At any construction site, it’s important to take the proper precautions to avoid accidents at all times–especially when dealing with electricity. Electrical safety is one of the primary safety concerns within a construction site due to the risks electricity poses. If you’re considering a career as a construction and maintenance electrician, read on to discover five different ways to improve on-site safety during your career. 

1. Those in Construction Careers Should Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Wearing personal protective equipment is the most important step that individuals can take to ensure their safety when working on a construction site. Within an area of electrical work, those in construction careers should wear footwear and gloves. When working in the vicinity of electrical wiring, a worker’s personal protective equipment should also include fire-resistant helmets and face shields in order to provide defense against potential shocks. While the level of protection depends on the amount of electricity a worker is exposed to, suiting up in proper personal protective equipment is always necessary when working on any construction site.

2. Choose the Right Testing Equipment

When working with electricity, using high-quality testing equipment is essential in order to assess the risk involved in any operation. Testing equipment, such as: receptacle testers, voltage detectors, and clamp metres, should be used in order to check wiring. This is to determine whether it’s grounded, dead, or requires safety gear. Using testing equipment is essential in preventing potential electrical accidents.

3. Use Circuit Breakers and Voltage Regulators to Avoid Electrical Issues

Accidents can happen despite taking preventative measures. If you’re seeking a career in construction, it’s important to be able to manage a potential crisis in order to prevent further damage. The best way to respond to emergencies is to use voltage regulators and circuit breakers. These devices will regulate power and protect against equipment damage in the event of a short circuit, a power surge, or another problem. 

4. Determine Electrical Hazards Through Proper Signage

On a construction site, a lack of awareness of potential electrical hazards may lead to electrical accidents. Project management software can be used to identify and track electrical hazards as they arise throughout the construction process. After the identification process, proper signage should be used to inform workers where electrical hazards are located within a construction site. Signage should include easy-to-read illustrations and language in order to ensure that all workers can understand the present risks. Utilizing proper signage throughout a construction site will improve safety and reduce the danger that on-site workers are exposed to. 

5. Never Work in Wet Conditions

Anyone familiar with electricity knows that when water comes into contact with electrical equipment and infrastructure, the risk of electrocution increases. With this in mind, all electrical equipment should be protected against possible exposure to water in a construction site. If water does infiltrate the site’s electrical infrastructure, shutting off the power supply immediately is the best way to prevent an accident. 

Following safety protocols can prevent accidents and save lives. In order to ensure the safety of all workers within a construction site, it’s important to incorporate these tips into an electrical safety plan and strictly implement them in practice. 

Ready to attend construction college?

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If you’re pursuing training in welding, know that there are a range of opportunities that await you in the industry today. Boilermaking, jewel and stonework, plumbing, and transportation assembly are just a few of the common options in this trade. The job market for skilled welders is expanding and now spans a wide range of manufacturing sectors. If you’re looking for a diverse, creative and manually-intensive career, welding offers rewarding prospects. 

A great welding program will include both theoretical and hands-on training. Trainee welders can expect to learn about the modern methods and uses of welding, and be ready to apply them to an industry-grade job upon graduating. 

To understand more about your options, let’s take a look at 4 surprising facts about this skill.

1. There Are Many Different Types of Welding

As a trainee welder, you’ll practice using a number of different methods. For those without any prior knowledge of the trade, welding school offers comprehensive training to 

get you to grips with the mechanics of welding. Welding courses will familiarize you with modern equipment used across different processes to prepare you for practical industry work. At the North American Trade School (NATS), students gain both theoretical and hands-on understanding of major welding methods. These include Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Flux Cored Arc Welding, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding. Upon graduating, students often have the chance to apply this knowledge to an apprenticeship as an ironworker, pipefitter, and more. 

2. Welding Teaches You Many Different Lessons

As a welder, you’ll master more than just manual and technical skills. It is a trade that teaches resilience, creativity, and organization when working in different settings. Welders are often exposed to smoke, heat, and other harsh substances in their work, while using technical equipment such as drills and grinders. Precision, stamina, and awareness of your surroundings are invaluable skills in this trade. In the NATS welder program, courses cover more than the basics of equipment and the processes of welding joints together. Students also learn the fundamentals of creating a safe working environment, and how to identify and control hazards in welding.  

3. Most Man-Made Substances Involve Welding

Over 50% of man-made products today are constructed using welding. From large-scale industrial equipment to automobiles, to personal computers, welding techniques are used in most manufacturing processes. At our NATS welding program, practical lab training teaches students the techniques essential to real-life productions. Over a 55-week program, students at NATS have plenty of access to on-campus labs. Here, they’ll gain first-hand experience of modern equipment, and be ready to apply that knowledge to work in their field. Courses at NATS also teach students how to decipher welding symbols on blueprints and apply basic math to perceive volume, area, and effective part layout. 

