Technician Topics Archives

Mindfulness Matters:

The origins of mindfulness practices are commonly thought to have started in Buddhism. If that were the case, the concept of mindfulness would date back to around 2,500 years ago. However, it is believed the Yogic Practices of the Hindu religion began between 2,300 BC and 1,500 BC in the Indus Valley, near modern-day Pakistan, therefore preceding Buddhism.

The practice of mindfulness can become a life-changing experience. This practice will allow you to reduce stress and become more alert while bringing a feeling of relaxation.

Mindfulness can be practiced in many ways including taking walks and even washing your hands. Let’s take the next few moments to discuss some of my best mindfulness practices geared towards those that travel for work and those who work from home.

Background:

As a woman of color from Chicago who practices mindfulness, I can say that this holistic approach to my life has been a game changer. I have moved from reading mindfully to becoming a Chakra Balancing Reiki Master.

I was introduced to the concept of mindfulness many years before I realized it was mindfulness. In fact, my very first encounter with a mindful practice happened while reading Conversations with God, by Neale Donald Walsch. I began to pay closer attention to what I was reading, while meditating on the words as I read them, all while being open to the possibility of having an experience similar to what Walsch describes in his book.

After practicing mindfulness while reading, other mindfulness practices entered my life over time. I became aware of what mindfulness meant. With this awareness, I was attracted to meditation, chakras, even yoga (although I have not mastered the art of practicing yoga, but I’m still trying). Eventually, I learned several ways of practicing mindfulness as the years advanced, a few of which I’d like to share with you now.

How to Practice Mindfulness:

Let’s go through some easiest ways to practice mindfulness no matter where you are.

One of the best-known mindfulness practices today is meditation. Meditation is one of the earliest forms of mindfulness. The amazing thing about meditation is that you can do it anywhere, anytime, and with practically anything. It’s as simple as deciding to be present; meaning acknowledging what you are doing in that very moment and being aware of things like breathing. Here, let’s take a stab at it.

Take a deep breath in through your nose.
Hold this breath.
Exhale slowly through your mouth.

This small breathing exercise can be done anywhere and at any time. Do this six times a day and watch your life change!

The next mindfulness practice is walking. Each step you take, pay attention to the way you place one foot in front of the other. Notice the way your arms move with each step. Notice the gravity that’s keeping you grounded. Now, notice the smells around you or the sounds. These actions are considered moving meditation and they add to mindfulness practices. Other mindfulness exercises are rooted in eating and drinking. An example would be using your opposite hand to eat, drink, and / or brush your teeth.

Each example provided will allow you to become present. The more you practice mindfulness, the more you will reduce anxiety about the future. It can also help you stop from dwelling on the past.

We do these practices daily, and by being aware of these actions, you will begin to have your own mindful moments.

The more mindfulness you practice, the less irritable you will be, the more tolerant you will become, and the better you will cope with whatever is going on in your life.

Take some time to be mindful today. You deserve it!

Glossary:

Chakra: Various energy centers in your body that correspond to specific nerve bundles and internal organs.
Reiki: An energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch.
Meditate: Think deeply or carefully about something.
Mindfulness: “Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” ~UMN.EDU

Source: Blinkist Magazine; Amy Leonard

National Donor Day: Awareness

Did you know National Donor Day was on February 14? The purpose of this day is to educate people about the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. It’s also the perfect time to show some love for people waiting for organ transplants.

We dedicate this day to recognizing those individuals who have given, or received, the gift of life through donation; to those who are currently awaiting a transplant and to those who have passed while waiting for an organ donation. But February 14th does not have to be the only day of the year we recognize donors.

It’s estimated that more than 121,000 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant in the United States. Did you know that the average wait time for a kidney is four years? It also takes about nine years to receive a heart. Everyone will experience different wait times based on priority and availability.

What We Can Do

One way to make a difference is by registering, and encouraging others to register, as a donor. Another way is to give blood. Blood is crucial for surgeries and can aid in saving lives. And here’s a fun fact — three people can be saved with a single pint of blood!

Sign Up for the National Donate Life Registry

Take charge of the legacy you will leave behind. One organ donor can save as many as eight lives! Register here.

In general, there are two types of job markets.

The candidate-driven market
The employer-driven market

As it stands today, the United States is in a candidate-driven job market. What exactly is that and what does it mean for job seekers?

What is a Candidate-Driven Job Market?

A candidate-driven job market sees candidates with the upper hand rather than employers. What this means is that jobs are abundant, employers are in need, and job seekers call the shots.

What Does It Mean for Candidates?

There is plenty of room to negotiate pay, perks, and benefits.
Companies are reducing experience requirements. This can open up the path to a new (or dream) job for candidates.
Upskilling and training are more prevalent, and companies are more willing to provide these opportunities to get someone in the door. With this, candidates turn “weaknesses” into strengths and build their repertoire of skills by participating in the upskilling and training process.
Companies are changing “must-haves” to “nice-to-haves.” Candidates should (and can) apply for jobs even if they can’t check the box for every requirement.
Passive candidates can get to know the playing field. What’s out there? How in-demand are their skillset? Where can they earn more, and how can they use that information to negotiate better pay with their current employer?

In this current, candidate-driven job market, it’s all about the job seeker. But that’s nothing new for FlexTrades.

