How AI Is Transforming Skilled Trades: Opportunities and Challenges

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming skilled trades in beneficial ways. Not only does AI create opportunities, but there are also challenges to overcome for ongoing success.

Understanding how AI is transforming the trades shows why the technology is helpful to the companies that adopt it. Knowing the challenges of implementing AI in the trades provides reasons why more companies do not use it.

Discover how AI is transforming skilled trades, including the opportunities and challenges of using the technology.

Supply Chain

AI is essential for inventory management:

  • Plumbing, janitorial, HVAC, and cleaning companies have invested in cloud-based inventory management systems.
  • The use of cloud-based technology supports efficient inventory analysis.
  • Knowing which parts come from overseas, which materials to source in the U.S., and the ongoing impact of the associated costs helps satisfy customers and bring in revenue.

Speed Of Completion

AI supports communication throughout every step of a work order:

  • Short message service (SMS) is used for pre-job communication.
  • Global positioning system (GPS) technology tracks a technician’s arrival.
  • Skilled tradespeople use video technology to access on-call experts to troubleshoot complex jobs, answer questions, and reduce the number of job site visits.
  • When a work order is complete, the technician can send photos and videos of the work for the owners or managers to view the results without being onsite.
  • Onsite tradespeople can accept payments through their phones.

Recruitment

AI helps with hiring tradespeople:

  • Social media influencers highlight opportunities to make a great living in skilled trades because of the low barrier to entry and affordable training.
  • Tile experts highlight their skills on Instagram.
  • Construction contractors promote their talents on TikTok.
  • Expert carpenters demonstrate their abilities on YouTube.
  • Television shows highlight how to flip homes that require new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
  • Online reviews, organic search results, and paid digital advertising drive customer acquisitions.

Cost

Purchasing and implementing AI technology is expensive:

  • Robots for the construction industry can cost millions of dollars.
  • Software with machine learning and automation features can be prohibitively expensive.

Implementation  

The construction industry has been slow to implement AI:

  • Unless technology has a proven history of success, it is not likely to be widely used for risky, expensive projects.
  • The uniqueness of each project and site means the data collected from one project is unlikely to benefit another project.
  • A lack of explanations for predictions and decisions does not build trust with project stakeholders.
  • AI engineers with construction experience are difficult to find.

Cybersecurity

AI-powered systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks:

  • High project costs make contractors and project owners a target for phishing scams.
  • Hackers can manipulate project data for their benefit.
  • Data mistakes can result in expensive or dangerous project errors.
  • Project errors can impact the health and life of the construction workers and building occupants.

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Digging Deep: Understanding the Essential Requirements for Construction Excavation

Can You Dig It? Yes, but follow these safe digging tips.

April is National Safe Digging Month, a month-long initiative aimed at promoting safe digging practices and preventing damage to underground utilities. Every year, thousands of people unintentionally damage underground pipelines, cables, and wires by digging without knowing the location of these utilities. While the consequences of such damage can range from minor inconveniences to life-threatening accidents, they can all be prevented by following some basic safety guidelines. In this blog post, we will discuss the risks associated with improper excavation, and the steps you can take to protect yourself, your property, and the environment. Read on and learn how to dig safely and responsibly.

Conduct a Site Survey

As a contractor, it is your responsibility to carry out dig site surveys and identify any underground utility lines before proceeding with digging. Before beginning any kind of digging project it’s important to call 811 or the local utility companies to request a free utility locate. This will help to avoid potential delays in the project due to unknowingly cutting underground pipelines or cables. Accidental strikes are often expensive and can create hazardous conditions, so it is best practice to always call ahead and make sure no lines exist near the dig site. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences, such as service disruptions, injuries, or even lawsuits. Therefore, it is crucial to follow best practices, including using proper excavation techniques, maintaining clear communication with utility providers, and adopting safety measures such as shoring or backfilling.

Obtain an Excavation Permit

Determine what type of excavation permit you need, which varies depending on the size and scope of your project. Review the permit application and ensure you have all necessary documentation and information, including site plans and safety measures. This documentation and information not only includes site plans and safety measures, but also any environmental permits that may be required for the site. Failure to have the necessary documentation and information can result in costly delays or fines, which is why it’s important to ensure everything is in order before beginning any construction work. Similarly, it is important to submit your permit application to the appropriate government agency and follow up on its status in order to avoid any delays and potential damage in your project timeline. Taking a proactive approach towards digging can prevent unnecessary delays and costly repairs in the future.

