Andy Wadman, Author at FlexTrades

In June of 1996, the National Safety Council (NSC) announced the first National Safety Month. Thirty years later, the annual June observance continues to promote workplace safety to employers and employees in high-risk industries, including manufacturing.

This year, the first week of National Safety Month focuses on moving safety forward by advancing a culture of safety with forward-thinking strategies and tools.

This blog will focus on some of the strategies and tools that FlexTrades uses year-round to promote safety in the workplace for our employees.

Proactive Approach

Our Risk & Safety Team is involved with every project before we have any boots on the ground. Before sending one of our employees into what could be a dangerous environment, it is important to understand the risks a project presents and ensure that each potential job site is proactively addressing those risks to keep people safe.

Some of the first documents we request from a potential client are their OSHA logs and safety records. The Risk & Safety Team reviews those documents to understand the site history and ensure safety compliance.

Sometimes, we will find a gap in a potential client’s safety approach or documentation. Whenever that happens, we work to resolve those gaps. Worst case, we may decline a project if we do not feel those gaps can be properly filled or if there is unnecessary risk to a FlexTrades employee. But normally, safety concerns are addressed and we can confidently move forward.

Early in the relationship, our Risk & Safety Team builds a relationship with the client safety point of contact so there is a direct line of communication from the start.

Communicating Safety

Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it is important to regularly communicate safety topics to keep them top of mind. At FlexTrades, we produce content that helps maintain safety awareness across the industry. That includes anything from blogs like this to social media posts that promote content from organizations like the National Safety Council (NSC) or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

It is equally important to consistently and clearly communicate safety information to our technicians. Leading up to a deployment, our technicians receive all the details about the project they will be starting. This includes their travel arrangements and details about their position, but it also includes Safety First Reminders.

Safety First Reminders include the basics, like what PPE a technician is required to bring versus what will be provided on site. The reminders also include position-specific information. For instance, a welder’s Safety First Reminders will include reminders about ventilation, inspecting equipment, protective barriers, and fire safety.

Reporting Unsafe Conditions

Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world. Bad things can happen despite proactive efforts to prevent them, and we always want to be aware of any unsafe activity so we can address it and learn how to prevent it.

With that in mind, we created an Employee Safety Hotline. This is a phone number provided to all employees where they can anonymously report anything that is unsafe on a job site.

What can be reported?

Unsafe working conditions
Accidents, injuries, or near misses
Harassment, bullying, or workplace violence
Any concerns affecting safety or well-being

For some people, it can be hard to speak up about these topics, especially if it involves a coworker or leader. With this anonymous hotline, we hope to enable all our employees to comfortably report any unsafe activities.

Recognizing Safe Practices

It is also important to celebrate safe outcomes and recognize the people who go above and beyond to contribute to them. Our SpotSafe Program empowers our Operations Engagement Managers (OEMs) to quickly recognize technicians for safe, proactive behavior. It also provides additional incentives for everyone to find ways to maintain the highest safety standards.

Why should this be important to everyone?

Safer, more efficient projects with reduced risk and downtime
Hazards are identified and corrected in real time
A strong safety culture is promoted on projects
Technicians are motivated to perform at their best

There are three categories for recognition in the SpotSafe Program.

The first category for recognition is “Hazard Hero.” This recognizes employees for reporting and/or correcting hazards or near misses. A hazard or near miss may not cause an injury the first time or even the hundredth time, but it represents a gap that can be filled to keep everyone safe.

The second category for recognition is “Safe Start.” This recognizes employees for consistently following PPE requirements on site. PPE requirements are based on lessons learned in blood and tears, and they are the last line of defense in the Hierarchy of Controls.

The third category is “Lead by Example.” This recognizes employees for coaching peers, mentoring, or leading safety initiatives. Leadership is not just top-down. Someone who takes safety to heart and encourages those around them to do the same is extremely valuable.

Winners receive a certificate announcing which category they were nominated for. They also earn raffle entries for monthly and annual awards that include prizes and company-wide recognition.

Conclusion

National Safety Month serves as an important reminder that safety is never a one-time conversation or a box to check. In manufacturing and skilled trades, maintaining a strong culture of safety requires consistent communication, proactive planning, accountability, and recognition of the people who make safety a priority every day.

