Air Date: 1-6-2012| Episode: 230
This week on IAQ Radio we will discuss water damage, fire, odor and association news issues...
Full Description:
This week on IAQ Radio we will discuss water damage, fire, odor and association news issues. What should a new employee for a disaster restoration company expect as part of their job duties? What are the opportunities and qualifications to do this work? What is the typical workday like? What education level is required? We will also discuss The Clean Trust issues with Bill Weigand and explore the role of regional trade associations that own The Clean Trust with Connections Events and TRSCA BOD member Gary Loiben.
Z-Man’s Blog:
Bill Weigand & Gary Loiben
Restoration Employment Primer
The cleaning and restoration (C&R) field is less prone to be adversely effected by downturns in the economy than other trades. On today’s broadcast of IAQradio, restoration industry technical trainers Bill Weigand and Gary Loiben, joined IAQradio co-hosts RadioJoe Hughes, Cliff Z-Man Zlotnik and IAQradio’s Technical Director Dieter Weyel, PhD to provide guidance to those considering employment in the cleaning and restoration field.
Nuggets mined from today’s show:
· The C&R field is unusual in that, while in most fields employees pay for their own training prior to getting a job, employers pay for the cost of training their employees.
· The majority of industry training is done in technical courses of 1-5 day duration. University level coursework in disaster restoration is available at Purdue University.
· A wide range of positions are available: laborer, tradesmen, cleaners, supervisors, estimators, project managers, sales and marketing, human relations, etc.
· C&R field offers employment for both males and females. Good opportunity for upward mobility.
· Some tasks in C&R are deemed hazardous and require the donning of personal protective equipment.
· During training don’t be afraid to ask questions.
· If you have a learning disability or special needs please advise the instructor during course registration as they may be able to make special accommodations.
· Ensure that you understand the information and concepts. Many instructors are willing to provide additional help and assistance to students.
· Among the pre-requisites for employment in the C&R field: high school education, proof of citizenship, good credit report, driver’s license, willingness to learn, availability to work long hours, willingness to report to work on very short notice, etc.
· Get involved in the course.
· Mistakes are a natural part of learning, it’s preferable to make mistakes and learn from then in class than it is to make them on the job.
· Training is a shared experience, bond and network with students during and after training.
· Get to know the instructors, so that you will be able to call upon them for technical support in the future.
· All adults were once young and naïve, our advice to today’s youth is to be very careful about what you put on Facebook.
Today’s Music: “We Don’t Need No Education” by The Wall
Dieter made a reading recommendation: Exploring the Dangerous Trades: The Autobiography of Alice Hamilton, MD
Z-Man signing off