Clearly Mark the Dig Site

Marking the perimeter of the dig site with caution tape is essential to establish a safe zone and ensure the safety of workers and pedestrians in the area. Similarly, it is important to provide clear warning signage around the dig site, letting people know that a contractor is working in the area and that they should keep away, particularly children and animals. This will ensure that everyone remains safe, as well as protecting the contractor from any liability issues.

Choose Digging Tools Based on the Soil Type

Consider the type of soil you’ll be working with before choosing your digging tool. This is especially important for contractors who will be digging trenches for laying foundations or installing drainage systems. By understanding the nature of the soil, you will be able to determine the appropriate digging tool to use. Not only will this ensure a smoother process, but it will also help to avoid delays that could arise due to damage to tools or equipment.

Follow Safety Protocols

To avoid delays, it’s essential to follow safety protocols and regulations set by regulatory bodies. This includes wearing personal protective equipment such as hard hats, high-visibility clothing, and steel-toed boots, identifying potential safety hazards before digging, and ensuring that equipment is in good working condition before use. Safe working conditions translate to productive workers who will give their best, thereby producing quality work within a shorter time span, on budget and without delays.

Stay Up To Date on Excavation Methods

Adequate training is essential for contractors tasked with digging activities. The excavation industry is an ever-changing environment in which contractors must keep pace with new technology, techniques, and safety regulations in order to stay effective while reducing risk. Contractors must continually update their knowledge of the latest excavation methods and safety protocols to ensure compliance with applicable codes. Regular training and education is essential for a successful contractor digging process and guarantees that contractors are equipped with the necessary skills to safely complete any excavation-related task they may be assigned.

By following safe digging practices, you can ensure that your digging project is completed safely and efficiently, preventing damage to underground infrastructure like gas lines, water mains, or power cables, and avoiding injury. For more construction safety information, check out our spring construction safety tips.

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Top Skills For Welders To Learn And Include On Their Resumes

Working as a welder requires a range of skills which can be acquired through apprenticeships, training courses, or on-the-job experience.

Highlighting the most important welder skills on their resumes helps welders land interviews for the roles they want. The skills to include depend on the job description for the desired position.

Listing the relevant skills helps a resume pass through an applicant tracking system (ATS) and to a hiring manager. Hiring managers will be more inclined to contact a candidate for an interview based on a resume that lists qualification details.

Discover six of the top skills for welders to learn and include on their resumes.

Mathematics

Understanding blueprints, calculating dimensions, and drawing sketches requires extensive mathematical skills. Related skills include spatial reasoning, understanding 2D and 3D diagrams, and interpreting sketches.

Physical Capabilities

Carrying heavy objects, standing for extended periods, and bending and twisting are part of a welder’s job duties. Thus, being in good physical condition is a necessity. A welder must have a strong grip and steady hand to hold the torch for an ongoing time. Good vision, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity are also essential.

Precision

Working on structures such as bridges, airplanes, and ships requires precision, including constantly inspecting materials, detecting changes in molten metal flows, and cutting with accuracy. Welders must respect safety guidelines and procedures, follow directions, and maintain a clean workspace.

Tool Handling

A welder’s ability to determine and use the right tool for a task is essential. Welders may need to

learn innovative technologies and practices, including operating robotic welding equipment. A welder may also need to set up machine tools, work with grinders and metal finishers, and dismantle machine tools when finished.

Soft Skills

Self-motivation, time management, and communication are among the soft skills required to work as a welder. Planning and managing projects, organizing workspaces, and documenting the work require soft skills. The same is true for effectively maintaining inventory, working individually and collaboratively, and meeting deadlines.

Mechanical, Design, and Office Skills

When working as a welder, mechanical and design skills are necessary. The ability to use basic office software, manage projects, and provide customer service also is beneficial.

Ready To Find Your Next Welder Role?

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Project Delays? Here Are 5 Tips To Effectively Manage Them!

Construction project delays can result in missed deadlines and overextended budgets. Increasing the time and money required to complete projects reduces revenue and the bottom line.

Project delays may occur for several reasons. Team members with limited experience may need more time to finish tasks. Customers might alter the project plans or withhold funding due to dissatisfaction with the project’s progress. Third parties who do not understand the details of the project plans, goals, or milestones may cause delays. Unforeseen circumstances can extend the time needed to finish a project.

As a project manager, understanding common causes of project delays helps you effectively manage them.

