Tag: Electrical Jobs Near Me

How to Find a Job You Love

The bad news: Many people don’t enjoy their work. They go to work each day knowing there is something out there they would rather be doing but not knowing what to do about it.

The bad news: Many people don’t enjoy their work. They go to work each day knowing there is something out there they would rather be doing but not knowing what to do about it. They end up unhappy at work, and, unfortunately, their personal lives can suffer too.

The good news: It doesn’t have to be this way. There are options you can employ immediately to get you on the road to a satisfying career and the happiness you and your family deserve. Here are three suggestions for leaving your dead-end job behind and finding one that you will love:

Use Your Network of Contacts

Networking, both in-person and online, is an essential element in your job search. You probably have some contacts already who know you and are willing to help you find job leads. If your network is small, the next step is to expand, maintain, and use it effectively.

Who should be in your network? Anyone of good character belongs there, and each of your contacts can lead you to new ones. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

  • Friends and family: Keep them updated on your career goals. They might know someone who can help you.
  • Current and former coworkers: Connect with the people at work and those with whom you’ve worked in the past.
  • Former teachers and professors: Those who taught in your major at college should be at the top of this list.
  • Members of professional organizations: Attend events organized by professional associations. Introduce yourself to others and become an active member.
  • Former classmates: Check the alumni directory of your college for potential connections. If you belonged to a fraternity or sorority, you might also find some there.

Get Additional Training

Certificate programs can help you develop the skills and experiences you need for a specific job. The best parts are that you can earn many certificates in as little as a few months and that they typically cost less than a degree program.

These programs are good for those just starting their careers and are especially useful for workers who already have years of experience and either want to enhance their skills or are looking for a career change. For those wanting a mid-life change, a certificate program can boost your skills and abilities, and it will help you stand out in the job market. Find the program that’s right for you, and you’ll be on your way to finding a job you love.

Partner With a Staffing Firm

All types of jobseekers can benefit from partnering with a staffing firm. Career changers hoping to land a job in almost any industry would find advantages in working with a staffing agency. These agencies bring together hiring companies and job seekers and can provide a fit that meets the needs of both parties.

Let Outsource Help You Find a Job You’ll Love!

Contact the experts at Outsource. We are the largest staffing firm in the nation specializing in the placement of low voltage and electrical talent.

Discover The Power of Real Partnership

Let's talk about the world of possibilities and how we can partner to make them a reality.

Our Latest Resources

What's new in the world of work? Check out the latest highlights, including staffing trends, top insights and more.

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How a Staffing Agency Can Get You a Job Faster Than You Could on Your Own

For instance, many job seekers avoid partnering with a staffing firm because they mistakenly believe that these agencies are strictly for those who want temporary work. They also don’t work with them because they think they must pay to work with a recruiter.

Misconceptions can hurt your efforts to find a job quickly.

For instance, many job seekers avoid partnering with a staffing firm because they mistakenly believe that these agencies are strictly for those who want temporary work. They also don’t work with them because they think they must pay to work with a recruiter.

These two perceptions are not true for all staffing agencies, so those people who hold on to these ideas could be missing out on an opportunity to enhance their chances of landing a dream job.

Finding the right job can be an overwhelming process, so it makes sense to take advantage of every available resource. And if you aren’t even considering partnering with a staffing agency, you’re missing out on a valuable resource. Here’s why:

Your Job Search Will be More Efficient

Searching for a job can be unnerving. Trying to find the right open jobs, researching potential employers, and setting up interviews can take up large chunks of your time. When you partner with a staffing agency, you’ll streamline the process and give focus and direction to your search.

You’ll Be Working With an Experienced Recruiter

Skilled recruiters ask the right questions:

  • What are your career goals?
  • What type of work environment are you seeking?
  • Would you prefer the flexibility of contract work?
  • What would you like to see in a future job that you don’t have now?

Armed with the answers, your recruiter can narrow the search and home in on the jobs that fit your criteria. They cut through all those job titles, confusing job descriptions, and postings and provide you with only those that make sense for you.

You Immediately Have Access to Numerous Employers and Jobs

Staffing agencies have hundreds, even thousands, of clients who are looking for workers just like you. The recruiters are continuously communicating with those who have the authority to hire you, and they take on the role of liaison between you and the hiring company. Because of the agency’s relationships, you will see job openings that are not available through the usual job sites. And your partnership with a staffing firm will allow you to have many more options than if you were searching on your own.