At FlexTrades, safety is built into every stage of the process. From evaluating projects before they begin, to preparing technicians for the environments they will enter, to creating open channels for reporting concerns and recognizing employees who lead by example, these efforts are all part of our commitment to protecting our people and helping create safer, more productive job sites for everyone involved.

As we recognize National Safety Month this June, we encourage everyone across the industry to continue moving safety forward by staying proactive, speaking up, and supporting one another both on and off the job site.

Humans have always looked to the sky and stars with curiosity. That curiosity has led talented and determined individuals to make it their life’s work to reach higher and higher. The Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight in 1903. Less than 70 years later, in 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the moon.

On April 1, 2026, another aerospace milestone was achieved with the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission. Humans traveled back to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

Artemis II delivered some incredible accomplishments and statistics:

At 252,756 miles, the crew traveled farther from Earth than any humans before them, surpassing even the Apollo missions.
Christina Koch became the first female astronaut, Victor Glover became the first Black astronaut, and Jeremy Hansen became the first Canadian astronaut to travel around the Moon.
Artemis II was the first crewed flight of NASA’s Orion spacecraft, a platform designed to help establish a long-term human presence on the moon.
After a flight lasting 9 days, 1 hour, and 32 minutes, the crew safely splashed down off the coast of California.

For many people, moments like Artemis II represent the excitement of space exploration. For those of us in manufacturing, however, aerospace represents something even bigger: one of the most advanced and important manufacturing industries in the United States.

What Aerospace Means to Manufacturing

Back on Earth, aerospace is much more than rockets and trips to the moon. Aerospace impacts daily life in ways most people never stop to think about. Technologies developed through aerospace innovation have contributed to GPS in our phones and cars, satellite communication, advanced materials, robotics, imaging technology, and countless manufacturing processes used across modern industry.

The scale of the aerospace industry alone is staggering. There are approximately 45,000 flights every day in the United States, and every one of those flights depends on manufacturing.

Commercial aircraft are made up of millions of individual components that must meet extremely tight tolerances and rigorous safety standards. Engines, landing gear systems, turbine blades, avionics, structural components, electronics, fasteners, and composite materials all require highly specialized manufacturing processes and skilled labor to produce.

This is one of the reasons aerospace remains one of the highest-value manufacturing sectors in America, representing roughly 3% to 5% of total U.S. manufacturing output. Unlike many industries, aerospace manufacturing pushes the limits of precision machining, advanced materials, automation, and quality control.

When aerospace advances, manufacturing advances alongside it.

Aerospace Drives Innovation Across Manufacturing

Aerospace manufacturers consistently push the boundaries of what manufacturing technology can achieve.

Modern aerospace production drives demand for:

Advanced CNC machining
Large-format machining
Multi-axis machining
Composite manufacturing
Precision welding
Robotics and automation
Non-destructive testing (NDT)
High-level inspection and metrology

The tolerances involved in aerospace manufacturing are often measured in thousandths of an inch, and failures in quality are simply not an option. Aerospace manufacturers and suppliers operate under some of the strictest production and quality standards in the world because reliability and safety are critical.

These standards have ripple effects across the broader manufacturing economy. Many technologies and manufacturing processes first refined in aerospace eventually influence industries like automotive, energy, defense, heavy equipment, and medical manufacturing.

In many ways, aerospace helps define what advanced manufacturing looks like in America.

Skilled Labor Keeps Aerospace Moving

While the industry is driven by cutting-edge technology, aerospace manufacturing still depends heavily on skilled tradespeople.

Machinists, welders, inspectors, assemblers, maintenance technicians, composite specialists, programmers, and engineers all play critical roles in keeping aerospace production moving forward. These are highly specialized positions that often require years of training and experience.

At the same time, manufacturers across the aerospace supply chain continue to face serious labor shortages. Many experienced manufacturing professionals are reaching retirement age, while fewer young workers are entering the skilled trades pipeline.

That creates challenges for aerospace manufacturers trying to meet production schedules, maintain quality standards, and keep up with growing demand across commercial aviation, defense, and space exploration.

How FlexTrades Supports Aerospace Manufacturing

At FlexTrades, we understand the challenges aerospace manufacturers face because we specialize in supplying highly skilled manufacturing talent where it is needed most.

From CNC machinists and welders to engineers, inspectors, and advanced manufacturing technicians, FlexTrades helps aerospace manufacturers and their suppliers solve labor shortages, support production demands, and meet critical deadlines. Our network of some of the most skilled tradespeople in America can be deployed within days to anywhere in the country.

