The Craft Championship is a national competition that brings together the best skilled tradespeople to demonstrate their superior skills in the industry.

In August, Nickle hosted its first annual Craft Championships where seven third and fourth-year Apprentices competed in a written and hands-on skills test to determine who would move on to the state competition. The hands-on portion required the Apprentices to complete various residential panel and lighting wiring.

Andrew Antinora and third-year Apprentice Adrian Cosgrove came out on top and both competed at the state level against Apprentices from other local electrical contractors.

State winner Andrew Antinora said he was a little nervous going into the Nickle event. “I wasn’t totally sure what to expect but I was also eager to get on the tools and start the skills test,” he said. On his favorite part of the competition: “Just being around the whole Nickle crew and hanging out with friends and coworkers,” he said. “I also really enjoyed having my wife there to cheer me on.”

Along with the written test proctored by Director of Commercial Construction Randy Spencer, there were employees who volunteered as judges for the hands-on portion at Nickle’s event. Service Foreman Mike Frieze, Layout Foreman Luis Rivera, Service Foreman Ryan Wade, Safety Director Paul Woodland, and Estimator Dietrich Yontz scored the competitors on aspects such as following the provided drawings, using correct dimensions, overall appearance of the job, performing the job safely, and more. Foreman Mike Frieze, a 25-year Nickle Elite, competed in the State and National Craft Championship back in 2001. ABC Delaware President Ed Capodanno was present and he commended the organizers and competitors. “The competition went flawlessly,” he said. “I am happy to have been able to witness the craftsmanship and quality of work done by your apprentices.”

Nickle’s first annual event was put together by Chief Operating Officer Jeromy Newton, Project Manager Brandon Cale, Service Manager Jonathan Harrison, and Project Manager Kevin Woodland. “It was an exciting challenge organizing our first annual Nickle Craft Championship, and it made it truly worthwhile seeing how much our apprentices enjoyed the competition,” said Brandon Cale.

Andrew Antinora will compete in the 35th Annual National Craft Championship in Kissimmee, Florida in March 2024.

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Stick with local businesses. These companies typically already have a good reputation in your area. You’ll likely run into someone who has used that local company or maybe you’ve even heard of them before you started searching. It’s also important to have someone nearby in case you have questions or concerns about your project. Hiring a local contractor also means there’s less of a chance they will pick up and leave, scamming you out of big sums of money.

Ask friends and family for recommendations. Ask people you know if they’ve ever done a similar project to yours or hired a contractor in the specialty you’re looking for. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find reputable companies. Leverage people you know and ask questions about their experience. Did the contractor address your concerns in a timely manner? Were their employees generous and hard working? How much did the project cost? Was the work completed on time and on budget?

Conduct interviews and meet fact-to-face. If you want to be thorough, there’s nothing wrong with setting up a phone or in-person meeting. Making sure they can answer all your questions is important. And as superficial as it may seem, sometimes appearance can make or break a deal. A messy truck may be a sign of disorganization. A sloppy look could be a sign of sloppy work. However, don’t put all your eggs in that basket. It’s only one facet of your search.

Have a clear vision for your project. If you’re short on details, you’ll likely get a large variety of answers from the contractors you’re considering, which will make your decision even more difficult. If you know exactly what you want, you can line up each company’s answers and estimates to make a more informed assessment and you can break down the cost of every single line item side by side.

Get everything in writing. Estimated schedule, projected cost, labor rates, materials used, etc. should all be outlined in writing. That way you have proof of everything the contractor has promised to you. Additionally, if any changes are made throughout the duration of the project that conflict with the original quote, make sure they are outlined in writing and approved as well.

Confirm your point of contact and who is doing the work. Who do you call when you have a question or something goes wrong? Don’t get the run around from the contractor. There should be one person who can answer all your questions thoroughly. You also want to confirm that that contractor will indeed be doing the work themselves. If not, make sure they disclose all subcontractors to you.