You Will Have Help Scheduling Interviews and Update Your Resume

Your recruiter will coordinate your interviews and assist you in preparing for them. Also, they will recommend ways to edit your resume so that it is tailored for the company to which you are applying. After you have been hired, your recruiter will follow up and stay in touch with you to make sure things are going well in your new position.

Find Your Next Job with Outsource!

We can help you with that! Contact the experts at Outsource. We are the largest staffing firm in the nation specializing in the placement of low voltage and electrical talent.

Discover The Power of Real Partnership

Let's talk about the world of possibilities and how we can partner to make them a reality.

Our Latest Resources

What's new in the world of work? Check out the latest highlights, including staffing trends, top insights and more.

How a Staffing Agency Can Get You a Job Faster Than You Could on Your Own post thumbnail image
Outsource News
Be Ready to Answer These Questions at Your Next Job Interview

Whether this is your first job interview or you've done several already, you will probably find yourself with a case of nerves as it begins...

How a Staffing Agency Can Get You a Job Faster Than You Could on Your Own post thumbnail image
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 ..

How a Staffing Agency Can Get You a Job Faster Than You Could on Your Own post thumbnail image
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A global pandemic means times are uncertain, stressful and even a bit frightening. While the COVID-19 outbreak has not only caused a health crisis it has also caused an economic crisis as well...

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Four Ladder Safety Practices for Electricians

If you’re considering a career as an electrician, you need to understand that a ladder will be included in many of your workdays. If you’re already in the trade, it’s almost a sure thing that you’ll agree.

If you’re considering a career as an electrician, you need to understand that a ladder will be included in many of your workdays. If you’re already in the trade, it’s almost a sure thing that you’ll agree.

Ladders are as much a part of an electrician as a stethoscope is of a doctor. The difference is that when ladders are misused, it can lead to a fall that may cause a fatality or a serious injury.

Even if you are an experienced ladder user, it can’t hurt to re-visit some of the best practices for using them safely. If you’re just starting your career, take these suggestions seriously and learn how to be safe when you are several or more feet above the ground:

Read the labels and markings on the ladder

Note the ladder’s load rating and don’t exceed it with the weight it will be supporting, which should include any tools or equipment. Inspect the ladder before using it, and take it out of service if it’s damaged. Ensure that the ladder is free of any slippery material on the rungs or steps.

Use ladders and their accessories–ladder levelers, jacks, or hooks–for their designed purposes. Don’t use a step ladder as a single ladder or in a partially closed position. Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are engaged before you get on it.

Use a ladder on level and stable surfaces only

Unless it has been secured at the top or bottom, use a ladder only on a firm and level surface. Never place a ladder in any area where other work activities could displace it unless it is secured or protected by a barrier to keep traffic away from it.

Never place a ladder on boxes, barrels, or any other unstable base to get additional height. And don’t shift or move a ladder while a person or equipment is on it.

Do not use the top step or rung of a ladder

Stay off the top step or rung of any ladder unless it was designed for that purpose. Always maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) on the ladder while climbing. Also, keep your body near the middle of the step and face the ladder. 

If you’re using an extension or straight ladder to access an elevated surface, it must extend at least three feet above the point of support. The proper angle for setting up an extension ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or vertical surface. Stay off the three top rungs of the ladder.

Watch out for electrical hazards

Check for overhead power lines before setting up a ladder. Never use a metal ladder near power lines or any exposed energized electrical equipment.

Are you looking to enhance your career in a fast-growing field?

Contact the experts at Outsource. We are the largest staffing firm in the nation specializing in the placement of low voltage and electrical talent.

Discover The Power of Real Partnership

Let's talk about the world of possibilities and how we can partner to make them a reality.

Our Latest Resources

What's new in the world of work? Check out the latest highlights, including staffing trends, top insights and more.

Four Ladder Safety Practices for Electricians post thumbnail image
Outsource News
Be Ready to Answer These Questions at Your Next Job Interview

Whether this is your first job interview or you've done several already, you will probably find yourself with a case of nerves as it begins...

Four Ladder Safety Practices for Electricians post thumbnail image
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Bridging Connections: Outsource Opens its 24th Office in Richmond, VA

 ..

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Maneuvering Your Job Search Through a Pandemic

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Getting the Most from Your Electrical Apprenticeship

If you’re starting in an electrical apprenticeship, congratulations! You’ve made an excellent decision to gain the training you’ll need to pursue a successful career.

