When it comes to industry-specific knowledge, there’s no replacement for experience. We all know that experience takes time to build.

At PMG ReTool, we’re big believers that anyone preparing for a career in the trades can reduce their learning curve by exposing themselves to a wider cross section of professional influences, regardless of experience level.

Use YouTube to Increase Your Exposure

The internet and video are great tools to help future technicians increase this exposure. Now, PMG even has an easy way to help the next generation of tradespeople learn to use these tools for their own benefit!

Our PMG ReTool YouTube Channel is full of example videos created or curated by our ReTool Team to help anyone, inexperienced or otherwise, grow their exposure to the trades and various sectors of the manufacturing industry.

Want to see facility tours at some of the world’s best producers? What about How-To’s from some of the industry’s best troubleshooters? This channel has a little bit of everything for anyone interested in technical education or skilled trades careers.

Top Videos on Our Channel

• Interviews with some of our most experienced traveling technicians
• Conversations with technical training partners
• Playlists focused by process or industry
• All of our free webinars

This channel has all the info you need. Learn how to best use your web time and make sure you can walk (and talk) like a duck when the time comes. Feel free to send ideas for future videos and playlists to our Writing Team and check out our channel today to get quacking!

Want to know more about PMG ReTool? Check out this introductory post about this department.

Josh Erickson, ReTool Public Relations & Engagement Specialist

Being Part of the PMG Team

My official title at PMG is Marketing Intern. Throughout my time here I have been able to learn quite a bit about the manufacturing industry and what it takes to be a technician. Along with that, I have worked with many different parts of our business including recruiting, sales, and business operations teams.

What Is My Role as an Intern?

Every day looks a little different, which keeps this job exciting and eventful. My manager gives me weekly assignments and I have the freedom to organize when to accomplish them. That combined with freedom to determine my assignment deadlines has taught me the importance of being disciplined.

Various tasks I perform:

• Writing and publishing blog posts.
• Creating and distributing PMG’s monthly newsletter.
• Communicating with PMG technicians and other members of our team.
• Posting available job opportunities online.
• Scheduling and posting social media content to PMG’s online platforms.
• Sharing videos and content to our YouTube page.

So Far, So Good

My first few months with PMG have been a great success! I have gained new skills and toolsets along with recognizing areas of weakness.

Some of the skills and tools I will keep using for the rest of my career:

• Buffer – send company social media posts.
• Constant Contact – send out email campaigns.
• Google sheets – organize research findings.
• PowerPoint – create a presentation for my research findings.

Work Hard and Play Hard

We work hard at PMG but there are rewards for the time everyone dedicates too. We are a goal-oriented company who is proud to celebrate our accomplishments in a variety of ways.

• Lunch provided by PMG.
• Happy hour at Willy McCoy’s!
• Attending a St. Paul Saints baseball game.
• Twice annual company parties.

Expectations vs. Reality 

Expectation: I expected to be handed the busy work and to not be fully trusted. To my surprise, that was the opposite of what occurred!

Reality: My team welcomed my skills and ideas with open arms. In fact, I was given important tasks to complete on my first day. They believed in me from day one and it has helped me stay confident throughout the entire internship!

Intern Life Outside of Work 

Outside of my time at PMG, I also study marketing at the University of St. Thomas. This fall I will be completing my final semester but that will be the beginning of my career.

Staying busy is in my DNA! Along with working at PMG, I am a personal trainer at Tiger Fit and a server at a restaurant called Big Bore BBQ.

My days are jam packed and I still find time for fun. A few of my hobbies include:

• Attending country concerts.
• Wake surfing on White Bear Lake.
• Taking boxing classes.
• Enjoying time with friends.

Where I Am Going

My time at PMG has broadened my skills and knowledge in business and the manufacturing industry. Likewise, I have grown as an individual by learning to be patient, disciplined, and organized. The next few weeks I will be working on a large research project while doing weekly tasks. I am excited for what is to come and am so thankful to be a part of this company!

Join PMG

If you’d like to join the PMG team, you can find open opportunities on PMG’s LinkedIn page or on our website!

Bailey Braccini, Marketing Intern

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly interrupted and disrupted the global labor market in 2020 and now in 2021, we are seeing the effects and likely lasting changes created. Similarly, you might be thinking about making your own changes, including your career.

