieve mastery.

Becoming a master in your skilled trade is a journey that requires dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence. By embracing continuous learning, seeking mentorship, refining problem-solving skills, practicing diligently, staying technologically savvy, honing your attention to detail, and embracing feedback, you can set yourself on a path towards true mastery. Remember, every step you take towards mastering your craft brings you closer to unlocking new opportunities and achieving professional fulfillment.

Are you ready to take your skilled trade career to the next level?

Contact us today to find the perfect position that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

How to Upskill Your Tradesmen and Close the Skills Gap

Many skilled trades lack enough workers to fill labor demands. With increasing numbers of experienced professionals retiring, fewer skilled tradespeople are replacing them. Because of this skills gap, training and upskilling are more critical now than ever. As a skilled trades employer, you need to offer your workforce the programs and opportunities needed to develop the skills to complete your projects.

Choose among these three methods to effectively increase the skill sets of your tradespeople.

1. Offer Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships allow workers to gain the education and experience needed to succeed in a skilled trade. Combining classroom instruction with hands-on training under the supervision of journey-level tradespeople provides the foundation for a long-term career. Jobsite safety, building codes, OSHA regulations, and technical documentation and blueprints are among the knowledge and skills gained. Other hard skills can be taught through guided instruction. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and work ethic are developed as well.

2. Use Technology

Customized technology can identify which of your tradespeople require training and development to enhance their skill set. Having real-time access to this data improves overall operations from the office to the field. For instance, the technology can show project managers which workers need retraining or upskilling in certain areas to complete tasks. This technology also shows the certifications that workers possess and potential gaps in other areas that require certification. Additionally, the technology can analyze which workers logged specific amounts of time in a certain area to determine whether they should upskill in related areas of work. Plus, it can match workers’ skills and requirements to tasks and activities, track their training progress, and add custom skills or tags to workers.

3. Partner with a Staffing Agency

Work with a recruiter from a staffing agency that specializes in your trade. You gain skilled temporary, contract, or permanent staff. Because the workers are thoroughly vetted and trained, they are ready to hit the ground running!

Work with Trade Management

Work with a professional recruiter from Trade Management to fill your skilled labor needs. Contact us today.

Tech Talk: How Drones Are Changing Construction Sites Worldwide

Tech Talk: How Drones Are Changing Construction Sites Worldwide

The popularity of drones continues to rise with more people purchasing and operating them both for personal and professional reasons. One professional field to see the value of drones is the construction industry. Here are four ways drones are changing construction sites worldwide.

Improved efficiency and communication

Drones have the ability to easily access different areas of a worksite without needing a human to accompany them. This means you can navigate the equipment wherever your team is working. By mounting a camera to the drone, you can keep tabs on what’s happening. Because of this ability to collect data in the moment from the construction site, managers are noticing an increase in efficiency. Workflow can be monitored all day, every day. In addition to promoting increased efficiency, workflow monitoring captures accurate data for use in updating investors and evaluating progress against timelines.

Land surveys

Drones can survey potential sites more quickly and cost effectively than people. The resulting data is more abundant and less subject to error than land surveys conducted by humans.

Safer transportation

Drones can do more than just provide a view of the construction site; they can provide practical assistance by transporting materials around the worksite quickly and safely.

Faster inspections

When you need to investigate part of a project, a drone can get there faster and provide better, more accurate data. While they won’t necessarily replace the benefit of experts examining the issue, drones can provide a first look to start the troubleshooting process.

Find the construction talent you need

Trade Management consistently provides the top industrial talent for companies like yours. Our growth is evidence of our success, and we just keep advancing. Contact us today to begin a powerful partnership.

Sick of Minimum Wage? Explore Learning a Trade

Graduating high school leads you to a forked road with several options, including a traditional, four-year degree, learning a trade, or trying to find work based on your current level of education. You know college isn’t the right choice for you and you don’t know very much about the process of learning a trade, so you opt for work that meets you at your current skill or educational level.

If this is you and you’re dissatisfied with your minimum-wage-level position, we have information for you about the benefits of exploring a new trade.

 

Get an education in less time for less money

While a four-year college can cost you more than $100,000, learning a trade costs less than a third and in as little as half the time. You’ll develop new, valuable skills without spending more time and money. Graduate sooner with the hands-on experience necessary to succeed!

 

Work opportunities available

One of the biggest challenges facing traditional graduates is finding a job. With more people opting to attend college, tradespeople are in short supply. In fact, more are retiring from the workforce than joining, meaning there are many open positions.

With a trade degree, you can expect to find a position quickly. In fact, 40% of projected job growth in the United States will fall to middle-skill jobs, or tradespeople.

 

Be compensated well

One of the biggest arguments for college is that it guarantees your later success, meaning you can pay for the expense of attending. While it’s true that the pay ceiling is higher for those with four-year degrees, the average tradesperson makes more than the average college graduate.

When you enter a trade program, you’re advancing your education and helping to fill gaps in the workplace with your knowledge and expertise. Not only will you likely experience financial success, you’ll feel good about the work that you do.

 

Get placed today

If you’ve spent your career working a trade or are a recent graduate from a trade program, trust Trade Management to help you get placed today. We have offices around the DFW area to help match you with the right opportunity. Register today and begin your career!