Price should only be one factor of many. It’s not wise to focus solely on the cost of your project. Choosing the lowest bidder may mean the company doesn’t use quality materials or employ qualified workers. If you’re happy with the answers and contract the low bidder gives you, then hire them. But you may be better off going middle of the road or choosing the priciest contractor, as they are more likely to be superior to their competition.

Ask the contractor for references. If you can’t find someone who has experience with the contractor, ask them directly if you can talk to previous customers. Just like a human resources director investigates a potential employees’ experience, see if the contractor can provide you with positive stories from past customers.

Check for reviews online. This tip can be a bit tricky, as anyone and everyone can leave a review online these days and it may not always be an accurate reflection of the company. However, it doesn’t hurt to do a little bit of research before reaching out to a contractor.

Don’t be turned off by busy companies. The fact that a contractor has a busy schedule is probably a good sign. They’re in high demand so customers must be big fans of theirs. If you’re not in a hurry to complete your project, be patient and follow their busy schedule.

Do not pay up front. A good contractor likely won’t ask for payment before work begins. A deposit may be required for good faith, but you should receive a bill at the end of the project for the remaining balance. A big red flag is when a company asks for full payment in advance.

Don’t limit yourself. Whether you want to interview two plumbs or ten plumbers, that’s your preference. Keep searching until you’ve found a contractor that makes you comfortable. A good company will respect your due diligence and patiently wait for your business.

Ask for the company’s credentials. If you want to be extremely careful, you can always ask the contractor for credentials, such as their business license, insurance policy, warranty information, and permits. A good company shouldn’t hesitate to provide proof that they’re an established, legitimate business.

Check their safety record. One of the most important factors in hiring a contractor is making sure the contractor is safe. Employees should wear proper protective equipment, unsafe areas should be cordoned off, and there should be proper procedures and policies in place in case there is an accident. The last thing you want is an injury that can throw off the entire plan or cost you’ve formulated for the project. And every contractor should be able to send their employees home in the same condition they came to work.

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Additionally, the expo was open to the general public on Saturday for those looking to acquire jobs in construction and give families of the students an opportunity to visit.

Nickle’s booth showcased lighting technology, informational slideshows, packets on the benefits of attending trade school, example blueprints, previews of BIM technology, fun giveaways, and more.

Thank you to Nickle employees Samantha Pearlman, Morgan Merced, Jonathan Harrison, Guido Lauer, Mark Benson, Jr., and Liam Jordan for volunteering your time to tell your story and promote all that the construction industry has to offer. Check out our Facebook page for more pictures from the event.

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1. How does your electrical panel work? The electrical panel is a major component when it comes to understanding how your home operates, so knowing its anatomy is important. The panel is usually mounted in a garage, basement, or a laundry room.

2. Yes, electrical wire colors do matter. Electrical wire colors probably don’t mean anything to the average homeowner, but those distinctions are actually very important and knowing the proper color coding is essential when performing electrical work. Each color serves a different purpose and you should be aware that all wires, no matter their function or color, can carry a current at some point so they should be handled carefully. 

3. Three-prong vs. two-prong outlet. Modern receptacles now have three slots for safety purposes. This wasn’t common practice many years ago so some older homes may have receptacles with only two slots, which calls for an upgrade. But why? What does that third slot do? Does it really improve safety? 

4. FAQs about electric fireplaces. Electric fireplaces are growing in popularity. They can make any room warm and inviting without the hassle of a traditional fireplace with a chimney, venting, and the upkeep. They can be decorative and provide a nice ambiance. 

5. What do electrical inspectors look for? Whether you’ve built a new home, are purchasing an older home, have done some do-it-yourself work, or you’re an electrician finishing up a job, an electrical inspection is necessary. Having a professional check for problems or defects could save your home or business from potential fires and could save you from shock or electrocution.

6. What’s included in a typical electrical O&M manual. Nickle, along with other contractors, create an Operation & Maintenance Manual for each of its commercial projects and a number of its large service projects. An O&M manual is almost always required for commercial projects stated in the specifications sent out per the contract. Some are more detailed than others depending on what the general contractor/construction manager requests. 

