June 2024

The National Safety Council has coined June as National Safety Month. During this time each year, the NSC brings additional spotlight to vital safety issues and their implications within workplaces and on roadways.

FlexTrades fully supports this effort and works to promote, teach, and maintain safety, year-round.

Safety-First Training at FlexTrades

To ensure each technician is always putting safety first, everyone goes through pre-deployment safety training, field safety alerts, and ongoing safety training programs on every project.

On top of training, we are constantly innovating how to call out important safety updates internally to keep safety at the forefront of everything we do. This is why we are such big supporters of the National Safety Council dedicating an entire month to focusing on safety.

One such way we do this is by continually creating relevant content for our technicians and others to see via internal communications and across all our online and social media platforms. We also work to promote additional resources and calendar dates surrounding safety through newsletters and internal groups.

Client Benefits

There are many reasons why deploying FlexTrades traveling skilled trades professionals is beneficial to safety and general business practice for any manufacturer:

Risk Reduction: In 2023, FlexTrades was recognized with a ‘Risk Control Award of Merit’. The grading/determining factors were critical statistics on loss frequency and severity, and an evaluation of the proactive measures taken to reduce risks.
Safety Culture: Technicians, always well-vetted for commitment to safety, from FlexTrades work to create an environment of those who live and breathe safety. Adding our technicians to your team can visually and physically shift the culture around safety in any manufacturing facility.
Reduced Operating Costs: The training we implement before a technician deploys, as well as during their project, is the best way to prevent costly safety issues. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Increased Productivity: Employees become more productive when they feel as though their daily operations do not put them at risk. Also, rates of absenteeism decrease rapidly when technicians know that their activities follow best safety practices and guidelines.

Stay Safe

We at FlexTrades understand the importance of vigorous safety training. The National Safety Council does too. That’s why we’re such huge fans of the extra light they shine on safety every June! Visit the resources page of their website if you’d like to learn more about how to improve the focus on safety in your facility or home. And remember, you should put safety first every day not just in the month of June.

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in the career aspirations of younger generations. Much to the delight of industry advocates like “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe, skilled trade careers are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, especially among Gen Z. This trend is most visible on social media platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag #BlueCollar has amassed more than half a million posts this year alone. Young tradespeople are sharing their day-to-day experiences, inspiring a new generation to consider careers in skilled trades over traditional college routes.

The Social Media Movement

The rise of social media has given a voice to blue-collar workers, allowing them to showcase their skills and the value of their work. Influencers like 27-year-old electrician Lexis Czumak-Abreu, who has over 1.1 million followers, are leading the charge. Her posts, which include clips of her installing utility outlets and wiring homes, not only highlight the technical skills involved in her job but also portray a fulfilling and lucrative career path. Stories like hers are becoming more common, showing that skilled trades can be both financially rewarding and personally satisfying.

Why Skilled Trades Are Attractive

There are several reasons why skilled trades are becoming more attractive to younger people:

Cost of Education: Unlike traditional four-year colleges, trade schools are generally more affordable, helping students avoid the crippling debt that often accompanies higher education.
High Demand: The demand for skilled tradespeople is growing. For every five tradespeople who retire, only two replace them. This gap creates numerous job opportunities with competitive salaries.
Job Security and Prosperity: Skilled trades offer a path to prosperity without the need for a traditional college degree. Tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, and welders often earn substantial incomes, sometimes exceeding $200,000 annually.

FlexTrades: Leading the Charge in Skilled Trades Employment

At FlexTrades, we are proud to be at the forefront of this resurgence in skilled trades careers. We understand the unique needs and aspirations of today’s tradespeople, and we are committed to providing opportunities that offer freedom, choice, financial benefits, and travel.

Why Choose FlexTrades?

Freedom and Flexibility: We offer our employees the freedom to choose assignments that fit their skills and preferences. Whether you prefer short-term projects or long-term engagements, FlexTrades has options that can suit your lifestyle.
Financial Benefits: Our skilled tradespeople enjoy competitive wages, comprehensive benefits packages, and opportunities for financial growth. With FlexTrades, you can build a prosperous career without the burden of student debt.
Travel Opportunities: For those who love to travel, FlexTrades provides opportunities to work in diverse locations across the United States. Experience new places while doing what you love.
Premier Employer: As the premier employer of skilled tradespeople in the United States, FlexTrades is dedicated to supporting your career development. We provide ongoing training, support, and resources to help you succeed.

Join the FlexTrades Team

If you’re inspired by the growing trend of young people turning to skilled trades, consider joining the FlexTrades team. We offer a supportive and dynamic work environment where your skills are valued, and your career can thrive.

