So you want to grow and preserve your own food, but are a little short on time? No problem. Here are the edibles that take the least amount of effort on your part, and why. Carrots: Let me recommend to you a carrot mix such as ‘Kaleidoscope’ (shown), which not only offers a wonderful variety of color but also different days to harvest times. Simply brush away some of the soil around your carrots to see which ones are ready when you are. Mulch well in the fall and you can harvest fresh carrots long into the winter months. Garlic: We plant garlic cloves here in the Northeast in the fall, and harvest late in the summer. You can eat some of the garlic scapes that form on hardneck varieties shortly before the harvest, likewise the greens from the softnecks. If they are well mulched, you shouldn’t need to bother with them at all. Once they are ready, simply store in cold holding. Walking onions or perennial onions: So simple to grow and harvest, year after year. When you need an onion, simply pick a whole scallion or cut the green top. No problems; unless you pick them all, they’ll come back. Herbs: Most grow like weeds and containing them may prove to be the hardest part. So really, contain them; they’ll be fine that way. Harvest herbs as you need them, then simply freeze or hang upside down in a brown lunch bag to dry. Store dry herbs in a covered container. Thinking of planting a little parsley or cilantro for chili? Why not? If your cilantro bolts and goes to seed, all the better; gather up those seeds because now you have coriander. Winter squash: Whereas most summer squash types need some looking after and routine harvesting, the winter varieties can be left unattended until the frost comes. Gently harvest and bring indoors where they will keep for months. How long depends on the variety and storage conditions, but most should last well into the winter. Summer squash: There’s always an exception, right? The heirloom summer squash ‘Tatume’, if ignored or forgotten, will simply grow a harder rind and can be harvested and stored like a winter squash. Does it get any better than that?

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2014 CONTACT: Jill Fratkin 978-562-0770, x30 Congresswoman Tsongas Visits Lo share facebook PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Congresswoman Tsongas Visits Local Contractor’s Recently Completed Military Training Facility at Ft. Devens LANCASTER, MA – On Thursday, October 29, 2014, Security Construction Services, Inc., (SCS), a general contractor based in Hudson, Massachusetts , celebrated the completion of its latest range construction project at Fort Devens. Congresswoman Tsongas, Ft Devens’ leaders and a SCS lender attended the event. The range built by SCS and referred to as “Bravo Range” is designed for target training and qualification evaluation for combat pistol users and military police. The range includes 96 stationary infantry targets, 12 firing lanes, and 12 barricades. All targets are fully automated and allow for computer-driven, event-specific target scenarios with scoring and immediate feedback for participants at the Operations Tower on site. The Bravo Range build-out also included the construction of six facilities: an operations tower; an operations and storage building; a classroom facility; a latrine pad; a bleacher enclosure; a covered mess; and an ammunition breakdown building. This upgraded range replaces a smaller 8-lane target range with pneumatic pop-up targets – outdated and highly susceptible to adverse weather conditions. “This range is at the forefront of range construction across the nation, ” said Keith Jackson, Chief of Range Control, South Post – Ft Devens. “The new Bravo Range will operate all 12 months of the year, 24/7, to meet demand and further troop readiness in the region.” “When Security Construction Services, based in Hudson, needed some assistance connecting with the right people at the Army Corps of Engineers, my office was able to help clear lines of communication, ” said Congresswoman Tsongas. “As a result, this small, women-owned business was able to effectively work with the Army to deliver their services ahead of schedule. The new pistol range at Fort Devens will be a resource to members of the National Guard and Reserves, as well as other federal and state officers, giving them a quality, local site to train and practice. I appreciate the opportunity to be there to mark the completion of this project and to see firsthand how it supports soldier training and preparedness.” “We are pleased to play a small part in aiding our troops’ readiness, ” said Janet Ceddia, President of Security Construction Services. “This range exemplifies Security Construction’s skills and capabilities and desire to stay at the vanguard of military construction. We are grateful to the Army, USACE and Range Control staff for being a collaborative team throughout all phases of the project.” Ceddia also acknowledged one of its lenders, Mass