This is a good question, and I would be happy to answer it. The initial question, typically, is “should I go to college, or should I learn a trade?” I have nothing against college, but I am a strong proponent of learning a trade, the electrical trade. The electrical trade has many career paths and opportunities, anywhere in the country, and there is no limit to the earnings potential. No limit! Not to mention, there is no tuition. Let’s take a closer look at why you should […]
The HVAC industry felt the same impact of COVID-19 that many manufacturers in our national economy have experienced. Shortages in copper, aluminum, plastics, and microchips make it difficult for manufacturers to keep up with demand. Add in the pressure from a robust residential housing market and you get the perfect storm for limited supplies. So, what is the solution when it’s hot and the parts aren’t available? Or you want to move to that new townhouse, but it can’t be completed due to supply problems. More importantly, what […]
By the time the company makes it to the job site, considerable time and money have already been spent on the project. The electrical foreman has many responsibilities and can single–handedly be the cause of a failed project. The foreman needs to be the National Electrical Code guru, assistant to the Project Manager, Human Resources liaison, team coach, and much more. Like other positions in the field, the electrical foreman needs continuous training to keep on top of the game. Here are four easy steps for managing an electrical job site.
Career opportunities in HVAC and refrigeration are more diverse than many other trade-oriented professions. It is rarely impacted by bumps in the economy and as a result, many lucrative HVAC jobs exist that make rewarding careers. Beginning at the most entry-level position and working our way up, we discuss some of the HVAC career options in our blog.
By the time the company makes it to the job site, considerable time and money have already been spent on the project. The electrical foreman has many responsibilities and can single–handedly be the cause of a failed project. The foreman needs to be the National Electrical Code guru, assistant to the Project Manager, Human Resources liaison, team coach, and much more. Like other positions in the field, the electrical foreman needs continuous training to keep on top of the game. Here are four easy steps for managing an electrical job site.
What does Microsoft Office365, Dropbox, Apple iCloud, and the future of electronic security systems have in common? Two simple words… “The Cloud”. What is the cloud? The answer to this question has eluded many, because there is no one simple answer. Talk to 10 different cloud providers, and you will get 10 different answers. It is not a puffy white thing in the sky where are dreams are held. The Cloud is a simply someone else’s data center. The cloud is someone else’s problem. It can be configured to hold different forms of digital media and data virtually. The data can be held in silos or combined. Storage and data can be added very quickly and extremely cost effective. 80% of the cloud is held by five companies, with Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) holding the majority.
Correctly operating an electrical service business will require you have skilled, personable, service technicians, a real live person to answer the phone, and a pricing system that covers all of your operating costs while generating profits! It’s time to throw out the old Time & Material (T&M) billing method and start charging by the Flat Rate. Let’s take a look at both:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for workers in the United States in the first quarter of 2019 was $905 per week ($22.62 per hour) which totals $47,060 per year. An electrician with just five years of experience can easily make much more than that by following these simple steps.
Every electrician knows the basic standard of “the more experience you have, the more money you make.” To some extent, that’s an accurate statement. However, there are other, proven methods you can use to increase your value/pay, such as electrical continuing education and learning trade knowledge like NEC updates. Here are a few other basic methods to stand out to your employer.
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