If you’re starting in an electrical apprenticeship, congratulations! You’ve made an excellent decision to gain the training you’ll need to pursue a successful career. It’s an investment in your future that will pay dividends for many years.

Right now you’re probably unsure of what to expect from your program. That’s understandable: after all, this is uncharted waters for you, and you can’t be expected to know much at this point.

So to help you along, here are a few pointers that could help you as you move forward in your electrician apprenticeship program.

Show That You are Reliable

It’s important to remember that your employer and your coworkers are counting on you to be there. You need to do good work, but it doesn’t matter how good your work is if you can’t get to the job on time.

And once you are saddled with a reputation for unreliability, it’s hard to get rid of it. It will follow you from job to job, informing future employers that you have a history of not showing up.

Any boss will agree that an average electrician who shows up consistently is better than the star worker who no one can count on. If being on time isn’t something that comes naturally to you, you should practice until you are good at it—it’s that important!

Keep Track of Your Hours

Depending on where you live, the number of hours you’ll need to work to complete your training will be different. Once you have determined the number of hours required, make sure you keep a record of them in a manner that fulfills your state’s obligations.

Your goal is to become a licensed electrician and to do that you’ll need to work the required hours and have an accurate record of them.

Become Familiar with the National Electrical Code

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a collection of definitive guidelines for the safe and secure installation of electrical equipment and wiring. It looks daunting, but you’ll eventually feel right at home with it. So, if at first you feel intimidated by the NEC, keep studying, and you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Prepare Yourself for a Little Dirty Work

For the first part of your apprenticeship, you’ll be doing your share of menial tasks. Don’t be discouraged. Every apprentice has served time on the cleanup crew, performing all those no-skill jobs like removing debris and trash from the worksite.

You’ll be everyone’s “gofer,” running for tools and supplies—even picking up lunch for your coworkers on occasion. You might find these tasks irritating, but it’s best not to let it show. It’s part of your job, and you’re not being singled out. Your best course of action is to do mundane tasks with a smile and gain a reputation for being cooperative.

Are You Looking for a New Career? Let Outsource Train You!

Outsource’s Field Employee Training Program might be what you need to get a jumpstart on your career as an electrician. Visit our Cable Tech Training page for more information.

Discover The Power of Real Partnership

Let's talk about the world of possibilities and how we can partner to make them a reality.

Our Latest Resources

What's new in the world of work? Check out the latest highlights, including staffing trends, top insights and more.

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Be Ready to Answer These Questions at Your Next Job Interview

Whether this is your first job interview or you've done several already, you will probably find yourself with a case of nerves as it begins...

Getting the Most from Your Electrical Apprenticeship post thumbnail image
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Bridging Connections: Outsource Opens its 24th Office in Richmond, VA

 ..

Getting the Most from Your Electrical Apprenticeship post thumbnail image
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What Should Electrical Workers Wear? Investing in the Right Apparel for the Job

It’s a risk that electrical workers face every day on the job: Arc flashes occurring without warning and causing an injury that can be severe.

It’s a risk that electrical workers face every day on the job: Arc flashes occurring without warning and causing an injury that can be severe. The most serious of these burn injuries typically happen when clothing ignites and continues to burn, so it stands to reason that the right apparel – arc-rated (AR) and flame-resistant (FR) – can offer protection from these painful burns.

What Causes Arc Flashes?

  • Electrical worker error: Occasionally, workers fail to verify that there is no voltage. They might be using faulty voltage testers or forget about lockout/tag-out procedures. Overconfidence, complacency, and poor communication can all contribute to arc flashes.
  • Working on energized equipment: There are situations in which workers must work on hot equipment—hospitals are a perfect example. But there are times when workers believe they have the experience to work on energized equipment or they don’t de-energize because they are pressed for time.
  • Lack of equipment maintenance: When equipment is not regularly maintained, corrosion can build up and increase resistance and heat. Corrosion is one of the leading causes of equipment failure and arc flashes.

Electrical Workers Can Protect Themselves with Flame-Resistant Wear

Electrical workers are usually not burned severely by the arc flash itself. Instead, the significant injury occurs when non-FR clothing ignites and fuels the flame. The extent of the injury is increased with the worker experiencing severe and painful burns.