Growth Capital Corp (MGCC), for providing working capital and bonding collateral for the company. “MGCC’s support ensured the project progressed without any financial challenges or impediments, ” she said. # # # About Security Construction Services… Security Construction Services (SCS) offers general contracting and specialty services to federal agencies, public municipalities and commercial clients throughout New England. Their construction services focus on interior fit-out and building renovations, exterior upgrades, Access Control Point (ACP) improvements, security enhancements, military firing range construction, and secure construction (e.g., SCIFs, data centers). The Company has completed successful contracts with the US Army, US Air Force, US Army Reserve, US Coast Guard, DOT, FEMA, Veterans Administration, as well as scores of municipalities and commercial clients. SCS is certified as a disadvantaged, woman-owned business (DBE/WBE) at both the state (SDO) and federal 8(m) levels. The company has been in business since 2002 and employees roughly 30 to 45 employees, depending on the season. The owners of Security Construction Services are Janet and Chris Ceddia of Hopkinton, MA. About Fort Devens… As the major Army Reserve presence in New England, Fort Devens provides operational, training and logistic resources to tenant, transient training and stationed units and area customers; provides standardized, effective and efficient services, facilities, infrastructure and quality of life to Soldiers, Family Members, Retirees and Civilian Employees as applicable to support the training, readiness and operational capability for all components and branches of the joint force, accomplished through responsible execution of funds and effective conservation of natural resources. On order, provides Defense Support to Civil Authorities, as directed. Fort Devens is conveniently located approximately 40 miles West of Boston off Route 2 and only 7 miles from I-495 Fort Devens is funded by Army Reserve, operates under the Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) Northeast Region, and is a subordinate installation of Fort Dix missioned to support all military services, both reserve and active. Devens supports local, state, and other federal agencies when possible on a reimbursable basis. The South Post Training Area at Fort Devens supports over 130, 000 Service Members and other personnel annually. South Post includes 25 Firing Ranges, 24 Training Facilities, and 26 Company Size Training Areas. About Congresswoman Tsongas… Congresswoman Niki Tsongas was elected to the United State House of Representatives in a 2007 special election, becoming the first woman in 25 years to serve in Congress from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She represents the Massachusetts Third District, which had previously been known as the Fifth District until her most recent reelection in 2012. Tsongas holds the same seat that was held three decades earlier by her late husband, former Congressman, U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Paul Tsongas. The Third District spans across portions of Essex, Middlesex and Worcester counties – and includes both Hudson, MA, and Ft, Devens. About Mass Growth Capital Corp (MGCC)… The Mission of the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation is to create and preserve jobs at small businesses, women and minority owned businesses, and to promote economic development in underserved, gateway municipalities and low and moderate income communities. In 2010, Governor Deval Patrick signed into law an economic development bill designed to help small businesses create jobs, in part by providing greater access to capital through the creation of the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation. New capital of $35, 000, 000 was provided. Formation of MGCC involved consolidation of the Massachusetts Community Development Finance Corporation (CDFC) and the Economic Stabilization Trust (EST).

The service department at Arrow Ford is dedicated to providing excellent service to all of our customers. Our factory-trained service technicians can diagnose and repair any issue your vehicle may have, and perform any maintenance your Ford needs. HOURS Service & Parts Hours Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday CLOSED Sales & Finance Hours Monday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Wednesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM We only use Ford OEM parts to ensure that all repairs are of the highest quality. Whether it is an oil change or a major repair, our certified technicians will work to make sure the work is done quickly and efficiently to get you back on the road as soon as possible. To schedule a service appointment at Arrow Ford, use our online form or call us at (325) 692-9502. If you have any questions about any service or maintenance your vehicle may need, please give us a call so we can assist you.