4. Welding Opens The Doors To Many Career Paths

Welding is a skill you can utilize across many different industries. Technological devices, transport links, and other industrial equipment all require welding to function. Welders can apply their skills to finish making popular consumer items such as toys, computers, and electronic devices. As such, modern production companies have an ever-growing demand for skilled welders. After completing an apprenticeship, trained welders can go on to work in the design and manufacturing of common appliances. A good welding college will offer you the training to support each and every career ambition. Graduates will come away with an experience of technical equipment, modern fabrication methods, and a trained eye for structure and design. 

Do you want to learn more about the benefits of a welding career? 

Contact North American Trade Schools today!

Staircases serve an important function in any home with more than just one floor. Stairs are necessary for moving from one level of the home to another, and they’re often heavily trafficked as a result. When renovating a house, there are many important factors to take into consideration before installing a staircase. Designs can take a variety of shapes and sizes, and there are advantages and disadvantages to the different types of staircases, as well as the materials used. If you’re interested in a career as a home renovation technician, read on to discover what you’ll need to know before installing a staircase.  

Useful Staircase Terminology for those with Home Renovation Training to Know

There are a few different terms that are useful to know if you’re embarking on a staircase installation project. First, a riser refers to the section between two stairs. A riser’s height is typically in between 5 and 8 inches. A tread is the term used to describe the horizontal section of a staircase where a person steps—the width of which can vary, depending on the user’s preferences. Headroom refers to the space between a stair and the ceiling above. Building codes will dictate the requirements for the headroom’s height, but it’s usually around 6’8”. 

The stringer supports the treads and risers. Finally, the handrail—also known as the railing—is the beam that runs parallel to the staircase to provide balance for those using the stairs. Together, all of these components make up the staircase. If you’re in home renovation technician school, read on to discover how these components can be used in different ways to create a variety of staircase types.

An Overview of Staircase Types 

The simplest type of staircase to construct is a straight stairs design. These stairs only need to be connected at the top and the bottom, without requiring additional support in the middle. If there are less than 16 risers, it’s also not necessary to install a landing along with the stairs— making construction relatively straightforward. Another common type of staircase is an L-shaped staircase. Within an L-shaped staircase, a landing marks a change in direction between two sets of stairs, often creating a 90 degree angle. L-shaped stairs are great for installation in the corners of a room, but the work to build them can often be more strenuous for home renovation pros. 

Although spiral stairs are less conventional, those with home renovation training may be required to install this type of design at some point in their career. Spiral stairs are more compact, and consist of treads attached to a central pole, radiating out in a helical arc. While these stairs require more careful attention from users when ascending or descending, their interesting design makes them a great option for a modern home.

Use These Materials When Constructing Staircases

When selecting the material you’ll use for a staircase, it’s important to keep in mind: how much the stairs will be used, who will be using the stairs, and what kind of aesthetic you’re going for. Wood is a popular option for use in a staircase. While it’s trickier to install, it can be a great option for high-traffic areas as it’s often more durable. If strength and durability is the goal, concrete or natural stone can be used to construct a staircase—although these materials are most often reserved for staircases on the exterior of the home. Lastly, steel or metal can also be used in the construction of staircases, as these materials are both lightweight and low maintenance.  

Want to become a home renovation technician?

Launch your career with the North American Trade Schools today!

While propane isn’t the most commonly used source of energy for a home, its use has been growing in popularity in recent years. Propane is used to fuel both home-heating furnaces and water heaters. It is also beneficial due to the lower amount of greenhouse gas emissions it produces, as well as its potential as a less costly source of energy. In a propane heating system, propane is stored in a designated tank. This is fitted to a home’s gas line and then transferred to the furnace, which delivers heat to the rest of the home. 

Propane is a convenient source of heat for a home, but it’s important to know how to maintain a propane heating system once it’s installed to ensure that it remains safe and effective. If you’re interested in a career as an HVAC technician, read on to discover three tips for maintaining a propane heating system. 

1. HVAC College Graduates Should Pay Attention to a Propane Heating System’s Pilot Light

Most propane heating systems operate through the use of a pilot light, which is a small flame that burns continuously. After HVAC school, it’s important to be familiar with how a propane heating system’s pilot light works in order to properly maintain these systems. In a propane heating system, the pilot light is located at the burner of the heating appliance that the propane fuel is being used for. The pilot light is also responsible for igniting the propane fuel to provide heat. 

