Blue Collar and Proud of It: The All-In-One Resource for Finding Freedom, Financial Success, and Security Outside the Cubicle by Joe Lamacchia, Bridget Samburg Page B
Authors: Joe Lamacchia, Bridget Samburg
Tags: Business
Ads: Link
you live in a place where it snows.
Almost all of this work is performed outside, which means dealing with the elements.You experience the changing seasons firsthand, which is something I’ve always enjoyed. It can be physically demanding, and sometimes there is time pressure if you’re racing against a coming storm ormaybe a customer’s big event. But I think the satisfaction of a job well done is worth the hassle of occasionally being drenched in a downpour.
Training and Certification
Most grounds maintenance workers learn on-the-job and from coworkers about howto properly plant shrubs, collect leaves, or efficiently mow a lawn.However, some occupationsmay require formal training in areas such as landscape design or horticulture. There are also programs and certifications that offer courses on landscaping and treemaintenance. When it comes to handling pesticides, many states require a license.
The Numbers
Landscapers and groundskeepers will see some of the largest employment growth of any sector between 2006 and 2016. It is expected that available jobswill increase 18 percent, whichmeans an additional 270, 000 positions. In 2006, there were approximately 1.5million jobs in this field, including about 41, 000 in specialized tree care. Almost 24 percent of grounds maintenance workers were self-employed, and approximately 14 percent worked part-time.
Homeowners have an increasing desire to beautify their lawns, to make a good impression, and to have an outdoor space inwhich to entertain. Much of this demand and industry growth is expected to come from the construction of office buildings, shoppingmalls, and housing developments. All of this naturally boosts the demand for landscapers. Aswell, it is predicted that as our country’s population ages, more elderly homeowners will require lawn care services.
HEATING, AIR-CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION MECHANIC AND INSTALLER
Climate controlmeans year-round comfort, fromwarmth in the winter to cool air-conditioning in the summer.Controlled humidity and temperatures are found just about everywhere, fromhomes and commercial buildings tomuseums, arenas, and hotels. Installation of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration requiresmultiple skills, and themaintenance of the various systems is a crucial piece of this industry.
The Work
This industry includes heating and air-conditioning systems and refrigeration systems. More specifically it involves heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration and is often referred to as HVACR systems, or even just HVAC. HVAC systems include many mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, so technicians must be able to maintain, diagnose, and correct problems throughout an entire system.
Servicing air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment involves the careful recovery and recycling of refrigerants.HVAC installers and technicians should be comfortable using a variety of basic tools as well as pressure gauges and voltmeters. During the off-season, many of these systems can be updated, maintained, or cleaned. Winter is a great time for HVACworkers to clean residential or commercial air-conditioning units, and the same goes for heating systems in the summer.
High school classes in shop, math, mechanical drawing, electronics, and computer applications are all great backgrounds for anyone interested in working in theHVAC industry. Some knowledge of plumbing or electrical work is also helpful, and a basic understanding of electronics is becomingmore important. Sometimes the work can be demanding and regularly involves dealing with individual customers or institutional clients.
Work Setting
HVACmechanics and installers work in homes, retail establishments, hospitals, office buildings, and anywhere there is climate-control equipment. Technicians may work outside in cold or hot weather or in buildings that are uncomfortable. Conditions are always less desirable if the systems are broken. Safety is important when handling
Almost all of this work is performed outside, which means dealing with the elements.You experience the changing seasons firsthand, which is something I’ve always enjoyed. It can be physically demanding, and sometimes there is time pressure if you’re racing against a coming storm ormaybe a customer’s big event. But I think the satisfaction of a job well done is worth the hassle of occasionally being drenched in a downpour.
Training and Certification
Most grounds maintenance workers learn on-the-job and from coworkers about howto properly plant shrubs, collect leaves, or efficiently mow a lawn.However, some occupationsmay require formal training in areas such as landscape design or horticulture. There are also programs and certifications that offer courses on landscaping and treemaintenance. When it comes to handling pesticides, many states require a license.
The Numbers
Landscapers and groundskeepers will see some of the largest employment growth of any sector between 2006 and 2016. It is expected that available jobswill increase 18 percent, whichmeans an additional 270, 000 positions. In 2006, there were approximately 1.5million jobs in this field, including about 41, 000 in specialized tree care. Almost 24 percent of grounds maintenance workers were self-employed, and approximately 14 percent worked part-time.
Homeowners have an increasing desire to beautify their lawns, to make a good impression, and to have an outdoor space inwhich to entertain. Much of this demand and industry growth is expected to come from the construction of office buildings, shoppingmalls, and housing developments. All of this naturally boosts the demand for landscapers. Aswell, it is predicted that as our country’s population ages, more elderly homeowners will require lawn care services.
HEATING, AIR-CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION MECHANIC AND INSTALLER
Climate controlmeans year-round comfort, fromwarmth in the winter to cool air-conditioning in the summer.Controlled humidity and temperatures are found just about everywhere, fromhomes and commercial buildings tomuseums, arenas, and hotels. Installation of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration requiresmultiple skills, and themaintenance of the various systems is a crucial piece of this industry.
The Work
This industry includes heating and air-conditioning systems and refrigeration systems. More specifically it involves heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration and is often referred to as HVACR systems, or even just HVAC. HVAC systems include many mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, so technicians must be able to maintain, diagnose, and correct problems throughout an entire system.
Servicing air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment involves the careful recovery and recycling of refrigerants.HVAC installers and technicians should be comfortable using a variety of basic tools as well as pressure gauges and voltmeters. During the off-season, many of these systems can be updated, maintained, or cleaned. Winter is a great time for HVACworkers to clean residential or commercial air-conditioning units, and the same goes for heating systems in the summer.
High school classes in shop, math, mechanical drawing, electronics, and computer applications are all great backgrounds for anyone interested in working in theHVAC industry. Some knowledge of plumbing or electrical work is also helpful, and a basic understanding of electronics is becomingmore important. Sometimes the work can be demanding and regularly involves dealing with individual customers or institutional clients.
Work Setting
HVACmechanics and installers work in homes, retail establishments, hospitals, office buildings, and anywhere there is climate-control equipment. Technicians may work outside in cold or hot weather or in buildings that are uncomfortable. Conditions are always less desirable if the systems are broken. Safety is important when handling
Similar Books
Growing Your Own Vegetables: An Encyclopedia of Country Living Guide
Carla Emery, Lorene Edwards Forkner