Spending more than $400 annually on maintenance and repairs may sound like a lot, but it's nothing compared to the added expense of buying a new car, especially if your current car is paid off. In fact, by some estimates, every five years you drive your car after paying it off saves you the monetary equivalent of a new car. To understand how, let's compare a new car to a paid-off car with standard maintenance. To make it interesting, let's stack the deck in the new car's favor by saying that you drive 24, 000 miles (38, 624 kilometers) per year, which is double the national average. In five years, that adds up to 120, 000 miles (193, 121 kilometers) under your wheels, which translates to 35 to 40 oil changes. At $40 apiece, you're looking at $1, 400 to $1, 600 - let's call it $1, 500. Figure in another $2, 200 for miscellaneous service costs (filters, hoses, tire rotations and so on) and another $1, 500 for a few major items like a timing belt replacement, new brakes and shock absorbers. Tally that up and you get $5, 200, or around $1, 040 per year. Now let's compare that to a new car. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the average price of a new car sold in the United States in 2009 was $28, 966, but we'll lowball it and say you found a good deal at $24, 000 and financed $20, 000 at 7 percent interest for 48 months. That comes out to a monthly payment of just under $479, which tallies to $5, 747 per year [source: U.S. Federal Trade Commission]. In other words, for the cost of owning a new car for one year, you could own a paid-off car for five years, drive it into the ground, and still have money left over for tolls.

Your address is not stored by us and the information provided is solely used for the purpose of providing directions. The information for some communities may not yet be available in Google Maps Directions From DFW Airport: Take the north airport exit and proceed onto TX-121 North/NTTA Sam Rayburn Tollway. Travel on Sam Rayburn Tollway and TX-121 for 7.4 miles. Take the I-35 S exit toward Dallas and merge onto the Interstate. Take exit 445B to merge onto the President George Bush Turnpike E. Continue on the Bush Turnpike for 12.7 miles. Take exit toward Custer Parkway. Turn left onto Custer Road and travel north 1.8 miles. After Park Lane, the community will be on your right. From US-75 and I-635: Head northeast on US-75 and exit west toward the President George Bush Turnpike. Exit Custer Road and turn right onto Custer. Travel 1.8 miles and after Park Lane; West Park will be on your right. For GPS Users: Enter the address 2001 Custer Road, Plano TX, 75075. From this address, travel north on Custer Road for .2 miles and take your first right onto Ironside Drive to enter West Park. Continue past the Estates model. The road becomes Cladding Drive. The Villas model will be on your left.

November 1, 2012 - When I teach OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour classes for construction and general industry, we inevitably talk about head protection; and that means we discuss hard hats. Over the years I’ve noticed there are five questions about hard hats that are repeatedly asked by trainees during that section of the OSHA training class. However, the Federal OSHA standards on head protection do not directly address these five questions (although some of the state OSHA programs might). And if you’ve ever researched the Federal OSHA letters of interpretation about hard hat use in construction (see list) or general industry (see list), you’ve found they generally defer to the hard hat manufacturers on issues about proper use and care, recommending employers follow their guidance. So I thought I’d list these five questions that often come up about hard hats, and provide the answers that are provided by three of the major manufacturers of hard hats on their web sites. And you may be surprised (or maybe not) to find that the manufacturers are not always in agreement on the answers! Please note these recommendations are based on these manufacturers’ web sites as of the date this blog was created; always check the manufacturer’s web site as well as the printed materials that come with your hard hat for their latest recommendations. And be aware that in some cases, the manufacturers’ guidance listed here are restricted to a particular model or type of hard hat; in those cases, information about a different model of hard hat will have to be obtained from that manufacturer. QUESTION #1 – Can I wear a ball cap beneath my hard hat? MSA V-Gard: “The use of a baseball cap may interfere with the capability of the suspension of our helmets to work properly during an impact. Therefore, it is MSA’s recommendation that you should not place a baseball cap between your head and the suspension.” BULLARD: “Bullard hard hats/caps meet or exceed ANSI Z89.1-2003 standards for industrial worker protective headwear. Currently, there are no requirements or tests to examine the effect that a cap or any other object worn inside a hard hat may have on hard hat performance. Therefore, Bullard recommends that hard hat users should never carry or wear anything inside a hard hat. Bullard makes this recommendation for the following reasons: 1. A clearance must be maintained between the hard hat shell and the wearer’s head for the protection system to work properly. An additional cap or other object may limit this clearance. 