In an industry where precision matters and downtime is costly, having access to experienced manufacturing professionals can make a major difference.

The Future of Manufacturing Is Already Here

Without the aerospace industry, missions like Artemis II would never leave the launch pad. But behind every rocket launch, commercial flight, and aerospace breakthrough is a manufacturing workforce making it possible.

Aerospace is not just another manufacturing sector. It is one of the industries pushing American manufacturing capabilities forward through innovation, precision, and skilled labor. As the industry continues to grow, the need for experienced manufacturing professionals will only become more important.

When most people talk about manufacturing or warehouse work, they tend to focus on skills, complex tools, or efficiency. But spend a little time on a shop floor or in a warehouse, and something else becomes obvious pretty quickly. It’s not just what someone can do, it’s how they show up while doing it.

That’s where technicians like Brandon J. stand out.

Brandon is an Inventory Control Technician with FlexTrades who is currently on assignment at Mesa Labs in Colorado. We had the pleasure of interviewing him on-site. His technical abilities are impressive, but what really stands out to clients has little to do with a checklist of skills. It’s his mindset, positive attitude, and the way he approaches nearly every interaction.

A man who “Just gets to work”

Brandon’s background is rooted in hands-on manufacturing experience, including years of foundry work and other traveling roles. He’s done the kind of work where precision matters and consistency isn’t optional.

What defines his approach, though, is far less technical. Brandon told us that he is “persistent and eager to learn. Willing to get in there, roll my sleeves up, and get to work.” He goes on to say, “I come in with the mindset that, hey, I’m here to do what I gotta do, and I’ll make it happen.”

That mindset is on display in how he approaches assignments at Mesa Labs, particularly in supporting warehouse functions, where flexibility and dependability matter just as much as technical skills.

For Brandon, the expectation is straightforward. Show up to work, stay engaged, and keep things moving.

No drama. No hesitation. Just effort.

Presence you can feel

When we hear about Brandon from Mesa Labs leadership, they don’t start with output metrics or the tasks he’s completed.

They start with how he makes them and their team feel.

When Mesa Labs provided a write-up for Brandon to be recognized for our Technician of the Quarter Award, which he won in Q4 2025, they said, “Brandon is always kind. He’s a team player who meshes well with everyone. Brandon always has a smile on his face and makes me want to smile too.”

We had the chance to speak with Jasmine Stone, Director of Operations for Mesa Labs. She added, “Brandon’s smile brightens the mood of everyone just by walking in the door.”

That might sound simple, but in a manufacturing environment where pressure, deadlines, and shifting priorities are constant, that kind of presence matters more than most people realize.

People like Brandon change the tone of a shift and influence how teams move through the day together.

Attitude that turns into productivity

Brandon’s technical role at Mesa Labs is straightforward. He pulls work orders, stages materials, and supports warehouse flow across different departments. What makes him valuable in this role isn’t just execution, but his willingness to go above and beyond.

Brandon told us about a time when his main duties slowed down, so he said to his manager, “I can’t just sit here. What else can I do?” His manager had a project in mind. “I dang near moved half the warehouse around to stay busy,” Brandon said.

That attitude led him to regularly jump into adjacent tasks, support other teams and departments, and help keep work moving across the facility. As his manager put it, “We’ve done a lot of the ‘groundskeeping’ things that get pushed aside. We’ve been able to reshape the warehouse, making sure that we are the best possible warehouse we can be for our customers.”

That willingness to stay active, flexible, and engaged is exactly what clients notice about technicians from FlexTrades.

The client perspective: Trust, Consistency, and fit

For many facilities, staffing challenges aren’t just about filling roles. They’re about finding the right people quickly, without sacrificing quality.

Stone emphasized consistency and clarity. “What separates FlexTrades from other agencies is transparency on pricing and competencies.” More importantly, “There has not been an individual where I was expecting X and got Y. FlexTrades says what we’ll do, and we do what we said.”

Seth Walker, Warehouse and BGI Manager at Mesa Labs, echoed a similar message about trust and fit. “You guys vet your people ahead of time. If we’re getting somebody from you, they’re a great person.”

When you combine that client expectation with the reality of technicians like Brandon, the full picture comes into focus. It’s not just staffing. It’s alignment.