Flame-resistant apparel will self-extinguish, which lessens the burn injury since the source of ignition is removed. It also provides enough insulation to reduce the likelihood of second-degree burns significantly.

FR Daily-Wear is a Simple and Effective Solution

For the most common lower-energy work, wearing AR/FR daily-wear could be the solution. It takes away the guesswork of deciding whether a task requires arc-rated clothing, and it eliminates that extra step of getting into personal protective equipment (PPE) for a specific job. For high-energy tasks, however, the extra step of donning appropriate task-based PPE is recommended or required.

Match Your Clothing to the Hazard Levels

The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requires utilities to assess the hazards for employees working around energized equipment. If energy exceeds a certain level, workers must wear AR/FR clothing with an arc rating equal to or higher than the levels with which they work. 

Employers may be required to perform an arc-flash risk assessment to determine the potential energy level and the total area in which the hazard exists. Once the energy level and total area are determined, you can select the appropriate AR/FR clothing. Start by choosing a fabric that gives you the comfort and performance that meet the needs of your workplace and the tasks you’ll be performing.

Are You Looking to Advance Your Career as an Electrician? Contact Outsource!

Let us help you. Find your next job at Outsource. We are the largest staffing firm in the nation specializing in the placement of low voltage and electrical talent.

Discover The Power of Real Partnership

Let's talk about the world of possibilities and how we can partner to make them a reality.

Our Latest Resources

What's new in the world of work? Check out the latest highlights, including staffing trends, top insights and more.

What Should Electrical Workers Wear? Investing in the Right Apparel for the Job post thumbnail image
Outsource News
Be Ready to Answer These Questions at Your Next Job Interview

Whether this is your first job interview or you've done several already, you will probably find yourself with a case of nerves as it begins...

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Bridging Connections: Outsource Opens its 24th Office in Richmond, VA

 ..

What Should Electrical Workers Wear? Investing in the Right Apparel for the Job post thumbnail image
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Where Can You Learn New Skills for Electrical Training?

There are several paths you can take toward becoming an electrician. Formal education programs can lead to an Electrician Certificate or an Associate Degree.

There are several paths you can take toward becoming an electrician. Formal education programs can lead to an Electrician Certificate or an Associate Degree. Both of these are precursors to an apprenticeship program, which will result in you being a licensed electrician.

There are also company training programs that can get you started in your new career. One such program at Outsource prepares trainees for a position in structured cabling in the construction industry. It’s a great way to transition into a skilled trade, and we provide the training at no charge to you. No previous experience is required.

Consider the following advantages of our program.

You Will Acquire Experience and Knowledge

Our Field Employee Training Program provides quality entry-level low-voltage installers to our many clients throughout the country. Every trainee will learn data jack termination and will have terminated over one hundred data and voice jacks before being sent into the field. Also, they will have been introduced to the job site etiquette and professionalism that will help them accumulate positive referrals as they move up in their chosen careers.

You Will Obtain OSHA Certification

The program also consists of two days of OSHA training, after which you will be OSHA 10 certified.  The course teaches recognition, avoidance, lessening, and prevention of safety and health hazards at the job site. The certification provides you with the tools, safety equipment, and skills to begin working with Outsource’s clients right away.

You Will Find Work

Outsource employs over 2,000 technicians weekly on job sites across the country, and that figure is likely to increase as more jobs are added to the economy in future years. Current and projected shortages in skilled labor—such as electricians—make the prospects for steady employment even brighter.

Chris Trevino, Field Operations Manager for Outsource, talks about the benefits of structured cabling as a career option:

“A lot of those (added) jobs will go to skilled trade technicians in the construction industry, and structured cabling is a great skill to know. As you gain experience and knowledge, you will be given more responsibility on the job and have the opportunity to transition into other areas of structured cable, including A/V and security installation.”

It’s a Fast Track to a Paycheck

All training is done onsite at Outsource and is completed within a week. The company offers a bonus program for its field technicians:  After 520 hours on the job, they will reward you with a $200 bonus and a 6-foot ladder. There are also bonus increases at 1,040 hours and 2,080 hours.

Let Outsource Help You Jumpstart Your Career!

If you are an aspiring trade worker, Outsource can create a career opportunity by providing hands-on training by qualified trainers in a single week. If this sounds interesting to you, contact us for more information. We are the largest staffing firm in the nation specializing in the placement of low voltage and electrical talent.

