National Skilled Trades Day 2023
National Skilled Trades Day
National Skilled Trades Day raises awareness about the value of the skilled trades workforce and recognizes skilled trades workers. To shed light on what it is like to work in the trades, respondents were asked questions about their roles and experiences within the industry.
Respondents:
Adam Gilmer, Journeyman
Andrew Meshell, Superintendent
Anthony Ortiz, Journeyman
John Mann, Superintendent
Nick Jones, Journeyman
Ronald Wright, Journeyman
What inspired you to join the trades?
Andrew Meshell: I wanted to be a part of building my community. Literally. The buildings we are a part of constructing contribute to saving lives, bringing products that change lives, and entertainment venues. It’s rewarding.
Ronald Wright: I wanted to be familiar with electricity because I was shocked by a meter base when I was around ten. I climbed on top of the house and stepped on the meter; it fell and burst on the patio. Panicking, I plugged it back into the meter base, and it shocked me while exploding. I was knocked unconscious. Once I got into high school, I pursued electrical studies, and I am still going strong in my 42nd year of electrical services.
What do you enjoy most about working in the trades?
Adam Gilmer: I like the grittiness of it. I love to work hard against a big task, and when I’ve overcome it, to stand back and say, “Man, did I just do that? Did I make that happen?” It’s a great feeling.
John Mann: I enjoy the challenge of taking drawings and installing all connections on the drawings to meet plumbing code compliance.
Nick Jones: Every day and every job is different and presents different challenges.
What advice would you give someone interested in joining the trades?
Adam Gilmer: As long as you have a solid work ethic, jump in and get your hands dirty. Knowing a trade is a great thing to take pride in.
Andrew Meshell: Learn as much as you can. Get every certification or license available. Put pride into every task.
Anthony Ortiz: Never stop wanting to learn.
What is the biggest misconception about working in the trades?
Andrew Meshell: I’ve met some of the most intelligent people in my life working here. I’ve also seen just how complex and challenging, physically and mentally, this trade is.
John Mann: The biggest misconception is you know it all. I’m almost 70 years old and still learning to keep up with new changes.
Why is maintaining a safe jobsite important?
Adam Gilmer: I don’t want to see anyone get hurt or worse; I would hate for anything to happen to me or someone I worked with. I want everyone on the jobsite I’m on to go home safely to their families every night.
Andrew Meshell: As a supervisor, I’m not just responsible for my own safety. My crew’s safety is just as important as my safety. Seeing everyone go home to their families every day helps keep me motivated and focused on safety.
Anthony Ortiz: Safety is Brandt’s first and utmost concern.
At Brandt, we proudly employ numerous individuals in the skilled trades. Join our team by visiting our Brandt Careers Page.