When maintaining a propane system, check the colour of the pilot light. A pilot light’s flame should be blue in colour. But if it appears to be orange or yellow, the pilot tube may need to be cleaned. Additionally, if the pilot light frequently extinguishes, this could signal a larger problem with the propane heating system. In this case, all connections and tubes should be examined to ensure that there isn’t a leak.

2. A Propane Heating System Needs Regular Service

One of the most important things to know about propane heating systems is that they may require more regular maintenance than other heating systems. A propane tank can be regularly serviced by checking the tank’s fuel gauge. When this gauge indicates that there’s less than 20% of fuel remaining, it’s time for a refill. Additionally, it’s important to examine the tank itself regularly by checking the tightness of the connecting pipes and ensuring that there are sufficient levels of pressure. Make sure that the area around the tank is clear of any forms of clutter. If there are flammable materials in close proximity of the tank, remove them in order to reduce the risk of fire.

3. Take Measures to Prevent Leakage

While a propane leak is uncommon, graduates of HVAC technician courses should be proactive in preventing leakage. A propane leak can be extremely dangerous, as propane is flammable and can increase the risk of fire within a home. The chances of a leak in a propane system can be reduced by tightening and protecting the propane tank’s fittings. Where the gas line connects to the propane tank, ensure that the connection is properly sealed by using a wrench to tighten the connection. If a leak is suspected, the main gas valve should be turned off immediately in order to safely address the problem.

When properly maintained, propane systems can be an efficient source of heat for a client’s home. During your HVAC technician career, take the above steps to ensure that your client’s propane heating system is working safely and effectively.

Are you ready to enroll in HVAC college?

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Home renovation is an exciting choice for study and for a professional path. When you pursue home renovation as a career, you allow yourself to keep learning every day and develop skills that help people, while allowing you to see tangible results from your efforts. Home renovation school equips you with the skills you need to succeed, such as the basics of plumbing, carpentry, and stair construction.

There are some things that end up being very important after home renovation technician training that may surprise you. For example, communication is much more important than many realize, and you may spend quite a bit of your time speaking with homeowners. You also will need to be aware of tasks like record-keeping and managing dust, in addition to the various tasks you are responsible for.

If you’re curious about home renovation as a career and wondering what you need to know before chasing your dream, read on to learn more!

Things you Need to Know About Pursuing a Career in Home Renovation

It Involves a lot of Different Tasks

• Basic plumbing
• Carpentry
• Interior and exterior finishes
• Basic cabinetmaking
• Stair construction and installation
• Roof construction

These are all skills taught through hands-on training in a home renovation program. You may choose to specialize in your career!

Did you know? Kitchen renovations are a place many homeowners start to add value to their home.

You’ll Keep Learning

• No two homes are exactly alike
• You may work with others who have more experience
• You can solve problems and learn from challenges

Fun Fact: Basement suites are becoming more of a common renovation, as rising interest rates are creating a need for supplemental income.

Keeping Records Is Important

• Contracts are written records of agreements
• Records protect both you and the homeowner
• Keep a record of payment
• Keep copies of the emails or messages you exchange with homeowners
• Confirm information in writing using follow-up messages

You Will Make Mistakes Sometimes

• Things can go wrong on projects
• Owning up to the mistake right away is the professional response
• Communicate with the homeowner clearly
• Find a way to correct your work
• This approach makes you more trustworthy overall

Homeowners Are Curious

• Many people enjoy receiving tips and information on their homes
• Explaining your choices helps homeowners trust you
• Help people take better care of their homes

You’ll Find Dust Becomes an Issue

• The biggest cause of mess in home renovation is dust
• Dust spreads easily and gets in vents in homes
• You will benefit from techniques like covering vents

Insulation serves a vital function in every home: it prevents heat from flowing in and out. Thanks to insulation, a home can be kept cool in the summer while staying warm in the winter. However, not all insulation is created equal, and some homes are equipped with insulation that is less efficient than others. When insulation isn’t installed correctly or is located in the wrong places, a home can lose energy–resulting in a higher-than-average energy bill and a drafty living environment. 

If you’re interested in becoming a home inspector, there are four things you should know. They are: energy-efficient insulation, how energy-efficient insulation works, the various types of insulation, and where it should be installed. When equipped with knowledge about energy-efficient insulation, you’ll be able to accurately assess the insulation of a home to determine whether it’s doing its job, or if an upgrade is needed.