The bigger picture: Why mindset scales

It’s easy to assume that productivity in manufacturing comes down to skills, complex tools, or efficiency. But Brandon’s story highlights something more. When technicians bring the right mindset, everything else works better.

Teams communicate more smoothly
Workflows stay flexible instead of breaking under pressure
Clients trust the people on-site faster
Facilities recover more quickly when priorities shift

That’s the multiplier effect of attitude. Not loud or complicated. Just consistent.

Conclusion

Brandon doesn’t describe himself as exceptional, because he doesn’t need to. His work, his attitude, and feedback from clients like Mesa Labs make that clear.

His advice to anyone going into the trades is simple. “Put your feelings aside and go in there with hard work. If you put forth the effort, usually it pays off.”

For clients like Mesa Labs, that mindset shows up every day. Not just in what gets done, but in how it feels to get it done.

In the end, technical skill gets the job started. Mindset is what keeps everything moving.

Traveling for work offers many opportunities, like strong pay, gaining professional experience, and seeing new places all over the country. But life on assignment also comes with the unique challenge of being far from home.

When you’re working hundreds, or even thousands, of miles away from family and friends, the sense of community you build on the road becomes incredibly important. The people you meet along the way often become the ones you share meals with, celebrate holidays with, and lean on when you’re navigating a new place.

I spoke with one of our experienced technicians, “John” (name changed at his request), about how he approaches life on assignment. As an introvert, he’s naturally a quiet person, but over time, he has learned that building connections with other technicians makes life on the road far more rewarding. What often starts as a quick conversation can grow into friendships that last long after an assignment ends.

Here are a few simple ways John builds community while traveling for work.

Pay Attention to Your Routine

One of the easiest ways to connect with people is simply by paying attention to the routines around you.

When you’re leaving for work in the morning or coming back at the end of the day, take note of who else might be doing the same thing. Someone carrying a lunchbox or still wearing PPE might be working nearby. They may even be with FlexTrades.

Creating a few routines outside of work can also help. Running errands, going for a walk, or visiting the gym at the same time each day helps you start recognizing familiar faces. Over time, those small interactions can turn into casual conversations and eventually friendships.

Start with Simple Conversations

Breaking the ice doesn’t have to be complicated.

If you think someone might be in the trades, John says one of the easiest questions to ask is simply, “Are you with FlexTrades?” Sometimes the answer is confusion. Sometimes it’s a surprised, “How’d you know?” Either way, the conversation has started.

If they’re with FlexTrades, you can also ask who their recruiter is as an easy follow-up. Shared connections instantly create common ground.

Even if they’re not in the trades, being new to an area gives you plenty to talk about. Asking where the best grocery store is or what restaurants they recommend can quickly lead to a good conversation.

Listen More Than You Talk

As the saying goes, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

For John, being an introvert actually became an advantage when it comes to meeting people. Instead of feeling pressure to do all the talking, he focuses on listening. Asking a few questions and showing genuine interest encourages others to share more about themselves.

When you’re a good listener, you don’t need to be the most outgoing person to make meaningful connections.

Pets Can Help Break the Ice

If you’re able to bring a dog with you on assignment, it can naturally create opportunities to meet people.

Walking a dog helps establish a routine and often leads to casual conversations with others in the area. People tend to ask about the dog, which makes starting a conversation feel easy and natural.

John also mentioned that having a dog around can help take the pressure off during those quiet moments in a conversation. If things pause for a moment, attention can shift to the dog rather than the silence.

Of course, bringing a pet isn’t always possible for some people. But when it is, it can be a great way to break the ice.

Turn Conversations into Shared Activities

Once you’ve broken the ice, the next step is building the relationship.

John likes to look for simple opportunities to spend time together. If the hotel has a grill, he might invite a few people over for a casual BBQ after work. Around holidays, he’s found small ways to celebrate, like hanging candy on people’s doors during Halloween.

Shared hobbies are another great way to build connections. Watching football on Sundays, finding a local fishing spot, or exploring the area together can turn acquaintances into real friendships.

Just like relationships back home, connections on the road grow through shared experiences.

Staying Connected After the Assignment

Eventually, every assignment comes to an end. Technicians head home or move on to the next project. But the relationships built along the way don’t have to end there.