7. Why do my lights flicker? There are few things more annoying than flickering lights. It’s an issue many homeowners experience at one time or another and it should be addressed quickly. There may be a simple fix, but if there’s a serious underlying issue it can cause devastating damage. So what could cause a light to flicker?

8. Electrical safety statistics. Recent data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that, on average, there are more than 400 electrocutions in the United States each year. Of these, about 180 are related to consumer products. 

9. ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator, predicting future work. In 2008 Associated Builders and Contractors initiated the Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) to suggest the amount of work to be performed by commercial and industrial contractors in the months ahead. The indicator focuses on United States commercial, institutional, industrial, and infrastructure construction industries. 

10. The ABCs of common electrical terms. When an electrician comes to your home communicating a sea of terms you don’t quite get, it’s hard to understand what your electrical problem actually is. Life would be much easier if you knew the definition of some of the most common electrical terms. Here is a simple list for your reference. 

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Head Protection

Hard hats are a must on construction sites. They will protect your head from falling materials or equipment, accidental electrical contact, or striking your head against a hard surface.

Hand Protection

Depending on the work you’re doing will determine what type of gloves will suit you best. There are gloves made of fabrics such as canvas, metal, rubber, or leather; special gloves for welding; insulated gloves; chemical-resistant gloves, and more. Disposable gloves should be changed often. Each are used for certain tasks and it’s essential to wear the correct type to protect your hands from burns, cuts, bruises, chemicals, or even accidental amputation.

Foot Protection

Invest in a pair of steel-toe boots. They’re sturdy and will protect your feet from becoming crushed beneath equipment or materials. They’re also resistant to punctures if you accidentally step on something sharp and have non-skid soles to prevent falling on slippery surfaces.

Face & Eye Protection

Safety glasses will protect your eyes from dust and debris when performing work like cutting, grinding, nailing, or anything else that may cause flying fragments. If you want event more protection, face shields will come in handy and they are sometimes required when performing certain tasks. In addition to simple glasses, there are also special goggles when dealing with other substances, such as chemicals.

Body Protection

Protecting your arms, torso, and legs is also important. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. If you’re working outside, the weather will determine if you should be wearing lightweight clothing in the heat or a comfortable jacket in the cold. Loose clothing is a no-no, as it could become trapped in machinery or accidentally brush up against dangerous hazards.

Hearing Protection

Construction sites can get loud. Certain equipment reaches dangerous decibels that can damage your hearing if exposed for too long. Ear plugs, ear muffs, or hearing bands will do the trick.

Other

High-visibility clothing is helpful on busy job sites with a lot of moving part and is essential when working on roadways. There is also a wide range of equipment dedicated to fall protection when working up high. And to protection from airborne hazards, respiratory protection is key.

Remember, while employers must legally provide certain pieces of PPE, it is only effective when it’s being worn properly and that’s solely up to you!

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Even as far back as 1997, contractors were reporting their struggles. According to a study conducted that year by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, 92% of national construction firms reported shortages of skilled labor, and more than 85% said their current workforce is not as skilled as it should be in today’s market. Today, 86% of contractors in the United States are still reporting their struggle to fill positions, according to a September 2015 survey by the Associated General Contractors. And, unfortunately, the future doesn’t seem much brighter, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the construction industry will face a shortage of 1.6 million workers by the year 2022.

For more than two decades, the construction industry has felt the woes of this shortage, but there is a lack of support to solve the problem, according to the Construction Industry Institute.

CAUSES

Reputation

Construction gets a bad rap for being a dirty, unsafe, and discreditable profession. Yes, workers see their fair share of dirt, mud, bad weather, and hazardous conditions. But it’s such a small part of the job, and great companies have ways to remedy those dangers. It’s long been thought that construction jobs aren’t well-respected and they’re a last resort for those who don’t do well in school. Construction isn’t about just moving tools. There are so many intellectual components to the industry. Even before a shovel hits the ground, there are architects, engineers, interior designers, and many other minds working on the project.