Here at PMG, we recommend that you check out a manufacturing career (if you haven’t already). There are many reasons to consider a career in manufacturing including the opportunity for advancement, growth and development. In fact, regardless of where you start in manufacturing or where you work, hard work, continued education, and commitment will pave the way for growth. With that said, let’s take a look at a career arc of an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic.

Step 1: Enroll in an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Program

In these programs, you will complete courses covering a variety of topics. For instance, structural maintenance, engine maintenance and avionics, among others.  Depending upon the program you choose, you will graduate with an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance and technology. Some of these programs also provide the opportunity to secure an A&P license, as well. Find your closest (or most preferred) FAA-Approved Maintenance School here.

Step 2: Gain Experience

Once you’ve graduated from an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Program, experience is critical. If you did not graduate with an A&P License, you can qualify for one after some time working in the field. After working 18 months under the supervision of a certified mechanic, you are eligible to receive an airframe or powerplant certification. If you work 30 months under the supervision of a certified mechanic, you are qualified for both certifications.

Important note: Proof of military service under an occupational specialty approved by the FAA will also qualify you for your A&P License. You can find those details here!

Step 3: Take your FAA Exams

Some say that this part of the process is actually Step 2. However, Step 2 & 3 are really interchangeable. In this step, you will complete one of three FAA exams. These include Airframe Mechanic, Powerplant Mechanics, and A&P Mechanics. Depending upon your education and your experience, you will need to choose the best one for you.

Note: The A&P Mechanics test will allow you to perform structural airframe work as well as powerplant/engine work. This gives you more opportunity in the workforce!

These exams consist of a written test, an oral exam, and a practical exam. The FAA provides a list of FAA-approved examiners for these tests. Keep in mind, this step can be completed in conjunction with your graduation from an FAA-approved aviation maintenance program, as well.

Step 4: Stay Educated, Work Hard, and Advance

Over the course of your career, you will want to stay educated and up-to-date. Technology is changing quickly, especially in the aviation industry. Stay on top of it.

In fact, you’ll be required to keep your airframe and powerplant license current. This is done by completing continued education refresher courses every two years. These are given by employers, manufacturers, and accredited providers.

With hard work and continued education there are opportunities to advance into other positions too, including working as a lead, a supervisor, or an inspector.

Step 5: Work with PMG

PMG has work opportunities for recent A&P graduates as well as experienced Aviation Technicians and A&P Mechanics.

If you’re a recent graduate from a technical school, join the PMG ReTool Team. We can help you gain the experience to go hand-in-hand with your education.

For those with work experience under their flight belt, you can join PMG by applying here.

Kim Mooney, Technical Manager & Coach

PMG Technician Spotlights

Three You Should See

PMG proudly supports American Manufacturing. We care deeply about the people in this industry and love sharing their stories. This month, our PMG Technician Spotlight will mix things up by highlighting a few of our most experienced traveling technicians!

Dan O., PMG Combo Welder

PMG Career at a Glance

Daniel has nearly 7 years of experience working exclusively for PMG. He has successfully deployed with us to 11 different client sites in that time, with great reviews from Supervisors and Project Managers. Dan is currently pursuing the next step in his career with PMG as a Project Coordinator.

What is the best thing about working for PMG?

After almost 7 years with PMG, it’s been such an amazing journey. I’ve met and worked with a lot of great people. It’s been interesting to build so many different products and see how they’re built. I think one of the best projects was building locomotives. Seeing it (materials) come in as basically nothing and seeing it go out at the end as a running engine. That was cool. Of course, the money doesn’t hurt either! I’m looking forward to the next part of my PMG journey as a Project Coordinator/ Manager.

Geary G., Manufacturing Technician/Machine Operator

PMG Career at a Glance

Geary has over a decade of experience working with PMG. He’s successfully deployed with us to 22 different projects, in a variety of positions, during that time. He just completed three assignments in the last 12 months alone and is currently onsite at his fourth.

What is the best thing about working for PMG?

The adventure! Working with PMG is a great opportunity, both for traveling and for learning different jobs and techniques. I also enjoy meeting so many different people. My recruiter Dave is the best and PMG is an awesome company to work for!!!

Larry S., CNC Machinist

PMG Career at a Glance

Larry has more than 6 years of PMG experience. Since 2015, he has successfully deployed to 18 different projects with us.