Discover The Power of Real Partnership

Let's talk about the world of possibilities and how we can partner to make them a reality.

Our Latest Resources

What's new in the world of work? Check out the latest highlights, including staffing trends, top insights and more.

Where Can You Learn New Skills for Electrical Training? post thumbnail image
Outsource News
Be Ready to Answer These Questions at Your Next Job Interview

Whether this is your first job interview or you've done several already, you will probably find yourself with a case of nerves as it begins...

Where Can You Learn New Skills for Electrical Training? post thumbnail image
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Bridging Connections: Outsource Opens its 24th Office in Richmond, VA

 ..

Where Can You Learn New Skills for Electrical Training? post thumbnail image
Outsource News
Maneuvering Your Job Search Through a Pandemic

A global pandemic means times are uncertain, stressful and even a bit frightening. While the COVID-19 outbreak has not only caused a health crisis it has also caused an economic crisis as well...

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A Bright Future: Outlook for Growth in Cabling and Electrical Jobs

you’ve ever thought about becoming an electrician, now would be the time to act on it.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming an electrician, now would be the time to act on it. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of electricians is projected to grow nine percent from 2016 to 2026. New construction and the growing demand for alternative energy sources will fuel much of the job growth.

Those electricians who can take on a variety of assignments–solar photovoltaic installation, industrial wiring, and electronic systems repairs—will have the most opportunities.

Solar and wind are just two of the emerging power industries that will be requiring more electricians to install and maintain them. As time goes on, electricians will be needed in higher numbers to connect these alternative power sources to both homes and power grids.

Here are a few factors to consider as you contemplate your future as an electrician:

Our infrastructure is aging

The electrical grid in the U.S. is growing old. It’s becoming unreliable and obsolete, which means there will be a need for many electricians and skilled linesmen to update our transmission and generation facilities. The process will be labor-intensive, and that is good news for future job prospects.

New industries are emerging

Alternative energy systems, with wind and solar leading the pack, will require highly-skilled workers to get them up and running and to link them to the existing electrical networks.

New technology installed in current systems

Automation and electronics will be added to existing systems in a variety of industries. Electrical workers will be needed to install, operate, and maintain this equipment, increasing the demand for electricians for the foreseeable future.

A general shortage of skilled labor

The demand for electrical workers is increasing because there is a shortage of skilled labor in every industry. One factor is that the so-called baby boomers have retired or are planning to leave the workforce shortly, which means a significant number of replacement workers will be required to fill the void.

Also, the 2008 financial crisis resulted in an economic decline that caused many employers to curb hiring and cut apprenticeship programs. Because of the combination of these two factors, there will be a substantial reduction in the number of skilled electricians at a time of increasing demand.

There are no quick-fixes

Skilled workers, such as electricians, must go through a rather lengthy training process in either a vocational education program or an extended apprenticeship period. Unlike unskilled entry-level labor, increasing the supply of electricians and other skilled workers cannot be accomplished in a short time. Vocational education programs and long apprenticeship periods mean that it takes time to increase the pool of qualified workers.

Many high schools have begun promoting skilled trades as an attractive alternative to a four-year college. And some community programs are now raising awareness of the benefits of a career as an electrician or in the other skilled trades.

Let Outsource help you find your next job in the electrical field!

The skills shortage provides an opportunity to find work as an electrician. Contact the experts at Outsource. We are the largest staffing firm in the nation specializing in the placement of low voltage and electrical talent.

Discover The Power of Real Partnership

Let's talk about the world of possibilities and how we can partner to make them a reality.

Our Latest Resources

What's new in the world of work? Check out the latest highlights, including staffing trends, top insights and more.

A Bright Future: Outlook for Growth in Cabling and Electrical Jobs post thumbnail image
Outsource News
Be Ready to Answer These Questions at Your Next Job Interview

Whether this is your first job interview or you've done several already, you will probably find yourself with a case of nerves as it begins...

A Bright Future: Outlook for Growth in Cabling and Electrical Jobs post thumbnail image
Outsource News
Bridging Connections: Outsource Opens its 24th Office in Richmond, VA

 ..

A Bright Future: Outlook for Growth in Cabling and Electrical Jobs post thumbnail image
Outsource News
Maneuvering Your Job Search Through a Pandemic

A global pandemic means times are uncertain, stressful and even a bit frightening. While the COVID-19 outbreak has not only caused a health crisis it has also caused an economic crisis as well...

More Resources