2. Wearers may be unaware that the cap or object contains metal parts, such as a metal button at the top of a baseball cap, which may diminish the dielectric protection provided by the hard hat. 3. Under no circumstances should any item be placed above or below the crown straps. This will affect the performance of the hard hat. Users should note that some products, such as fabric winterliners and cotton sunshades, are designed to work in conjunction with hard hats.” NORTH/FIBRE-METAL: “Wearing a baseball hat under a hard hat will interfere with the suspension and shell which work together to reduce the force of an impact. The bill of the baseball cap worn under a hard hat will not allow the head protection to sit level on the head, in the work position. North/Fibre Metal recommends NOT wearing a baseball hat under a hard hat. A hooded sweatshirt, winter liners and cooling headwear should not affect the performance of a hard hat if these products are worn properly and are fitted smoothly on the head. Winter liners are designed to attach to the hard hat suspension and seat down onto the head. Cooling bandanas and kerchiefs should also be worn completely down on the head so it does not interfere with the suspension bands.” QUESTION #2 – Can I wear my hard hat backwards? MSA V-Gard: “Since the suspension attachment points on an MSA V-Gard helmet (except those with a UniPro® suspension) are the same from front to back, the suspension can be reversed and the cap worn with the brim facing the rear and still meet the requirements of the applicable protective headwear standard (ANSI Z89.1-1997). Be sure that the suspension has been reversed so that the nape strap is in the rear.” BULLARD: “Bullard ANSI Z89 Type 1 hard hats have been tested and found to be compliant to the requirements of the standard when worn with the shell turned backwards. To perform properly in this manner, the suspension must be reversed in the helmet, so that the headband is oriented normally to the wearer’s head (i.e., with the brow pad against the forehead and the extended nape strap at the base of the skull). In this manner, only the shell of the helmet is backwards on the head. This applies to Z89.1-2003 Type 1 helmets only (Bullard models C30, 3000, C33, 303, 302RT, 4100, 502, S51, S61, S62, S71, 911C & 911H). ANSI Z89.1-2003 Type 2 helmets (Advent® and Vector), because of the lower rear edge of the shell and the asymmetrical pattern of protection offered by their more complex design, should not be worn backwards.”

Performing regular maintenance according to the factory-recommended Maintenance Schedule is the best way to keep your Acura running in optimal condition. Each vehicle has its own maintenance needs, so Acura develops specific maintenance schedules based on model equipment, such as transmission choice or the addition of a towing package. The Maintenance Schedule calculates service needs based on your car's mileage. It checks engine-operating conditions and helps coordinate oil service dates and other maintenance check-ups. Prevent problems before they occur Q: How does the Acura Maintenance Minder work? A: The maintenance minder system shows engine oil life in the information display to let the owner know when it is time to have the engine oil replaced and regular engine maintenance done. There is no longer a maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. The system shows engine oil life as a percentage, which drops over time as the vehicle racks up miles. It starts out at 100% with fresh engine oil, and winds down to 0%, signaling the oil life is over. Q: How does the Acura Maintenance Minder know when the 0% trigger occurs? A: The system counts down oil life based on engine operating conditions (both normal and severe). The on-board computer continuously monitors engine operating conditions such as speed, engine temperature, ambient temperature, time, and vehicle use to determine when an oil change and regular maintenance is necessary. Q: How do I operate the system? A: The Acura Maintenance Minder is very easy to use. As the on-board computer continuously monitors your vehicle, it provides continuous information on the remaining engine oil life left - simply depress the Select/Reset knob on the information display and you will see use progression. When the on-board computer determines that your vehicle has reached 15% of remaining life, it will turn on the Maintenance Minder light for you. In addition, each time the vehicle is started; the information center will default and automatically display the percentage of remaining life. To return to the odometer/tripometer, simply depress the Select/Reset knob. The following chart will explain exactly when service is due: Oil Life % Message What to do 15% Service Due Soon Plan to take your vehicle in for service. 