What is the best thing about working for PMG?

I like everything about it. The traveling, the different jobs, the people I meet. Trying different things is fun and the money is really good too. The best thing of all though is the people I work with at PMG!

Proudly serving the Healthcare Industry

PMG has more than 30 years of experience providing project labor solutions to manufacturers and crisis labor solutions to health systems across the United States. Our dedication to integrity and reliability has driven us to become the premier labor solution provider in the industry.

Now we’re combining that expertise to provide project labor solutions to medical laboratories and health care providers too!

PMG Medical Laboratory Technicians can help your lab, clinic, or hospital address labor shortages and test backlogs in all departments including:

• Coagulation
• Chemistry
• Hematology
• Serology
• Blood Bank
• Urinalysis

Our company is unlike most labor solutions companies. PMG Technicians are highly skilled medical professionals who work solely on a project basis. Contact us today to learn more about how our unique model can help your laboratory or medical facility.

Contact PMG at info@pmgservices.com or 855-522-6701.

A new year is a good time for a new job. Whether you’re newly hired, or are working with new hires, here’s a list of things to remember!

Newly Hired? Remember This!

1. Know Thyself
   • Anticipate, and be prepared for, common questions and also know your answers. Keep those answers brief but informative. This sets a good first impression and also encourages others to want to continue getting to know you! Also, be ready to introduce yourself to anyone you can!
2. Mind Your Business
   • Set boundaries for yourself and others. How personal are you willing to be in your work relationships? What are you willing to give or do outside of normal working hours or on the weekends? How will you avoid cliques, gossip, or “frenemies”? Keep in mind – it’s often better to listen more than talk!
3. Do Your Research & Ask Questions
   • As a new employee you have a lot to learn. Do your research to learn about the new position and the company. Keep in mind though, your research does not make you an expert so ask questions!
4. Take in Procedures & Norms
   • Not only do you need to follow the procedures of the job itself but also the unwritten norms of the company. How do employees greet each other? Who shows up early or just on time? Also, avoid saying “this is how we did it at my last job”.
5. Relax
   • All of these best practices are strategic, planned out, and careful but don’t forget to relax too. Make sure you’re not only prepared for your first day, week, or months but also well-rested, open-minded, and comfortable.

New Hires? Remember This!

1. Introduce Yourself
   • This is an important step for both you and the new hire. When you take the initiative to introduce yourself to new hires it shows kindness, support, and takes away any opportunity for a lack of trust. It also helps the new hire stay open-minded and relaxed as they start a transition in their lives.
2. Show-up & Follow-up
   • Stay in touch with your new colleague when you can. Ask if they have any questions. Ask them how their first day or two or week has been. This creates a professional relationship, establishes your credibility, and builds trust.
3. Remember Your Own Journey
   • Keep in mind that you were also a new employee and colleague at one time. It can be a hard transition, so keep frustration in check and give compassion to a new employee who may be “taking up” your time with questions or training needs.
4. Watch Closely but Not Too Closely
   • Be aware of the new employee’s tasks and to-dos but not so aware that you nitpick or interrupt in the process. If you are not a manager you do not need to manage. Remember: time is a great teacher so give the employee time to learn and work through things on their own, unless what you’re seeing is detrimental to safety or the company’s overall goals.
5. Give Praise, Thanks, and Compliments
   • These can go a long way. It feels good to be appreciated so give away smiles, say thank you, and compliment on a job well done. It will help you feel good and build the confidence of your new coworker.

If you’re looking for more insight, check out the following articles by PMG, helpful for new hires and those already employed!

• How to Negotiate Your Pay
• What’s a Professional Reference
• How to Survive a 12-Hour Shift
• Love & Appreciate at Work

Kim Mooney, Technical Manager & Coach

There is a common saying out there that: “the people with the best advice are usually the ones who have been through the most.”

We at PMG aim to be a resource of advice, knowledge and information for so many in the manufacturing industry: business leaders and owners, workers and technicians, recruiters, etc. We strive to provide the right information and the right resources (as well as advice) for anyone and everyone to make well-educated decisions. Our monthly common FAQ posts (you can find them on our blog) are just one example of the ways we aim to educate.

