Blue Collar and Proud of It: The All-In-One Resource for Finding Freedom, Financial Success, and Security Outside the Cubicle (16 page)

Most grounds maintenance workers learn on-the-job and from coworkers about howto properly plant shrubs, collect leaves, or efficiently mow a lawn.However, some occupationsmay require formal training in areas such as landscape design or horticulture. There are also programs and certifications that offer courses on landscaping and treemaintenance. When it comes to handling pesticides, many states require a license.

The Numbers

Landscapers and groundskeepers will see some of the largest employment growth of any sector between 2006 and 2016. It is expected that available jobswill increase 18 percent, whichmeans an additional 270, 000 positions. In 2006, there were approximately 1.5million jobs in this field, including about 41, 000 in specialized tree care. Almost 24 percent of grounds maintenance workers were self-employed, and approximately 14 percent worked part-time.

Homeowners have an increasing desire to beautify their lawns, to make a good impression, and to have an outdoor space inwhich to entertain. Much of this demand and industry growth is expected to come from the construction of office buildings, shoppingmalls, and housing developments. All of this naturally boosts the demand for landscapers. Aswell, it is predicted that as our country’s population ages, more elderly homeowners will require lawn care services.

HEATING, AIR-CONDITIONING,
AND
REFRIGERATION MECHANIC
AND
INSTALLER

Climate controlmeans year-round comfort, fromwarmth in the winter to cool air-conditioning in the summer.Controlled humidity and temperatures are found just about everywhere, fromhomes and commercial buildings tomuseums, arenas, and hotels. Installation of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration requiresmultiple skills, and themaintenance of the various systems is a crucial piece of this industry.

The Work

This industry includes heating and air-conditioning systems and refrigeration systems. More specifically it involves heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration and is often referred to as HVACR systems, or even just HVAC. HVAC systems include many mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, so technicians must be able to maintain, diagnose, and correct problems throughout an entire system.

Servicing air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment involves the careful recovery and recycling of refrigerants.HVAC installers and technicians should be comfortable using a variety of basic tools as well as pressure gauges and voltmeters. During the off-season, many of these systems can be updated, maintained, or cleaned. Winter is a great time for HVACworkers to clean residential or commercial air-conditioning units, and the same goes for heating systems in the summer.

High school classes in shop, math, mechanical drawing, electronics, and computer applications are all great backgrounds for anyone interested in working in theHVAC industry. Some knowledge of plumbing or electrical work is also helpful, and a basic understanding of electronics is becomingmore important. Sometimes the work can be demanding and regularly involves dealing with individual customers or institutional clients.

Work Setting

HVACmechanics and installers work in homes, retail establishments, hospitals, office buildings, and anywhere there is climate-control equipment. Technicians may work outside in cold or hot weather or in buildings that are uncomfortable. Conditions are always less desirable if the systems are broken. Safety is important when handling refrigerants and some risks are involved with the work, such as falling or getting burned.

Training and Certification

Because of the increasing sophistication of HVAC systems, people who have completed postsecondary training programs are at an advantage. Some people still learn informally on the job. Many secondary and postsecondary schools offer six-month to two-year training programs. Students study theory of temperature control, equipment design and construction, and electronics. They also learn the basics of installation, maintenance, and repair. Technicians often train through these apprenticeships, many of which are offered through unions.

Some states require thatHVACmechanics and installers be licensed. Requirements for these licenses vary, and some require extensive knowledge of electrical codes. Others may require the completion of an apprenticeship program. Technicians who work with refrigerants must be certified to do so by an organization or licensing center approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Concern for the environment has prompted the development of new energy-saving heating and air-conditioning systems. With these there is an emphasis on better energymanagement, which is expected to lead residential and commercial customers to replace their existing systems. Technicians will have to become more knowledgeable about the new components, and thosewho are familiarwith these newsystemswill have more job opportunities.

The Numbers

HVAC installers held about 292, 000 jobs in 2006 and about 55 percent worked for contractors. Employment is projected to increase 9 percent, which ismore than 26, 000 jobs, between 2006 and 2016 as there continues to be a growing focus on improving indoor air quality. The need to upgrade systems will be another source of job growth as will retirement by older workers.

Median hourly earnings of HVAC mechanics and installers were $18.11 as of May 2006, with the middle 50 percent earning between $14.12 and $23.32 an hour. Apprentices usually begin at about half the wages of experienced workers.

INDUSTRIAL MACHINE MECHANIC

Industrialmachinemechanics are highly skilled and specializedwork-ers whomaintain and repairmachinery in amanufacturing plant or factory. They are the ones who are called in when assembly line equipment fails or when major equipment needs repair. Most start off as machine maintenance workers or as millwrights and work their way up to the mechanic level.

The Work

The basic maintenance and repair of expensive and massive indus-trialmachines is done by industrialmaintenance workers, but the larger repairs and work are performed by the industrial mechanics. These mechanics must be able to detect the smallest of problems and correct thembefore they become significant.Themachinerymechanics use technical manuals, understanding of equipment, and diagnostic skills to determine problems and find solutions. Computer diagnostics are increasingly a means for testing and troubleshooting problems with the machines. Industrial mechanics must also have electrical skills.

Work Setting

Most industrialmechanicswork in factories or other production facilities andmay be expected to work weekends or after hours when the production plants are not operating, so as to avoid disrupting efficiency and productivity. Many mechanics will find themselves on tall ladders or in other awkward positions, although safety regulations and precautions make this a relatively safe job.

Training and Certification