Skilled Trades Careers Blog

Washington Women in Trades Career Fair

Mark the date on your calendar: Friday, March 27.

At the Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion, all women trade school students, women in the trades and anyone else who has any interest can participate in hands-on activities and network with recruiters and employers with apprenticeship programs.

Learn more: http://www.wawomenintrades.com/

The American Sanitary Plumbing Museum

Even if you're not in the plumbing part of the industry, you might want to visit The Plumbing Museum. The museum's collection includes claw-foot bathtubs, fancy water closets, and antique sinks. You can also view a large library of turn-of-the-century trade magazines and newspapers, and a circa 1910 plumbing shop with original tools and equipment.

The museum was a labor of love for the PHCC and J.C. Cannistrao, LLC. Check it out!

Short term, long term career goals

It's a new year. Are you where you want to be in your HVAC, electrical, facilities, plumbing, or other skilled trades career?

No? Well, then, now is a great time to lay the groundwork for a better future. Goals, of course, help you move from point A to point B. But sometimes a goal that's too big keeps you from getting there.

That's where short term and long term goals come in. For example, let's say you're currently working as a journeyman electrician with a small firm. The work's ok, but you're bored and the owner isn't willing to talk about a raise. Instead of handing in your resignation, why not set a short term goal of learning about something new that makes the company money - and makes you more valuable? 

Like what? Well...lots of folks are rethinking their heating and cooling systems at home and business. Why not get involved with a solar panel installation? Or learn more about the programming and care of a home or building automation system? You might even pick up a useful certification along the way.

And if you need guidance, work on your long term goal for the year. For instance, maybe you want to end up in a bigger, more progressive company. Spend some time - just a few hours will do it - on research. Find out what these companies need. Then use that info to determine what kinds of certifications and experience you need. 

Where's the money these days? Check out our salary survey to find out.

Finding jobs in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, facilities, and more

If you're a HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or facilities pro, you already know this. The industry has a problem - there aren't enough skilled workers, yet many segements of the market continue to grow, such as commercial building and the retrofit of existing structures to include energy-saving systems.

But just because you're popular doesn't mean you should be complacent. In fact, now is the best time to improve your skills so that you can advance your career--and increase your paycheck.

Many employers look for NATE certification; it's good for HVAC, hydronics, and related specialities. If you're in plumbing, ICC may be worth looking at. Facilities managers almost always need a Facility Maintenance Professional (FMP) certification at some point in their career (see IFMA for more info).

And of course, when you start looking for work, turn to MEP Jobs!