5% Service Due Now Take your vehicle in now for maintenance. 0% Service Past Due Service is overdue. Take your vehicle in now. Q: What happens to the Maintenance Minder if I do not perform maintenance when the remaining life gets to 0%? A: If you do not perform the recommended maintenance the display will start to show negative mileage. This indicates how many miles that the vehicle is past due for service. Q: Along with the and the percentage of remaining life, there is a letter and sometimes, a number displayed - what do they mean? A: All maintenance items in the display are in code. There are two codes: Main-codes and Sub-codes. Your vehicle will always be due for a main code, and at times for a sub-code. Please refer to your owner's manual, Acura Service History booklet, and the following chart to interpret the code: Main Code What it means: Replace just the engine oil Replace the engine oil, oil filter, rotate the tires, inspect the front and rear brakes, check the parking brake adjustment, and inspect other items specific to your vehicle Sub Code Rotate the Tires Replace the air cleaner element, check the drive belt, and replace the dust and pollen filter Replace the transmission fluid and transfer fluid (if equipped) Replace the spark plugs, replace the timing belt (if equipped), inspect the water pump, and inspect valve clearance Replace the engine coolant Replace the rear differential fluid (if equipped) Q: Why will there always be a Main-code? A: The sub-codes are turned on when the main-codes are triggered. Main-codes are USER SPECIFIC and are triggered based on the vehicle's operating conditions. The system is designed to maximize customer convenience. Q: Why is there only sometimes a Sub-code? A: These items require maintenance on a time/mileage based schedule, similar to the maintenance schedules of the past. The Maintenance Minder also calculates time as it factors vehicle use and automatically moves up or delays the sub-codes so they get done with the main-codes. For example, if tire rotation is normally done at 7, 500 miles, but the oil life ends around 6, 000 miles, the system will move up the tire rotation. Or, if the life appears to be ending around 9, 000 miles, the system will delay the rotation. In either case, you would see the maintenance item code A1 in the information display. Q: How many miles can I expect to go between oil changes when using the system? A: It will vary. The beauty of the Acura Maintenance Minder system is that it automatically adjusts the maintenance intervals based on engine operating characteristics, your driving habits, and the climate that you have operated your vehicle in. For instance, mild highway driving in a warm climate will maximize the interval between required maintenance. Depending on the vehicle, this could be as high as 12, 000 miles. On the other hand, short-trip driving in a cold climate may limit the maintenance interval to 3, 000 miles or less. In general, most people who combine city and highway driving find that the Acura Maintenance Minder will indicate maintenance needs about every 6, 000 miles. Most people maintain constant driving habits; this means that mileage between maintenance will be consistent. Q:

This is a description of a staff position at the University of Wyoming, not a job opening announcement. Current job openings can be found at the Prospective Employees page. The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required. Reports to: Designated Supervisor UW Job Code: 7252 UW Job Family: 72 SOC Code: 49-9043 Pay Grade: 20 Job Purpose: Inspects and maintains University mechanical systems and equipment, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems and machinery; and services water purification systems. Assist with supervision, Project Scheduling and training. Education: High School Diploma/GED, plus completion of related technical or vocational education/training or an Associate's Degree Experience: 6 years of related machine maintenance and mechanical experience Knowledge of: Basic, routine, and advanced principles of preventive maintenance to include: water lines, steam lines and pneumatic lines, fluid levels, belts, tensioners, and shaft alignment. Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment. Boilers, steam and hot water systems, and de-ionized water systems. Basic, routine, and advanced mechanical, plumbing, and/or electrical principles. Pool operation and maintenance of pool filtering and chemical feed systems; pool safety; and water quality testing. Water quality regulations, policies and standards. Applicable University, federal, state and city regulations and procedures. Basic construction drawings, sketches, blueprints, diagrams, and specifications. The occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trades. Buildings and maintenance recordkeeping using designated computer systems. Customer service standards and procedures. Training methods and procedures. Scheduling and supervisory techniques. Skills and Abilities to: Select appropriate materials based on application and amounts required. Read, understand, and follow safety procedures. Monitor and maintain quality control standards. Perform basic maintenance and repairs to mechanical systems and equipment. Calibrate and maintain pneumatic controls. Perform water tests, make analysis, and add appropriate chemicals as required. Solve technical problems within area of specialty. Make effective decisions impacting projects. Maintain maintenance records. Listen to and check machinery and equipment to identify problems and perform corrective adjustments or repairs. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Communicate clearly and concisely. Read and interpret basic and routine construction drawings, schematics, sketches, diagrams, blueprints, and specifications. Develop cost estimates for repairs. Move objects weighing up to 50 pounds regularly. Test and evaluate new materials, tools, and techniques of the trade. Use basic computer programs for technical and communication applications. Work as a team member and foster a cooperative work environment. Ability to lead and prioritize projects Supervise water treatment programs Schedule and manage in Manager's absence Essential Functions: Inspect water lines, steam lines, and/or pneumatic lines for correct fluid levels. Check wear on equipment parts such as v-belts, shaft alignment, oil and water levels on equipment; identify conditions that could lead to equipment failure. Perform repairs on machines and equipment to maintain proper working condition; report major breakdowns to supervisor. Operate, maintain, and perform repairs to individual building boilers. Monitor and adjust air and water temperatures, chemical properties, and water purification. Check heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems for malfunctions; replace filters; grease and oil equipment parts to maintain proper working condition and prevent failures. Service and monitor the reverse osmosis and de-ionized water systems; sample and test heating and chilled water systems. Mix and add chemicals to drains, sewers, and hot/cold water systems, as directed. As assigned, document service dates, problems, repairs, or replacements of equipment and equipment parts and use designated computer software to analyze data on equipment condition. Assist with supervision, project prioritization and training. Complete complex technical work and troubleshooting. Inspect and oversee the work of others. Train and mentor new staff. Act as team leader on job site. Supplemental Functions: May recommend budget expenditures for equipment repair or replacement. Keep abreast of current technology advances on equipment maintenance, repair and operation. Recognize and report hazardous materials including asbestos, lead and mercury. Working Conditions: Shop and in/out door environments; regularly exposed to hazards from power/manual tools, dust, fumes, refrigeration or other chemicals, high and low temperatures, moving mechanical parts, and confined spaces

(Ethylene acrylic acid copolymer) This additive provides corrosion resistance and metal adhesion when used in can and coil, die lubes and industrial maintenance applications. The resulting coating may be removed by alkaline cleaners. Emulsion 19.0 - 21.0 Anionic (Anionic scale wax emulsion) Imparts excellent early water resistance and release properties when used as an additive in wood coatings, furniture coatings and other water based coatings when additional water resistant properties are needed. 48.0 - 52.0 (Anionic polyethylene wax emulsion) Provides mar, rub, block and scratch resistance as well as improved water resistance in coatings and graphic arts formulations. 34.5 - 35.5 (Polyolefin-Acrylic hybrid dispersion) Designed for formulating anti-corrosion primers and pre-treatment sealers for metallic substrates to provide excellent adhesion to various metallic substrates like steel, electroplated steel and aluminum. In addition, it provides excellent water resistance and chemical resistance to acids and many solvents. Specialty Dispersion 20.0 - 22.0 Ammoniated / alkali dispersion (Anionic paraffin/polyethylene emulsion) Imparts lubricity and contributes to water resistance to metal coatings without affecting gloss. 29.5 - 30.5 (Nonionic polyethylene emulsion) A phenol and formaldehyde free emulsion for metal coatings which imparts abrasion resistance, scratch resistance, enhanced lubricity, and torque/tension control. Nonionic (Anionic carnauba wax emulsion) Imparts lubricity to metal coatings and presents food contact compliance. 24.5 - 25.5