1. Those with Home Inspector Training Should Know How Energy-Efficient Insulation Works

Today, homes are more energy efficient than those of the past. This is due to developments in building products, smart appliances, and improved electrical systems. However, much of a home’s energy consumption depends on the amount of insulation used and where it’s installed. 

During your home inspector career, it’s important to check the insulation in a home’s roof, walls, floors, and other areas to determine its thickness and the material used. When insulation is optimized for efficiency and effectiveness, less heat or cold air will escape through its exterior–putting less strain on ventilation systems and resulting in reduced energy consumption.

2. There Are Many Different Types of Energy-Efficient Insulation

There are many different kinds of insulation which can be used in a home, and different types of insulation materials have different advantages. Insulation’s efficiency is measured as an R-value. R refers to the resistance to the flow of heat. As a home inspector, it’s important to identify the material of insulation in a home in order to determine its R-value. Cellulose, fiberglass, and spray foam insulation are all commonly used insulation materials within a home, and each of these will have a different R-value. 

3. Insulation Should Be Installed in Many Different Areas of a Home

Once the existing insulation’s efficiency has been determined, those with home inspector training can move on to check all areas of a home where insulation should be installed. Many homes use excessive amounts of energy due to the fact that many areas are left un-insulated. When inspecting a home, check that there is sufficient insulation in a home’s roof, walls, attic, floors and foundation. If any of these areas aren’t equipped with insulation already, some form of the material should be installed as soon as possible to improve the home’s energy efficiency. 

4. Insulation can be Measured to Determine its Efficiency 

When assessing a home’s insulation for energy efficiency, it’s important to measure the insulation in place in addition to determining which areas which need to be insulated. The efficiency of a home’s insulation can be measured using an equation. First, identify the material of the insulation, and conduct research to find this insulation type’s R-value. Next, multiply this R-value by the thickness of the insulation in place. The resulting number can be compared to standard recommendations to confirm whether the amount of insulation in place is suitable to provide adequate insulation against air flow. Existing insulation may need to be upgraded for increased thickness, depending on the results. 

When establishing whether a home is energy efficient, it’s important to check where the insulation is located, as well as whether additional insulation needs to be installed. Those seeking a career in home inspection can help homeowners to reduce their energy bill by identifying areas for insulation improvement, and recommending changes that will maximize energy efficiency.

Are you ready to become a home inspector?

Get the training you need with a program at the North American Trade Schools!

Cabinets are an essential component of any kitchen, providing storage and giving the room a unified appearance. The design and installation of a cabinet set can make or break a space, and unfortunately, there are many possible mistakes that can be made throughout the cabinet making process. If you’re interested in a career in cabinetry, you’ll be building and installing cabinets for your clients’ homes. 

Here are the top mistakes that cabinetry professionals make, and how to avoid them.

1. Those with Cabinet Making Training Should Remember to Plan for Function

When cabinets are correctly placed, it’s easy not to notice how much space they take up, or how frequently they’re being opened and closed. However, if the design and layout of a set of cabinets makes it inconvenient to move and operate within a space or access items stored within them, this is a sign that the cabinets are not placed correctly.

In order to avoid a poorly designed cabinet layout, those in cabinet making school should remember to plan ahead and account for the intended function of a space. Cabinets should store clutter rather than create it, and in order to maximize their potential, it’s important to place cabinets in areas where they will be useful. For example, a storage cabinet next to the oven should be big enough for pots and pans, and a spice drawer should be nearer to the stove than the fridge. Planning a cabinet layout in advance will ensure that cabinets are being used properly and saving space instead of creating problems.

2. Don’t Forget About Alignment!

Even the nicest set of cabinets can’t distract a viewer from an alignment issue. When installing cabinets in a home, it’s not uncommon for cabinet makers to forget to correctly level the cabinets. Leveling cabinets is especially important in older homes, where the floors and walls tend to be uneven. Installing cabinets on uneven surfaces can make them appear unbalanced, and it’s important for cabinet makers to take the measurements necessary to ensure precise alignment beforehand. By taking measurements, cabinet makers will know where cabinets need to be leveled in order to create a finished, uniform look. 

3. Failing to Account for Appliances

Cabinets take up a good deal of space, and if they are not correctly installed, they may interfere with the appliances they are built around. A set of cabinets should integrate seamlessly with the appliances in their vicinity, but one of the most common mistakes that cabinetry professionals can make is failing to account for the size of these appliances when performing an installation. Not measuring the appliances correctly can result in the inability to fit cabinets into their intended space, or the doors of appliances and cabinets clashing when open. 