We receive a lot of questions from our technicians and they’re often looking for advice. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of the best advice from PMG Technicians for PMG Technicians. Whether you’re looking to join our team, are traveling to your first project with PMG, or have been out on multiple projects, these 30+ best practices are helpful for anyone.

What You Represent

1. Be respectful and kind to everyone you meet and work with. You must remember that you are a representative for PMG, yourself, and where you are from. – Robert C.
2. Make sure you are highly alert and highly-enthused on your first day so you can shine. – Kenrick J.
3. Your hard work reflects your dedication to PMG. – James J.

Preparing for a New Job

1. Make a list of things to take with and pack them in containers for easy access. – Timothy S.
2. Get your sleep! Getting 10+ hours of rest before the start of any assignment is essential. – Brandon E.
3. Complete all household tasks prior to leaving, pack, and then enjoy the last day with your family. – Kenrick J.
4. Make sure your family is prepared for your extended time away. Make sure finances are taken care of and they feel safe while you are away. Once that is taken care of, make sure you have all your ducks in a row for your job as far as PPE and tools you will need. – Dan O.
5. Make sure you have all the medicine you will need, and then some. – Albert B.

Additionally, our technicians repeatedly recommend that a best practice, regardless of how many projects you’ve worked with PMG, is to research the company, the equipment, and the location prior to traveling.

Getting Acclimated to the Community  

1. Get there one to two days early to familiarize yourself with the area. – Felix B.
2. Get there early to see where the job site is and find the nearest grocery store, gas station, and laundromat. Go to a local restaurant (not a chain restaurant) to see how the locals react to someone new. – Dan O.

Our technicians not only travel for the work, but they travel for the adventure. Many recommend that you make it a priority to sightsee after researching nearby places or ask coworkers or locals for suggestions.

Starting A New Job

1. Read the manuals and job aids. – Kenrick J.
2. Give it a couple weeks. It takes time to get acclimated and it might not be the easiest transition, but it gets better. – Octavio G.
3. Take a breath when you get there. Don’t get too excited; just go in and do what you know how to do. Keep your ears open because you can always learn something new. Do everything you do to the best of your ability. If you don’t know something, remain open and learn so you know. Your name is attached to everything you do, so act like it. – Nick H.
4. Be truthful about your credentials. Go in with an open mind and be respectful, ready to learn. – Johnny R.

Our technicians also note that PMG projects are not there for you to reinvent the wheel. Rather, the jobs are excellent opportunities to learn new things.

Maintaining Connections Back Home

1. Utilize the many different electronic options: Duo, Facetime, Zoom – these apps allow you to see the whereabouts of others and that’s better than just hearing their voice! – Brandon E.
2. Send little gifts for no reason at all. – Dan O.

Keep in mind, depending upon the shift and hours you’ll be working while on assignment, guests are welcome to visit you while on assignment and you are welcome to travel home on your off days.

Starting New Connections

1. Be careful about what you say in public. – Joshua J.

Other common words of wisdom regarding how to start new connections in an unknown area:

• Listen and ask questions
• Don’t be defensive
• Be open to new ideas and techniques

Staying Healthy

1. Exercise in your room or at a gym. Don’t eat a lot of fast food. – Brandon E.
2. Cook in the hotel. – Kenrick J.,
3. Spend as much time outside as you can to get the benefits of the sun and don’t be afraid to see a doctor if you have any concerns. – Dan O.
4. Take care of your feet. – Michael W.
5. Bring a George Foreman Grill and Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice. – Robert E.

More words of wisdom can be found in PMG’s Lunchbox Hack blog posts featuring tools and tips to help you eat healthy and eat from home.

Additional Advice

1. Getting to work 15 minutes early will help you succeed every day. – Brandon E.
2. Take a deep breath and be confident. – Andrew S.
3. Save a month or two of living expenses to utilize in between assignments. – Brandon C.
4. Don’t be afraid when an assignment is finished. Time between assignments is your ‘vacation’. – Nic S.
5. Do not spend your free time partying or staying up late.
6. Stay in close contact with your project manager and recruiter.
7. Remember you have two bosses: the client and PMG.
8. Read all of your emails from PMG.
9. Start with an assignment that is shorter in duration if you’re nervous about traveling and being away from home.
10. Always carry a notebook and a pen or pencil to keep notes.