As a career and occupational choice, residential maintenance persons should keep the much higher paying Industrial Maintenance career options open. For some, there could be a lot of additional training required to cross over from Residential Maintenance to Industrial Maintenance. Maintenance training certificates can beef up your maintenance resume to give you an edge. But on the bright side, the industry is starving for . The more automated our industry becomes, the quicker the demand rate will grow. Demand will increase even more so, coupled with the fact that baby boomers are retiring. Nobody is sure exactly how the recession will affect the Industrial Maintenance job field yet, but the job market for Industrial Maintenance positions will always be a great choice. The topics you will need to study to cross over to an Industrial Maintenance career will also open up other non-industrial related career opportunities. For example, PLCs control most remote pump stations and water works equipment in every town and city in the USA. And they say working for the state with all its benefits, is looking pretty good during these current unstable economic times. Next step, make a plan: So you have made the choice to prepare for an Industrial Maintenance career. What training should you get first that can open the door the quickest for an Industrial Maintenance career? Career Direction: Your job interviewer may not give much experience credit for mechanical work on industrial equipment with a Residential Maintenance work history, but electrical experience is a much more transferable job skill for Industrial Maintenance. If your previous Residential Maintenance job required you to maintain a state electrical license, the interviewer could see it as Industrial Maintenance Electrician experience. (Because unlike the variables involved in mechanical tasks, electrical tasks are standardized. For example, to install a breaker is the same skill and method in both the Residential Maintenance electrician job and the Industrial Maintenance electrician job. There are many topics an Industrial Maintenance person is and/or need to be trained on. As technology increases, so do the training needs for an Industrial Maintenance person. What you need to know is which of those skills are most sought after by those hiring. We’ve established somewhat that Industrial Maintenance Electrician is a good choice, but what area within that broad field and various industries is the most demanded skill set? I would say that would be the PLC troubleshooting skill. Career Training: Quick career training can make a maintenance person’s resume better. A prerequisite to being an Industrial Maintenance PLC Technician is often considered being a Basic Electrician. (We don't call it a rule at BIN because we have trained many Maintenance Mechanics with a little electrical knowledge to troubleshoot using a PLC. :>) So, at a minimum, the non-state licensed Residential Maintenance person should seek Industrial Electrician Training before PLC training. It would be smart for the Licensed Electrician to take some Industrial Electrician courses too, but if time is of the essence, the electrician may want to get PLC Troubleshooting training first. For example, if currently looking for a job, the licensed electrician with a certificate of PLC training in hand can be looking while taking Industrial Electrician courses to improve hiring possibilities and skill level. There are many various skill levels for a maintenance person’s resume out there. If you are a residential maintenance person who is not sure if you have a required skill or need a refresher; Take the free online assessments found at For the Employer, if PLC knowledge is a requirement for new hires, then pre-qualifying them is essential for the future growth of your business. Check out the above "on line" PLC assessments for a FREE pre-employment test. See also Online Infrared Training Center to expand your career. About the Author: Don Fitchett founded the activity based costing system called "True Downtime Cost" (TDC), authored books and speaks at conventions on the topic and is president of BIN. Don has been in the industrial training sector for over two decades, set up training programs around the world, and still conducts training seminars to this day. Business Industrial Network delivers instructor led industrial training as well as software and on-line industrial training. ( You may copy and distribute this article as long as all credits, including this paragraph are included and all links are active and distribution is not for profit. You may reference portions of this article as long as active link back to this webpage is present. Otherwise this material is copyright protected. )