Education

Parents and educators are pushing the four-year college plan. There has been a surge in preparing students for college instead of teaching life and job skills. If construction isn’t promoted as a viable option after high school, students likely won’t consider it. There is a massive lack of young people entering the construction industry. The average cost of a four-year bachelor’s degree in the United States is $127,000. On the other hand, the average cost of a two-year trade school is $33,000. While students in both tracks may take out loans for those payments, the debt is significantly higher for college graduates. Research from 2012 states that the average college student debt load is $29,900, not including interest. While the two-year technical school graduate debt load is roughly $10,000. Not only that, but a degree doesn’t guarantee a job. The Economic Policy Institute recently reported that the unemployment and underemployment rates for college graduates under the age of 25 are double what they were in 2007.

Retired/Unavailable workers

When the industry lost more than two million workers during the recession, many of them found jobs in other areas and aren’t interested in coming back. Others, part of the older generations, have retired since then, or are at least close to retiring and don’t see any benefit to changing their career so late in the game. Those two million positions can’t simply be filled by the two million who left them vacant a decade ago.

Lack of women

A huge demographic void in the industry is female workers. In the United States, women only represent 2.9% of the workforce. A recent article from Construction Dive cites a lack of female mentors and role models, along with harassment concerns on the job site as factors that prevent women from considering a career in construction.

SOLUTIONS

Focus on safety

Construction is dangerous, no doubt. So why would anyone want to work in an industry with such a high risk of injury? It’s important to make the safety of your workers a top priority. If they feel safe and know that the company they work for is dedicated to keeping them that way, the more attractive an organization will be to qualified job seekers. A dangerous work environment is not an enticing feature in a company.

Connect at an early age

Visit schools and promote construction as a viable career option. Dispel the rumors and myths that surround the industry. The earlier students see the path to construction, the more interested and involved they will become. Get to them before they’ve made up their mind. Many schools offer mentor programs where you can evaluate and identify students who may be well-suited for the industry.

Offer frequent training

Investing in the continued education of employees demonstrates your commitment to them and the industry. Not only will your company benefit from having well-educated workers, but employees will appreciate your dedication to furthering their career. Mentoring programs for young employees are also a great way to promote internal advancement and fulfill the aspirations of your well-driven workers. Help them find the right path to success.

Modernize and automate your processes

Young people are flocking to the technology sector. Everyone wants to be the next Mark Zuckerberg. What people don’t know is that there are so many technological innovations in the construction industry. First, make sure you’re using the latest design software, accounting tools, and on-the-job apps. Then promote them to potential employees. Those innovations will intrigue newcomers. Automating your processes will also cut down on time spent on administrative responsibilities, which is appealing in itself.

Keep benefits package competitive

Having a great insurance plan isn’t the only benefit employees look for in a company. Be accommodating, offer flexible hours if possible, evaluate allotted vacation time, and make sure wages and salaries are comparable with other companies. If you’re not sure what current or potential employees are looking for, then ask. They will help you identify where you have room for improvement. And it may be worthwhile to examine why previous employees left. Good perks are a plus.

Hire the right candidates

Since there is such a shortage in the industry, you may be quick to hire people who are interested in working for you. But that doesn’t mean you should rush into things. Make sure you’re carefully screening job seekers. It’s time-consuming and expensive to hire, terminate, and re-hire people who doesn’t possess the skills needed or who aren’t dedicated enough. Retention is key.

Join forces with outside groups

A recent survey from the Associated General Contractors of America found that two-thirds of contractors are facing this problem. You’re not alone. So connect with other organizations and band together. Look for recruitment networks, join industry-wide organizations, serve on committees, and collaborate. Get involved with your local legislature and push for vocational funding. You can introduce and/or promote legislation that will benefit the construction industry.