Explore the opportunities available at FlexTrades today and be part of a movement that’s redefining what it means to have a “cool” career. Visit our website to learn more and apply for current openings.

Hitting the road to work for FlexTrades is exciting! Whether you do it for the great pay, to work with the top names in manufacturing, to see the country, or any other reason, you’ll be staying in lodging on our dime. But what can you expect when you arrive at your hotel?

This blog is all about your home away from home. We’ll explore what makes FlexTrades’ lodging arrangements different and how they can help you thrive during your extended work trips.

Spacious Comfort

While many companies cram you into a standard hotel room, FlexTrades prioritizes your well-being. Wherever possible, we book extended stay suites. These offer more than just a bed for the night. Imagine having a separate living area to relax in after a long day. Think comfy couch, work desk, and maybe even a balcony – a perfect spot to unwind and maybe catch your favorite sports team. And all lodging is single occupancy, meaning you’ll never have a roommate either!

The Kitchen Advantage

One of the biggest perks of an extended stay suite is the ensuite kitchen. Who wants to eat out every night, racking up expenses and missing the comfort of home-cooked meals? Typically, extended stay suites come with a full refrigerator, a stove/range, and a microwave. Many even come with flatware and utensils that you can use. It’s a great way to save money and maybe even explore the city’s farmers markets for fresh ingredients.

Welcoming More Than Just You

You don’t need to put your social life on hold while on assignment. Whether you want to travel with your significant other, or you want a friend to visit for a week, we’ve got you covered! This can be a great way to maintain a sense of normalcy while away from home and enjoy some downtime together after a busy workday. If you coordinate with your recruiter, you can even bring your furry friend to stay with you!

Skip the Hassle, FlexTrades Has You Covered

Finding lodging on your own while traveling for work can be a huge hassle. Many companies offer a per diem allowance to cover your expenses, but that often means spending your precious personal time scouring travel websites and comparing prices. Wouldn’t you rather be focusing on unwinding or spending time with loved ones?

At FlexTrades, we take the burden of finding a place to stay off your shoulders. We handle all the travel arrangements, including booking your lodging. Your accommodation is waiting for you when you arrive, so you can focus on what matters – getting settled in and preparing for a successful assignment.

So, the next time you pack your bags for a FlexTrades assignment, travel with confidence. Your home away from home awaits!

In future posts in the FlexTrades travel series, we’ll delve deeper into helpful tips for making the most of your extended stay suite, exploring the local area around your project site, and managing your well-being on the road. Stay tuned!

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the career preferences of young Americans, with many opting for skilled trades over traditional college paths. This trend is particularly significant in addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in various industries. FlexTrades recognizes and celebrates this shift, highlighting the opportunities and benefits that skilled trades offer to the younger generation.

Changing Perceptions and Rising Opportunities

The skilled trades, once perceived as low-end and dirty work, are now experiencing a renaissance. This resurgence is fueled by several factors, including rising pay scales, advancements in technology within trade fields like welding and machine tooling, and a growing skepticism about the return on investment in traditional college education.

Enrollment Surge in Vocational Training

As more young individuals explore alternatives to traditional education paths, enrollment in vocational training programs is on the rise. This surge in enrollment is evident in fields such as construction trades, HVAC, and vehicle maintenance and repair. These programs offer a blend of hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge, preparing individuals for successful careers in their chosen trades.

Empowering Career Choices

FlexTrades recognizes that the skilled trades provide a smart and viable career path for individuals who prefer practical, hands-on work over traditional office-based roles. This shift is exemplified by individuals like Tanner Burgess, who found fulfillment and success in welding after exploring alternative career options.

Building Strong Foundations for the Future

The demand for skilled tradespeople is on the rise, driven by retirements in older generations and the need for expertise in various industries. This demand translates into secure job tracks, steadily growing earnings, and a sense of accomplishment for individuals working in skilled trades.

Embracing the Future of Work

FlexTrades acknowledges the changing landscape of work, where blue-collar jobs are gaining recognition for their job security and growth potential, especially in light of advancements in generative AI. This shift in perspective is reshaping career choices for the younger generation, offering a diverse range of opportunities beyond traditional white-collar professions.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

As the skilled trades continue to evolve and gain prominence, FlexTrades remains committed to supporting and empowering individuals pursuing careers in these fields. Through training initiatives, technological advancements, and a collaborative approach, FlexTrades aims to foster a skilled workforce that drives innovation and success across industries.

A Positive Shift

The rise of skilled trades in America signals a positive shift in career preferences and opportunities. FlexTrades celebrates this trend, recognizing the value and contributions of skilled workers in shaping the future of work. Embracing the diversity of career paths, including skilled trades, is key to creating a dynamic and resilient workforce for tomorrow.