John keeps in touch with many of the people he’s met while traveling. Some have invited him to weddings. Others exchange messages during the holidays. He’s hosted friends in his hometown and visited others when passing through their city.

For some technicians, the community built on assignment becomes one of the most rewarding parts of the traveling lifestyle.

Community Makes the Road Feel Smaller

Working on the road can feel isolating at first, especially when you first arrive somewhere new.

But as John has learned, building connections with new people can quickly change that experience. A conversation in the parking lot, a shared meal after work, or a weekend activity together can turn a temporary assignment into a place where you feel welcome.

Over time, those relationships often stretch far beyond a single job site. They become a community stretching across the country. Friends you can visit, call, or reconnect with years down the road.

And in a career built around travel, that sense of community can make the road feel a lot more like home.

October 25^th is National I Care About You Day, which is a day encouraging people to express their love and appreciation for family, friends, and significant others. Traveling for work and being away from home may require a little more creativity to celebrate, but it’s no excuse to miss out on this opportunity. Just like having the right tools on the job, the right tools for communicating can make all the difference.

This blog covers some common ways to stay in touch with family and friends and hopefully will give you a couple of new ideas.

Send an Email or Text

This is an obvious answer, but sending a message to a person or group is so easy. It can be a quick “Good morning, what are you up to today?” message to your significant other to start the day. It could also be that ongoing text chain with your best buddies full of memes, irreverent jokes, and savage fantasy football trash talk.

Regardless of what you choose to send, it’s an easy way to keep a conversation going.

Voice and Video Calls

Many studies have shown that hearing the voice of a loved one has psychological benefits. It can reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood and happiness, and reinforce relational bonds.

Send a Postcard

Many of us enjoy seeing new places and exploring this great country. In fact, travel is one of the selling points of taking a job with FlexTrades! A great way to share that experience is to send a postcard.

If there’s something interesting within 50 miles, there’s probably a postcard with a picture of it readily available. State welcome centers, tourist sites, truck stops, and gift shops are just a few common places to find one. Before you drop it in the mail, write a quick note about where you were or what you were doing to add even more to the postcard.

Video Games

A 2023 technician survey revealed that a common travel essential for technicians is their video game console or laptop. If you already play games at home, it’s a relatively easy activity to pack up and keep the good times rolling on the road. Of course, this option depends on a solid internet connection, so be sure to check with your hotel to see what the internet and Wi-Fi connection options are before you go.

If internet speeds don’t allow a full-blown console game to run, there are hundreds of games you can play using a web browser or the app store on your phone.

Streaming Together

If you like to “Netflix and Chill,” there are a number of ways you can stream content with others.

For free content, like YouTube, most apps with screen-sharing features will work. Some apps even have built-in functionality to make it easy and interactive. For example, Discord has a built-in feature called Watch Together, which allows you to build and watch a YouTube playlist with anyone you want.

For paid streaming services, like Netflix or Hulu, there are a number of apps or browser extensions, such as Teleparty, that allow you to watch together, but anyone watching will need a subscription to those services.

Virtual Date with Your Significant Other

Last year, we posted a blog with ideas on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the road. But you don’t need to wait for Valentine’s Day for a virtual date.

This can be as easy as planning to go for a walk while on a video call. Or take it further and plan an evening to eat a meal together while streaming a movie or TV show. You could even schedule a delivery of flowers or a gift to arrive during your call.

Conclusion

With smartphones, tablets, and laptops, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family wherever we all are. If you’re looking for ways to stay connected and celebrate National I Care About You Day, give some of these suggestions a try.

October is National Manufacturing Month in the United States. Like many companies, FlexTrades jumps at opportunities to advocate for our industry, and for those who work in the skilled trades. Let’s take a look at when National Manufacturing Month started, and why it should matter to all manufacturers.

History

National Manufacturing Day is the first Friday of October, and was first celebrated in 2012. This first instance was a collaboration between the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA) and the National Institute for Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

In 2014, former President Barack Obama made the first presidential proclamation declaring the First Friday of October as National Manufacturing Day. Former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump have made similar proclamations celebrating this day as well.

As interest in this day grew, the whole month of October became National Manufacturing Month.

The Purpose

There is a steady need for skilled professionals in manufacturing and many sectors face regular labor shortages. It is important for the industry to make a unified effort to find ways to fill those gaps.

