• Strategies for Navigating Layoffs and Securing Your Job

    In today’s uncertain job market, navigating layoffs can be a daunting task. However, with the right strategies and mindset, it’s possible to dodge layoffs and secure your position within your company. Here are some tips based on my personal experience of successfully avoiding the first wave of layoffs at my workplace. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a proactive and positive attitude, you can increase your chances of dodging layoffs and securing your job in today’s competitive work environment. Remember to stay adaptable and continuously improve your skills to remain valuable to your organization.

  • My First Day as an Electrician Apprentice: A Journey of Learning

    Excitement and nerves filled me as I prepared for my first day as an electrician apprentice. The dispatcher had advised me to arrive at least half an hour before the job began, but my eagerness led me to the job site a whole hour earlier. Eager to embark on this new journey, I was introduced to my journeyman mentor, Ben, a seasoned professional who appeared to be in his 50s+ with a friendly, stocky build. To my surprise, the day’s task involved upgrading the HVAC system, which struck me as unusual for electricians. However, it became clear that our role was focused on the electrical aspect of the upgrade. As…

  • My Journey into a Non-Union Electrician Apprenticeship: Patience, Persistence, and Success

    In 2018, I set my sights on becoming an electrician, determined to join an apprenticeship program. At first, I leaned toward the union route, knowing it was often regarded as the gold standard in the industry. But there was a catch: the limited sign-up windows for union apprenticeships made it difficult to even get my foot in the door. After several attempts to time it just right, I started looking at alternatives. That’s when I discovered the non-union path, and to my surprise, it was much more accessible. Unlike the union, non-union programs offered year-round sign-ups. While I knew the union had its advantages, I decided to take the plunge…