Need health insurance? Open enrollment begins November 1 and runs through until January 31, 2016. Even if you’re already on the exchange, now is the time to shop and re-evaluate.  A lot has changed in the last year. Go here to log in and start the process. Go here to see a brochure designed to […]

OSHA 10 Construction Training to be held on November 4th & 5th from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Tape Measure (25′ or 30′ only) Pencil Hammer Chisel Margin trowel Hawk Tuck-pointing tools(various  sizes) Brick trowel Wooden dowel Masonry brush a quality bucket

One of our Buffalo partners is offering a free OSHA 10 course. There is, however, a $5 card fee. The class will be July 22nd & 23rd from 4:45pm till 9:45pm each night.   If you would like more information or would like to attend please contact us!

ALACHUA, Fla. — NCCER and its Build Your Future (BYF) initiative have recently partnered with the Human Resources Construction Council (HRCC) to create a national BYF scholarship program for deserving individuals pursuing a career in construction through craft and technical programs. Scholarships are available to high school seniors, military service members, postsecondary students or anyone […]

Entry level electrician? Start with this list of tools. Tape Measure (25′ or 30′ only) Electrician’s tool pouch Klein 14 in 1 screwdriver/nut driver 9” Lineman’s side cutting pliers 8″ Long Nose Pliers 8” Diagonal cutting pliers Straight Claw hammer Battery screw gun with hammer drill feature Torpedo level Klein 6 ¼” wire strippers 16 gage […]

The first tools that every entry-level Carpenter should own Rig, tool belt, or Bags Hammer Tape Measure (25′ or 30′ only) Carpenter’s Pencil Retractable Utility knife Journal Tool Box (or in this case, a bucket) Stanley Flat Bar Speed Square Chalk line Yellow-handled Snips Cordless Drill or Driver Screwdriver The Journal of Light Construction Magazine

The best all purpose hammer will generally be at least 20 oz.  Lighter than that and you can’t drive a nail.  Heavier than that and you’ll be fighting off urges to frame houses. A smooth face is far more versatile.  A waffle face is only for framing. ALWAYS buy a straight claw.  The only thing […]

You need something to put your tools in, and the tool vessel that is closest to perfect is available for free! A modest bucket is how almost everyone got started and how most of us still roll.  The Bucket Boss is a great system.  It’s versatile and you can even add hardware trays and bags sold […]

Tool Belt (your rig) The very first thing you should buy is a good set of bags.  You can borrow a hammer, tape and knife.  But borrowing another man’s bags is like borrowing his girlfriend. You could spend an exorbitant amount of money on something sweet.  The problem is that if you haven’t earned the […]

It takes maybe four or five years for a person to become relatively proficient in a trade.  Assuming (at that point) that they are a relatively good employee, then they are likely worth $18/hr–$20/hr.  The difference between $18/hr and $25/hr–$30/hr is leadership. Author and speaker Mark Breslin, Breslin Strategies, Inc. writes, “On average, your foremen have received […]

One of our Buffalo partners is offering a few OSHA 10 classes. The classes are from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at 170 Franklin Street. The classes are free, however there is a $5 card fee. 2014 November 24 & 25 2015 March 23 & 24 April 27 & 28 May 18 & 19 June 22 & 23 If […]

Estimator, Commercial Estimating for residential work often tends to include a generous amount of sales and relationship work.  Commercial estimating requires a different personality.  A commercial estimator had better like numbers.  This video is a really good overview of the job. HAZWOPER 8 Hour Refresher Certification Hazardous Waste Operations require trained and skilled technicians to […]

When I bought my 18 volt Milwaukee drill / driver I first scoured the pages of Tools of the Trade magazine.  Sure enough they did a great comparison write up (back a few years ago).  This latest issue compares the new brushless models.  Their assessment last time was dead on in my opinion.  I am […]