National Manufacturing Month is intended to showcase modern American manufacturing to the masses. It is an opportunity to expose the next generations to the excellent career opportunities that are available. Companies and educational institutions open their doors to give a glimpse into the training programs and careers that could be the future for many young people just getting started.

In Action

One of the most popular computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software companies, Mastercam, has celebrated National Manufacturing Month for years. One of their programs allows students to see the design process that happens in their CAM software and follows that process to the CNC machine that executes those designs.

Last year, the University of Nevada, Reno hosted Northern Nevada Manufacturing Day. The day was full of events, starting with employer panels from local manufacturers including Tesla. Later, they hosted a networking event for students to meet the panelists and other employers.

What Can You Do?

If you’re a manufacturer, host a tour of your facility, show how your products are made, or represent your company at local Manufacturing Month events.

If you’re an educator, plan on-campus events for your community to attend so they can see how various trades are taught. Invite alumni back to campus to speak to students about their real experiences in the trades.

If you’re looking for more information about careers, or you’re just fascinated by manufacturing, look for local events to attend!

Lastly, keep an eye on our blogs, and our YouTube channel. We are all about advocating for the trades.

Happy National Manufacturing Month everyone!

At FlexTrades, our recruiters seek out some of the most skilled and professional tradespeople in the country. An important part of that process is making sure each new employee understands what working for FlexTrades is all about.

We asked our recruiting team to share some of the most frequently asked questions they get when speaking to candidates. If you’re a tradesperson considering working for FlexTrades, this article may answer some of your questions before you begin.

Question 1: How do I get to the job site?

Once you’ve accepted a position, the first part of the journey is getting to your hotel near the job site, but how do you get there?

Personal vehicles:

The most common option is using your personal vehicle. Travel Pay is provided and is intended to help cover gas and other travel expenses. Your recruiter will provide more details based on the project you’re assigned to.

Commercial flights:

For some projects, flights may be used to get you closer to the site. Once you land, a group transport vehicle will typically take you from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the job site. This vehicle is usually driven by your on-site Project Success Manager.

Rental cars:

In rare cases, you may be offered a rental car to get from the airport to the hotel and then to the job site.

Question 2: How often are we paid?

Weekly pay is standard for all positions. The hourly amount depends on the position you are filling. Overtime is paid at time and a half after the first 40 hours.

In addition to wages, you will receive a daily per diem. This is tax-free money meant to cover expenses while traveling. Rates vary by project and region, but the most common is $45/day. Your recruiter or the job posting will provide specific details.

Question 3: Can I work more than 50 hours?

Yes, depending on the project. A minimum of 50 hours per week is guaranteed, which includes 10 hours of overtime. In many cases, clients bring in FlexTrades because there is a lot of work to do, and that can mean even more overtime opportunities.

Question 4: Can I refer people to you?

Yes. You can refer friends and family to FlexTrades. If the person you referred is hired and works 30 days on-site, you will receive a $1,000 bonus.

Note: Referral bonus details are accurate at the time of this post but are subject to change.

Question 5: Do you offer benefits?

Yes. FlexTrades offers a full suite of benefits to technicians. Some benefits have already been outlined above, including weekly pay, per diem, overtime, and referral bonuses.

Additional benefits include:

Individual and Family Medical Insurance
Dental & Vision Insurance
Disability & Life Insurance
Pet Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
And more! Check out FlexTrades’ suite of benefits here

Question 6: What happens after the project?

A number of options may be available at the end of a project. When you complete a project successfully, FlexTrades will always try to find you more work. Options depend on your skillset, the time off you want between deployments, and the positions currently open.

Extensions:

Sometimes you may be able to extend your current project. If available, your Project Success Manager or recruiter will let you know before your project ends. You are never required to accept.

New project:

You may prefer to head home for a while or start a new assignment right away. Toward the end of your contract, your recruiter will check your availability and interest.

Flexible home time:

You always have the option to take time off after a project, whether to see family, return to a seasonal job, or simply rest at home.

Question 7: What’s the catch?

There is no catch. Like any job, you need to show up and do the work. If you’re a professional who shows up on time every day and does your job, you will be well compensated for your efforts.

Conclusion

If you have questions that weren’t answered here, write them down and ask your recruiter. They will be happy to answer anything to make sure you feel comfortable and confident working with us.

Part of FlexTrades’ mission is to “provide life-changing career opportunities for our technicians.” To deliver on that mission, we want you to have the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your career.