Implement These Five Tips to Effectively Manage Construction Project Delays

1.    Thoroughly Plan The Project

Proper planning is your strongest defense against project delays. Having a well-developed plan decreases the uncertainty and risks involved in project completion.

Use a project management system to create and manage tasks and deadlines, visualize the steps and details, and track progress. By using a project management system, you can proactively solve problems and effectively manage project delays.

2.    Gather Accurate Project Data

Collect comprehensive estimates of timing and task duration. Use this data to prepare your initial project schedule.

Ask questions to evaluate the accuracy and relevance of the data. Determine whether current issues and challenges may need to be addressed when creating your project schedule.

3.    Set Realistic Deadlines

Use data from similar projects and previous experience to set appropriate deadlines. Having realistic deadlines encourages your team to create quality work in the given timeframe, minimizing project delays.

4.    Clarify Task Dependencies

Determine how the project tasks and milestones are connected. If a delay with one task occurs, you can change the schedule and have your team work on another task. When the issue is resolved, you can modify the schedule to complete the original task. Shifting tasks in the event of a delay reduces the impact of the delay on the project as a whole.

5.    Regularly Meet With Your Team

Meet with your team to set goals, milestones, and timelines for the project. Ensure each member understands their role in the project’s execution. Address questions and concerns.

Continue meeting regularly to discuss progress, answer questions, and resolve issues. This helps effectively manage project delays.

Need To Hire Construction Workers?

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Is Trade School Right For You?

Are you interested in limiting the time and money needed to earn a professional certificate, license, or degree? Have you thought about learning a skilled trade to build a well-paying, long-term career? If so, trade school may be right for you.

Trade school provides specialized training for specific career paths. You might become a plumber, electrician, construction manager, or heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technician. This type of training often requires less time and money than attending a four-year college.

Earning a certificate, license, or degree from a trade school can help you create the career and lifestyle you want. Completing a relevant apprenticeship or vocational program and starting your first job can provide a foundation for long-term success.

Consider the following information to determine whether trade school is right for you.

Admission Process

Trade schools have a straightforward admission process. You must show you earned a high school diploma or GED, sign up for the appropriate program, and provide payment. Unlike four-year colleges, trade school admission does not entail competition with other potential students for acceptance.

Affordability

Trade school tends to be much less expensive than a four-year college. The average cost of a four-year college is at least $100,000 more than a trade program.

Time Investment

On average, full-time students can complete a Trade School program in 2 years or less, allowing them to enter the workforce sooner.

Job Security

Because trade schools are tailored to specific professions, they have excellent career placement programs and ties to local companies in the industry. Performing well in your program and securing a certificate, license, or diploma will help you land a job. This sets the foundation for long-term career growth.

Tips To Select A Trade School

  1. Look for a program in an in-demand field. You want to establish a career with numerous job openings and long-term growth potential. Reviewing the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics can help.
  2. Determine the complete program cost. Plan how you will pay for it.
  3. Look for online courses. This is especially important if you have a busy schedule or limited local options.
  4. Consider the program’s job placement opportunities, including whether local businesses typically hire from the program and what the placement rates are.
  5. Talk with the program’s career experts or previous graduates to see whether the process meets your expectations. Proceed accordingly.

Ready To Land Your First Job?

Partner with Trade Management to secure your first skilled trade job. Use this link to register with us.

Important Things To Know When Becoming An Electrician

Electricity is an essential part of virtually every area of life. As a result, electricians always are in demand.

Becoming an electrician sets the foundation for a rewarding career. The ongoing need for electricity, especially in construction, provides seemingly endless professional opportunities.

The following are important things to know when becoming an electrician.

Becoming An Electrician Requires Years Of Training And Experience

Becoming an electrician starts with being an electrical apprentice. This involves going to school and learning from a master electrician for four years.

You need approximately 2,000 hours of hands-on training to become an electrician. Then, you can begin working independently.

You Likely Need to Become Licensed

Many states require licensing to work as an electrician. This means enrolling in a class, gaining on-the-job training, and taking an exam to earn a license.

You Must Choose An Area Of Expertise

The focus of your electrical apprenticeship may be on commercial or residential work. A commercial electrician works in offices or buildings. A residential electrician works in home construction and maintenance.

You may become an industrial technician or a lineman. An industrial technician works in factories, data centers, or other large facilities. A lineman brings electricity from the electrical plant’s public lines to the outside contact of the home or building.

Working As An Electrician Can Be Dangerous

Being an electrician involves working with high-power electrical equipment. As a result, shock hazards and arc flash hazards create risks of burns or electrocution.