Related, and most important, is that these solutions will only work if there is industry-wide support. More attention needs to be brought to the issue. Not much is known about it outside of the construction industry. It’s a national problem, so let’s find some national solutions.

The post Why is there a labor shortage? And what can we do about it? appeared first on Nickle Electrical Companies.

https://youtu.be/BXunk9fdAmE

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“This competition’s main goal is for the children to have fun, and in having fun, create an awareness of and promote an interest in future careers in the construction industry,” said Marla DiSalvo, NAWIC Chapter #96 Chair of the Block Kids Committee.

More than 100 students participated this year. The overall winner was Drew Smalling, a fifth-grader from Cedar Lane Elementary School. He built a road paver that would chew up asphalt, melt it, then repave and repair roads. Drew wants to be an engineer when he grows up.

“Our chapter members and volunteers work really hard year-round to ensure the event continues to be successful,” said NAWIC Chapter #96 President Leah Curran. “We are already thinking of ways to make Block Kids better next year.”

Next year’s event will take place on Saturday, February 3 at Hodgson Vo-Tech High School and is open to any local student in grades 1-6.

About National Association of Women in Construction

NAWIC is a professional association comprised of women working in construction and related industries. It was established in 1955 by 16 founding members. Today, about 5,500 women in approximately 170 chapters across the United States are NAWIC members, including business owners/managers, executives, subcontractors, accountants, and estimators. Members are employed in construction trades including welding, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. NAWIC’s core purpose is to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

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The list, published at the end of October, ranks specialty contractors by 2015 revenue. Other specialties include mechanical, demolition, concrete, masonry, and more. To accompany the Top 600, ENR published an article about the growing market, increased margins, and better acknowledgement of subcontractors on projects. This year’s Top 600 had a record total revenue of $100.43 billion in 2015, up 7.8% from last year.

Visit www.enr.construction.com for the complete Top 600 list.

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Limit exposure. Make sure employees aren’t out in unfavorable weather conditions for long periods of time. Working all day in the snow and freezing temperatures greatly increase the risk of stress, hypothermia, and other cold-related illnesses. Outside work should be done in shorter increments and during the warmest part of the day.

Avoid caffeine. Coffee and other forms of caffeine can increase your heart rate, making you feel warmer than you actually are. Stick with water, juice, or sports drinks.

Wear proper protective gear. In addition to normal personal protective equipment required on a job site, there is other gear workers can put on to protect themselves from the elements. This includes steel-toed boots or non-slip shoes, warm gloves, heavy coats, hats, thermal clothing, wool socks, and more. Layers are encouraged.

Have a warm area for breaks. Employees should have a warm area to go for breaks and between shifts. Whether it’s in an office, a heated trailer, or an area with portable heaters, there should be a place to warm up and dry off any clothes that may have gotten wet or damp.

Watch the weather. Nobody wants to be stuck outside in a blizzard or working when there are dangerously cold temperatures present. Everyone should keep an eye on the weather forecast for the day to prepare for possible alternative work solutions in case of problems.

Check the site for hazards. In adverse weather, hazards can pop up overnight. Snow and/or ice can accumulate when the job site is empty, so supervisors should evaluate the area to make sure it’s safe to work. Remove any hazards and spread sand or salt on slippery areas.

Winter illness education. Workers should know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite in case someone falls victim. Recognize the signs and symptoms and call for help right away. Avoid these illnesses by moving arms and legs often, do small exercises to keep the blood flowing, and avoid overexertion since cold weather can put strain on the heart. Look out for slurred speech and uncontrolled shivering.

Stranded car education. Accidents in the winter months are common, as cars and trucks can easily swerve on snowy and icy roadways. Make sure employees have proper gear in their car and know what to do if they become stranded. Keep a blanket, flashlight, water, non-perishable food, an ice scraper, jumper cables, and other winter gear in a safe place.

Luckily, OSHA has a cold stress card you can keep with you or on site for quick reference.

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