When we attended IMTS 2024, we had the pleasure to meet Mike Hampton, Senior Manager of Technical Services and Solutions for Okuma America. We wanted to learn about things purchasers may not consider when they go to buy a new machine tool and Mike was kind enough to give us an interview on the subject.

For manufacturers, acquiring new machine tools is an exciting time that can lead to improved productivity, enhanced efficiency, and support long-term success. However, it is also a significant investment that may require additional manpower and resources throughout the lifecycle of that new machine.

Here’s a guide to three critical factors you should consider before making your purchase.

Total Cost of Ownership

Mike pointed out, “When you buy a machine tool, it’s a huge investment and there’s many factors to consider about how the cost of ownership is going to take place for years down the road.”

When purchasing a machine tool, it’s important to think beyond the initial price tag. Consider the machine’s longevity, maintenance requirements, and potential repair costs after the warranty expires. Mike explained that Okuma offers robust post-warranty support programs. With their mechanical exchange program, refurbished components are readily available to minimize downtime – a feature that could save you significant time and money.

Spare Parts Availability

Another often overlooked aspect of machine tool purchasing is ensuring ongoing support and access to spare parts. Machine downtime can cripple your operations, so having a fast and dependable network for parts is invaluable.

Mike was proud to point out that Okuma, “technically could ship a mechanical or electrical unit to the customer that same day.” He went on to explain that globally, they have $200 million in spare parts inventory to keep customers running.

Service Support Network

Maintenance is a fact of life in manufacturing. In-house maintenance technicians handle the day-to-day preventative maintenance and upkeep. But what happens when the most complex components break down, or you just don’t have the right maintenance staff on hand?

Mike tells us that Okuma, “has over 1000 certified field technicians in North America. Ready to be on site as soon as that stack light hits red.”

Depending on your operation, you may never need outside maintenance support, but having the peace of mind that it’s available is a huge bonus.

Final Thoughts

When purchasing a machine tool, think strategically about long-term support, service, and costs. Choosing a manufacturer like Okuma, which places a priority on post-purchase support, can make all the difference. As Mike concludes, “Our mission is to pursue a customer for life, and that’s what drives us.”

So, before making your next machine tool purchase, consider these factors to ensure you’re making a choice that supports your operations for years to come.

Watch the full interview with Mike Hampton below.

At IMTS 2024 in Chicago, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ian Sandusky, a prominent content creator for Practical Machinist. He shared valuable insights on how machinists at any level can enhance their skills.

Check out these 5 great points Ian made highlighting strategies that can help professional machinists improve their craft and stay ahead of the curve!

1.) Engage with the Community

For novice machinists, Ian emphasized the importance of networking: “The number one thing you should do is get involved with talking to other machinists.” He suggested joining trade organizations or finding a local maker space to expose yourself to new techniques and ideas. Building connections within the community not only fosters learning but also creates a supportive network that can be invaluable, especially early in a career.

2.) Cross-Training

Ian also addressed intermediate skill-level machinists, recommending that they diversify their skill sets: “If I’m a machinist, and I’m really good at mill, well now I should be looking at a lathe or maybe something completely outside of machining, like welding.” By cross-training, machinists can become more versatile and valuable around the shop, and it may help open more career opportunities. A willingness to learn new skills is always good for personal and professional development.

3.) Stay Current on New Tools and Technology

For seasoned professionals, Ian advised staying informed about technological advancements: “If you stay up to date with advances in technology as the years go by, it’s a lot less of a challenge when you need to retrain or learn new software.” Familiarizing yourself with the latest tools and software can ease transitions and reduce the learning curve with new systems.

4.) Have an Open Mind

Ian encouraged all machinists, regardless of their skill-level, to always keep an open mind: “One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a machinist or manufacturing professional is thinking the way you do it is the only way it can be done.” By learning alternate methods, you may find an easier, safer, or quicker way to accomplish the same thing. It may even solve a problem you’ve been approaching wrong all along.

5.) Attend Trade Shows and Seek Information

How do you apply your open mind and stay current? Ian suggests, “Go and seek that information. Attend trade shows, go online and read forums, read manuals.” School may be out, but there is always something new to learn. Stay hungry for new information that can help you be a better machinist.