Other common hazards from working in elevated locations include:

  • Slips
  • Trips
  • Falls
  • Lacerations from sharp edges or tools
  • Pinch and nip points from rotating equipment

You must be ready to work in the rain, snow, heat, or cold. Dressing in personal protective equipment (PPE) that is appropriate for the weather and work conditions is essential.

Examples of PPE include:

  • Nonconductive hardhat
  • Arc-rated hood
  • Balaclava
  • Face shield
  • Nonconductive safety glasses or goggles
  • Arc-rated, natural fiber long-sleeve shirts, pants, jackets, coats, overalls, or coveralls
  • Hearing-protective inserts
  • Rubber-insulated gloves
  • Leather-protected sleeves
  • Leather electrical hazard-rated footwear

You Can Earn a Competitive Income

Engaging in an electrical apprenticeship involves earning an hourly wage for your training as you go to school. After you complete your apprenticeship, you can secure a full-time job with higher wages or salary.

An electrician’s income depends on skills, experience, location, area of expertise, and other factors. Your income can increase as you gain experience. Becoming a master electrician also helps grow your income.

Ready To Begin Working As An Electrician?

Partner with Trade Management to land your first job as an electrician. Apply to our current openings!

How To Effectively Manage Employees Who Have More Tenure Than You

Effectively managing employees who have more tenure than you can be challenging. They may be more focused on your limited experience with the organization than how you can help them achieve their goals.

The employees you manage might have preconceived notions about your competence or ability to lead. This impacts the level of trust between you and your team.

As a result, you must demonstrate your ability to coach your team, provide guidance, and navigate forward. The following suggestions can help.

Implement these tips to effectively manage employees who have more tenure than you.

Talk With Your Employees

Schedule time to talk with each employee about their daily routine, challenges, and feedback on the department. Show you want to collaborate with your team to make decisions.

Employees who have more tenure than you typically know things about the company that you do not. Therefore, asking for their input helps effectively manage them.

Your employees have different skills and more experience with the organization than you do. Use these advantages to work together to reach company goals.

Confidently Make Decisions

Express confidence in making business decisions. This shows your team you are highly competent in your role.

Include your employees in as many discussions as possible. Show that their knowledge and input are valued and appreciated. This promotes feelings of authority and respect.

Promote Learning

Encourage your employees to prioritize learning. This helps them advance within the organization. Your employees will appreciate your support for moving forward in their careers.

Accept Responsibility

Admit when you make a mistake. Determine what went wrong. Learn how to do better next time.

Leading by example sets the standard for your employees. It models the behaviors you want to see from them.

Support Your Employees’ Success

Clarify your expectations for your employees. Provide the resources needed to perform the work. Hold your team accountable for their results.

Acknowledge your employees’ knowledge and abilities. Ask how you can help your team better perform their work. Respond accordingly.

Publicly acknowledge your employees’ successes. Privately provide constructive feedback to improve performance.

Looking For Help Hiring?

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TRADE MANAGEMENT WINS CLEARLYRATED’S 2023 BEST OF STAFFING CLIENT AWARD

SOUTH BEND, IN – FEBRUARY 14, 2023 – Trade Management, a leading staffing agency, announced today that they have won the Best of Staffing Client Award for providing superior service to their clients. Presented in partnership with presenting sponsor Indeed and gold sponsor Talent.com, ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. On average, clients of winning agencies are 70% more likely to be completely satisfied with the services provided compared to those working with non-winning agencies. Trade Management received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 65.7% of their clients, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 46%.

“I’m beyond grateful for our Trade Management team and their repeat recognition for this Best of Staffing award,” said COO Tara Burns.  Our Trade Management team is the epitome of resilience, and they continually strive to go above and beyond to meet the skilled needs of our clients – who are the foundation of our success.  I appreciate our client’s continued trust and confidence and their choice of Trade Management as their go-to valued staffing partner.

“I am pleased to introduce the 2023 Best of Staffing winners alongside their validated service ratings on ClearlyRated.com,” said ClearlyRated’s CEO, Eric Gregg. “These firms have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to delivering amazing experiences, despite another year of upheaval and macroeconomic uncertainty. Hats off to these service leaders – it’s truly an honor to recognize and celebrate their achievements.”

