Just over a year ago we published a blog topic from the 2008 CONEXPO/CON-AGG trade show. The construction industry had shown signs of decline, but record attendance at the show and a sense of optimism among attendees gave us hope that investment in the nation’s infrastructure and other related sectors would offer some respite from the ongoing housing crisis.

Undoubtedly, it has been a rough year since that show. Construction industry giants like Caterpillar and Oshkosh Corporation have laid off thousands of workers. Construction on many active projects has slowed or even stopped. Cities and villages that rely on tax revenues from new construction projects are struggling to fund services. Even construction magazines that rely on advertising revenues from construction companies like Caterpillar and Oshkosh have begun closing their doors.

Very few sectors of the economy have been immune to the ripple effects of the downturn in the construction industry.

But, there has to be a bottom, and the question is, have we hit it? There are some encouraging signs — higher than expected consumer confidence numbers and the initiation of some infrastructure projects funded through the economic recovery program. However, there are also many discouraging signs — continually increasing unemployment numbers, difficulty obtaining credit and more.

What is your take? Do you think the construction industry has hit bottom, or is the worst yet to come? Is there anything that can be done to improve the condition of the construction industry? Share your thoughts by posting a comment below.

Most people understand the need to convince high school students that the skilled trades offer financially and personally rewarding career paths. While the problem is obvious, figuring out how we got away from the skilled trades and how to get back on track is a little trickier.

Recently, a professional educator offered Miller the following thoughts on the state of high school trades education.

According to the instructor,
“High school educators continue to persist in lowering the standards by using the remaining craft training as a place where they place failing students, special needs students, or the school trouble makers … Good students, who would make excellent craftsman, are discouraged and even belittled for wanting to choose a trade where they will sweat and get dirty to make a living.”

He believes an absence of partnerships between schools and industries is one of the primary causes of decreased enrollment in the skilled trades.

He comments,
“(The problem is caused by a) lack of industry involvement by way of advisory committees…playing a role in deciding what should be taught and maintaining standards.  In some cases the school administrators discourage formation of these committees or limit them to a once a year meeting/dinner. These committees must be more active and willing to take issues to a higher level if that is the only way standards can be upheld.”

What are your thoughts? Do you agree with this educator’s belief that good students are often discouraged from pursuing a career in the trades?  Do you agree that advisory committees must exist to set educational standards for acceptable skilled trades education? Is there anything else you think needs to be done to show students the potential benefits of a skilled trades career? Share your thoughts in a comment below.

Whether you’re employed or not, job hunting is never a fun process. Facing rejection is always difficult, and right now the competition for available welding jobs is as stiff as it has been in years, if not decades.

On the bright side, the Internet offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for job seekers, particularly those willing to travel. In addition to Web sites dedicated specifically to matching welders and employers, many reputable organizations — such as the American Welding Society and the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association — maintain online job boards for their members.

Staffing services often provide the skilled welder with an opportunity to apply for multiple jobs with a single processing interview.

Another option if you have your own equipment is to become your own boss and work as an independent contractor. This option can be risky, but it can also be very rewarding, both personally and professionally.

What has been your recent job hunting experience? If you’re employed right now, have you been looking for new jobs just in case the pink slip arrives? Have you found the Internet a good resource for locating available jobs, or have you had more luck tapping your resources of friends and colleagues? Share your thoughts by posting a comment below.