If you’d like a chance to put this advice to the test on a PMG assignment, contact our Technical Solutions Team. If you think your workforce could use technicians with this kind of attitude, contact our Client Solutions Team.

Kim Mooney, Technical Manager & Coach

Negotiate Your Pay With Confidence!

It’s been said over and over – the year 2020 has been a wild ride! We’ve experienced a pandemic that has forced us to reconsider many things, including our jobs and careers. Whether you’ve been forced to reassess your job or career due to an unplanned job loss and unemployment, or if you’re currently employed but reevaluating your goals and ideals, one of the most important items to consider is your compensation and benefits package. No matter what your reason is for changing your compensation and benefits package, be prepared to negotiate. If the idea of the negotiation table scares you, follow the tips below and you’ll walk in confident and strong.

Do your research

Search online for any pay details specific to the company as well as overall pay summaries for the position/job title. A good place to start is the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Know how the company is doing as a whole. Did the pandemic, or any other industry trends, recently affect the organization? Has the organization experienced recent changes to their business model or staff? You can find details like these and more on the company’s website, social media pages and by asking anyone in your network who is well-acquainted with the company.

Know who you are

Think about what makes you the best fit for the job. What experience can you bring to the job that others don’t, or can’t, bring? Think outside the box on this one and write it down. List the ways you bring value to the team and also the reasons why you’re worth the cost. We may be living in uncertain times but you can absolutely be certain of your value and be confident when you negotiate your pay.

Determine what you want

It can be anything – pay & salary, health care benefits, a flexible schedule, the ability to work remotely. Negotiations aren’t just about money anymore. Go for it all but pick the one thing you want most.  Also, have reasons for your requests. Be ready to explain why your request is justified.

Be flexible

If achieving your number one goal just isn’t possible for the company, but you really want the job, don’t give up. Go for the next item or two on the list of what you want. For example, if there’s no room for higher pay or the salary you desire, then negotiate for more working hours, a signing bonus, or more paid time off.

Find mutual benefits

Persuading someone into anything is a lot easier if the other person benefits. Frame your conversation and negotiations as mutually beneficial. How does the company benefit by hiring you and not someone else? If you completed steps one and two above, determining this should be fairly simple. If you sell them on why they need you, rather than why you need them, you’re likely to be more successful in negotiations.

For more information, check out this article by the Harvard Business Review titled 15 Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer. To get started, complete this Salary Negotiation Worksheet. Once you spend some time evaluating your worth, and understanding just what you want or need, the negotiation room won’t be so scary.

Want more career tips from PMG? Check out our post Phone Interview Tips.

Kim Mooney, Technical Coach & Manager

FAQs for PMG

PMG provides labor solutions to American manufacturers. That’s what we do in a nutshell and we take the “solution” part of that equation seriously. As a result, all of us here end up asking a lot of questions to make sure we find the right way to solve the real problem. But, during that process, we end up getting asked a fair amount of questions ourselves. This blog will try its best to provide the answers to the things PMG employees get asked the most.

What is a professional reference?

Great question! Most of us, when asked for references, want to provide names of the people that know us best and like us most. This makes sense because we want prospective employers to hear good things about us. However, your family, friends, co-workers, and fellow book club members are personal references. They may have positive things to say, but most of it won’t be relevant to a person looking to hire you for a job.

A truly professional reference isn’t just somebody you know or have worked with, but somebody you’ve worked FOR. Supervisors, trainers, shift leads, managers, and owners of companies all make excellent professional references. This is because they can’t just talk shop about your technical abilities, but can speak to the soft skills that make you a great employee. If you’re not sure why soft skills matter to the technical trades, check out our free webinar on just that topic.

Pro tip: A lack of technical skill input is why HR contacts aren’t great references.

Build your bench intentionally in order to be able to provide better references. Know who makes a great reference and then make sure you have good contact information for that person. Finally, when you provide that information, make sure you give your reference a heads-up too. Even the greatest reference won’t do any good if they don’t answer the phone or return an email.

If you’re looking for more insider information on the hiring and interview process, check out some of our other blogs that include tips & tricks for phone interviews and resume writing. If you have your own question for PMG, we have an answer and we’d love to share it. Send them to writingteam@pmgservices.com.

Josh Erickson, ReTool & Technical Solutions Associate