About Trade Management

Trade Management opened in 2005 with a simple yet effective strategy: Focus on finding skilled and dependable employees, and the clients will come. Staying true to that simple philosophy has grown Trade Management from our small, one-man office to a growing business with 9 offices nationwide. We source quality electricians, carpenters, plumbers, millwrights, pipefitters, welders, painters, and a variety of other skilled labor professionals for small and large jobs alike. Trade Management is a two-time Best of Staffing winner operating as the skilled trades staffing division of the Peoplelink Group. Peoplelink Group has ranked 6 separate times on the Inc. 5000 list since its inception. In addition to Inc. 5000, Peoplelink ranks in at #106 on Staffing Industry Analysts’ list of Largest Staffing Firms in the US, as the 32nd largest industrial staffing firm in the US and has recently been named one of the Top 100 Staffing Firms to Work For in 2023.

About ClearlyRated

Rooted in satisfaction research for professional service firms, ClearlyRated utilizes a Net Promoter® Score survey program to help professional service firms measure their service experience, build online reputation, and differentiate on service quality. Learn more at https://www.clearlyrated.com/solutions/.

About Best of Staffing
ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients, placed talent, and internal employees. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

Alternative Procurement’s Benefits

Alternative procurement is becoming more common in creating infrastructure. These collaborative delivery practices are different from traditional low-bid or hard-bid contracting.

The contractor is involved in both the planning and design phases of a project using alternative procurement. This allows more effective management of costs and risks.

Alternative procurement lets the client choose the best team for a project. This type of input builds stakeholder trust.

One example of alternative procurement is the construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC) project delivery method. After the owner awards a pre-construction services contract, the owner, designer, and contractor collaborate on the direction of the project. The stakeholders develop the scope, optimize the design, improve the quality, manage the costs, and share the risks. These actions optimize the quality and efficiency of the project.

Optimizing the products, services, and business processes involved in design development improves project delivery and addresses sustainability issues. These actions increase the project’s success.

Discover how alternative procurement can benefit your company.

Hiring Based on Qualifications

The owner uses a qualifications-based selection (QBS) method to decide who works on the project. This minimizes the issues faced when hiring solely on cost.

  • The owner selects the designer and contractor based on resume, experience, and references.
  • The contractor can use experienced workers for each part of project delivery.

Greater Trust Among Stakeholders

Increasing trust among the owner, designer, contractor, and community increases the project’s success.

  • Alternative procurement methods let the team more effectively address community feedback about the project.
  • Listening to community feedback helps minimize opposition to the project.

Improved Delivery

Optimizing the products, services, and business processes involved with the project improves delivery.

  • The contractor gives comprehensive advice about schedule, innovation, constructability, risk mitigation, and cost at each design milestone.
  • The owner and designer can reassess and change the plan as needed.

Diverse Perspectives

The owner, designer, and contractor share their perspectives on a project.

  • Multiple points of view help develop effective methods to meet community needs.
  • The infrastructure provides diverse community benefits.

Source Workers for Projects

Trade Management has the skilled trade professionals needed to complete your construction projects. Learn more today.

Construction Career Goals for the Upcoming Year

Setting your construction career goals helps you move forward in your professional path. Understanding the qualifications needed to land your next role helps you prepare accordingly.

Developing career goals is especially important for the construction sector. In this evolving and competitive industry, you must have clarity about where you are in your professional path and what you can do to advance.

Begin creating your construction career goals now for the new year. Taking action to improve the areas that need work provides a foundation to advance your career.

Follow these steps to create construction career goals for 2023.

List Your Professional Details

Write down your construction skills, work experience, strengths, accomplishments, values, and current projects and responsibilities. This information helps determine what you want to accomplish in the next 12 months. Clarifying your professional details helps identify logical next steps in your career path.

Determine Your Destination

Consider what your dream construction job is. Then, find out what your next role should be to move toward this position.

If there are many steps between your current job and your dream job, break down the steps into a realistic timeline. Then, determine the action you can take this year to move toward your dream job.

Perform a Gap Analysis

Compare your current performance level with the level you want to be at in the next 12 months. For instance, check job postings that match your skills, experience, and interests. Then, rate your competency in each of the job requirements.

Pay close attention to the areas you need to improve. Then, develop goals to boost your performance in these areas.

Developing your skills increases your job qualifications. The more skills you have, the greater your eligibility for the opportunities that interest you.

Set SMART Goals

Create specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timebound (SMART) goals to develop the areas that need improvement. For instance, if you need to learn construction software, consider taking a class to learn the technology.

Following the SMART goal-setting process clarifies each step you should take and when to take it to reach your goals. Relating your goals to your career development provides motivation to continue making progress.

Ready to Find Your New Job?

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