Before installation, professionals with cabinet making training will want to take stock of the appliances within a space, ensuring that the cabinets will be able to fit around them. In order to create a more cohesive look, cabinets should be similar in depth to larger appliances like refrigerators and ovens. Depending on the client, cabinetry professionals may also want to measure smaller appliances such as microwaves or stand mixers, so that cabinets are able to store these properly.

4. Applying the Wrong Paint

For those pursuing a career in cabinet making, another mistake to avoid involves applying the wrong kind of paint to the cabinetry set. Whether they’re located in the washroom or the kitchen, cabinets are used frequently. Thus, it’s important that the appropriate paint is used to prolong the longevity of the cabinets and allow for easy cleaning. Cabinet making professionals should avoid using water based paint. These paints are not stain resistant, making them a poor choice for functional cabinets. Instead, opt for an oil based paint, which is stain resistant and requires less maintenance.

Are you ready to enroll in cabinet making courses?

NATS has got the program for you. Launch your career today!

In a welding project, arc-on time has a direct effect on the number of parts completed during manufacturing operations. However, what many manufacturers don’t realize is that the average arc-on time is typically 10% to 12% of the welding process. Increasing arc-on time can result in improved productivity and cost savings, and thus, welding professionals should make boosting this metric a priority. There are many factors that contribute to improved arc-on time, and in order to see results, the entire welding process must be considered. 

If you’re training for a career as a welder, here are three ways to increase arc-on time during a welding project.

1. If You’re in a Welding Career, Increase Arc-On Time By Choosing the Right Welding Process

If you’re having trouble increasing your arc-on time, start by analyzing the welding process you’re using. Making a change to the process can result in improved efficiency and increased arc-on time, but many manufacturers are hesitant to make this change due to the reapproval and further training necessary to switch processes. Options for welding processes include standard GMAW (gas metal arc welding), modified short-circuit GMAW, or a pulsed GMAW process. Switching from a standard to a pulsed process can result in benefits such as increased travel speeds, lower heat input, and reduced amounts of spatter, contributing to increased arc-on time. 

Professionals in a welding career can also make changes to their process by utilizing metal-cored or flux-cored wires instead of a solid wire, which is conventionally used in GMAW applications. Depending on the materials being welded, a metal-cored wire can result in faster travel speeds to boost arc-on time. Welders may also utilize different shielding gases to improve the productivity of their process. Most manufacturing operations utilize 100% carbon dioxide shielding gas, but substituting a mixed gas, such as one composed of 90% argon and 10% carbon dioxide, can produce fewer spatters and faster travel speeds. This allows welders to spend less time on post-weld grinding—increasing arc-on time.

2. Welders Can Check Their Parameters and Consumables to Increase Arc-On Time

Arc-on time can be negatively impacted by inaccurate parameters and faulty consumables–factors which not only increase inefficiency, but are preventable. When welding professionals check that their parameters are correctly inputted before beginning the welding procedure, they can reduce the chances of having to solve issues through rework or spending excess time on post-weld cleanup. Professionals can check parameters such as heat input, travel speed, and wire stick-out. With the right travel speed heat will be controlled, reducing spatter and optimizing penetration. Additionally, if too much wire is sticking out, there will be excessive spatter, requiring more rework and extra post-weld cleanup.

Before beginning the welding process, those in welding technician training can also ensure that their consumable connections are properly adjusted and correctly installed. Welding professionals can check for loose connections or worn weld cables to prevent a poor quality welding job or increased spatter. If the quality of these connections is confirmed beforehand, troubleshooting time can be reduced. 

3. Take Advantage of Technology to Increase Arc-On Time

Advances in technology offer many advantages to welders looking to improve their arc-on time and increase efficiency. Technology is being increasingly used to improve welding power sources–making welding machines more accurate and easier to use. Some welding power sources today feature synergetic control, which allows them to automatically make changes in accordance with the operator’s adjustments. This also allows the operator to increase their arc-on time without worrying about parameters. Today, welding systems also offer a simplified machine setup–reducing the time welders spend setting up by adjusting other parameters according to the material thickness. These technologies improve accuracy, reducing spatter and post-weld cleaning to optimize arc-on time.

While these three factors contribute to increased arc-on time, those interested in entering a career in welding can also increase their arc-on time by receiving the proper training. Students at the North American Trade Schools’ (NATS) welding program benefit from hands-on training to prepare for a welding career. For welding graduate Emily Harrison, her “favourite thing about [NATS] was the knowledge of the teachers and how much practical work you were able to do.” With training from NATS, you’ll be equipped to identify ways in which arc-on time can be increased throughout your welding career. 

Are you interested in taking welding courses?

The North American Trade Schools’ welding program can launch your career—learn more today!