An Ongoing Process

Becoming a great machinist doesn’t happen overnight, it’s an ongoing process. Whether you are just starting out or you’re a master craftsman, there is always room for growth. By connecting with others, cross-training, staying updated, and leveraging available resources, machinists can significantly enhance their craft, and find even more fulfillment in their career.

Check out Ian’s interview, hear from a FlexTrades Machinist, or find more great content on our YouTube page!

Hitting the road to work for FlexTrades is exciting! Whether you do it for the great pay, to work with the top names in manufacturing, to see the country, or any other reason, you’ll be staying in lodging on our dime. But what can you expect when you arrive at your hotel?

This blog is all about your home away from home. We’ll explore what makes FlexTrades’ lodging arrangements different and how they can help you thrive during your extended work trips.

Spacious Comfort

While many companies cram you into a standard hotel room, FlexTrades prioritizes your well-being. Wherever possible, we book extended stay suites. These offer more than just a bed for the night. Imagine having a separate living area to relax in after a long day. Think comfy couch, work desk, and maybe even a balcony – a perfect spot to unwind and maybe catch your favorite sports team. And all lodging is single occupancy, meaning you’ll never have a roommate either!

The Kitchen Advantage

One of the biggest perks of an extended stay suite is the ensuite kitchen. Who wants to eat out every night, racking up expenses and missing the comfort of home-cooked meals? Typically, extended stay suites come with a full refrigerator, a stove/range, and a microwave. Many even come with flatware and utensils that you can use. It’s a great way to save money and maybe even explore the city’s farmers markets for fresh ingredients.

Welcoming More Than Just You

You don’t need to put your social life on hold while on assignment. Whether you want to travel with your significant other, or you want a friend to visit for a week, we’ve got you covered! This can be a great way to maintain a sense of normalcy while away from home and enjoy some downtime together after a busy workday. If you coordinate with your recruiter, you can even bring your furry friend to stay with you!

Skip the Hassle, FlexTrades Has You Covered

Finding lodging on your own while traveling for work can be a huge hassle. Many companies offer a per diem allowance to cover your expenses, but that often means spending your precious personal time scouring travel websites and comparing prices. Wouldn’t you rather be focusing on unwinding or spending time with loved ones?

At FlexTrades, we take the burden of finding a place to stay off your shoulders. We handle all the travel arrangements, including booking your lodging. Your accommodation is waiting for you when you arrive, so you can focus on what matters – getting settled in and preparing for a successful assignment.

So, the next time you pack your bags for a FlexTrades assignment, travel with confidence. Your home away from home awaits!

In future posts in the FlexTrades travel series, we’ll delve deeper into helpful tips for making the most of your extended stay suite, exploring the local area around your project site, and managing your well-being on the road. Stay tuned!

Proactive Approach

Communicating Safety

Reporting Unsafe Conditions

Recognizing Safe Practices

Conclusion

What Aerospace Means to Manufacturing

Aerospace Drives Innovation Across Manufacturing

Skilled Labor Keeps Aerospace Moving

How FlexTrades Supports Aerospace Manufacturing

The Future of Manufacturing Is Already Here

A man who “Just gets to work”

Presence you can feel

Attitude that turns into productivity

The client perspective: Trust, Consistency, and fit

The bigger picture: Why mindset scales

Conclusion

Pay Attention to Your Routine

Start with Simple Conversations

Listen More Than You Talk

Pets Can Help Break the Ice

Turn Conversations into Shared Activities

Staying Connected After the Assignment

Community Makes the Road Feel Smaller

Send an Email or Text

Voice and Video Calls

Send a Postcard

Video Games

Streaming Together

Virtual Date with Your Significant Other

Conclusion

History

The Purpose

In Action

What Can You Do?

Question 1: How do I get to the job site?

Question 2: How often are we paid?

Question 3: Can I work more than 50 hours?

Question 4: Can I refer people to you?

Question 5: Do you offer benefits?

Question 6: What happens after the project?

Question 7: What’s the catch?

Conclusion

Total Cost of Ownership

Spare Parts Availability

Service Support Network

Final Thoughts

1.) Engage with the Community

2.) Cross-Training

3.) Stay Current on New Tools and Technology

4.) Have an Open Mind

5.) Attend Trade Shows and Seek Information

An Ongoing Process

Spacious Comfort

The Kitchen Advantage

Welcoming More Than Just You

Skip the Hassle, FlexTrades Has You Covered

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