FlexTrades values and, has always valued, its Technicians (candidates).

Join the FlexTrades team today to experience top-notch pay, the opportunity to travel, and the ability to work and learn new skills with some of the best manufacturers in the United States!

If you’re new(er) to manufacturing, don’t worry. We have that covered, too! Join our ReTool team for the opportunity to learn from the best, increase your skillet and train for your dream job.

Not Home for the Holidays

You don’t have to look hard during this time of year to realize the holidays are upon us. City streets are decorated, store windows are full of gift ideas, and seasonal music is omnipresent. For most of us, even if this isn’t our idea of ’the most wonderful time of the year,’ it’s a time of joy and nostalgia. But there’s a large portion of the population that the rest of us forget about during this season – those who can’t get home. While most are at home, millions of people around the world are working so that we can celebrate.

From flight attendants and emergency workers to our own FlexTrades technicians keeping the wheels of industry turning through seasonal spikes, there are a lot of people missing time with their families. We want all of you in that position to know we appreciate you a lot! But we also realize that all the recognition in the world doesn’t make such a sacrifice any less lonely. Therefore, we turned to our travel-work experts for some tips on how to make sure you don’t feel alone just because you’re spending this holiday away from home.

Holiday Tips for When You’re Away from Home

Communicate

The number one rule of family planning is communication and that goes double for holiday schedules. Once your shift is solidified, the first thing you should do is let your family know. There are a lot of ways to make alternate seasonal plans, but most are not very realistic at the last minute. It sounds simple, but often the best answers are exactly that. If you know you’re going to miss a party or tradition, talk about it asap. You’ll be surprised how creative your family can get.

Decorate

Whether you’re in an office or on the shop floor, you might not be able to go home for the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of it to you. Christmas lights, a mini-tree, or a singing reindeer are easy ways to surround yourself with some seasonal items. You can even level-up this step into a simple group activity by involving coworkers or others with a ’project’ such as setting ten minutes aside for everybody to cut out a paper snowflake for their station. Do you have a cherished tree ornament at home? Bring it with you on the road so you’re not leaving all your nostalgia behind. Even wearing a work uniform doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. If you can’t wear that Santa hat or Grinch shirt, try wearing a themed lanyard or safety glasses with decorated frames!

Technology

Technology can be a stressor in life, especially during the holidays, but it can also be a day (or even a season) saver. Video calling and messaging apps, like FaceTime, have already changed the roadwork experience for many FlexTrades technicians. You don’t have to be on the road to also benefit from these technologies though. Even if you’re just missing a New Year’s Eve party for a single shift, using FaceTime and a well-timed break can make sure you’re still there with the people that matter to you when the ball drops. There are lots of other technologies that can help with this too. One that we love is using the group watch function of your favorite streaming platform to share a classic holiday film with your friends and family, no matter where you all are around the globe! Using VR goggle could make it even more exciting but does require a few extra steps.

Redefine Family

Working over the holidays, especially on the road, can be a team effort. It could make sense to celebrate those holidays with your work team. Little things like group caroling competitions or gift exchanges can add a lot of fun to seasonal work. Those little things make it easier to focus on the big stuff too, like making sure your teammates know just how much you appreciate them. Shared appreciation is always a good thing!

Volunteer

Do you feel bad about something you’re missing this season? The best way to feel good is to do good. If you can’t make it home for the holidays, then do something to make where you’re at feel homier. Church groups, charitable associations, and community organizations put a big emphasis on holiday projects, and they can always use extra hands! There are many online platforms, like VolunteerMatch, that make it easy to find opportunities to help, no matter where you find yourself around America. A great side benefit to volunteering for the road warrior crowd is that it doubles as networking for the out-of-towner too. Doing good and meeting good people is a win/win in any season!

Other Ideas

We hope this list gives ideas of how to make the most of this holiday season away from home. If you have other tips, we’d love to hear them! Send them to our Writing Team. We’ll do our best to cover them in future posts.

Do you want to give yourself a gift that keeps on giving all year? Check out our blog page to catch up on other advice about working away from home.

As the seasons change and life begins to settle in, we often think we need a change of scenery ourselves. Fall is one of the most popular times for job opportunities to arise. So here are some tips from our technicians on how to fall into place with your new position successfully.

Be Prepared

Check out your new job site on Google Maps, familiarize yourself with the area. What local stores are nearby? Gas Stations? Convenience stores? Can you find parking?
Pack your essentials the night before and get plenty of sleep! Starting your new assignment well-rested will help you succeed!

The First Impression

Review your orientation schedule and job aids.
Get to know you supervisors by engaging in conversation and asking questions.
Carry a pen and notebook with you, jot down notes during the day!

Become a Networking Guru

Introduce yourself to your coworkers, learn about their interests, you can even add them to your LinkedIn network!
Be mindful of suggestions within the workplace – constructive criticism can help you grow in your field.

Take A Deep Breath

Remember that this is just the beginning of your transition. Adjustment takes time!
Confidence is key, perform your best!

Recently, one of my streaming services had The Machinist in a list of movies recommended for me to watch next. I’ve seen the movie before and, at least from a critic’s perspective, it’s a fine film. Dark, suspenseful, surprising – it really does check a lot of boxes that normally indicate a great movie. But thinking about the film reminded me that it’s potentially frustrating to watch if you’re a machinist or somebody else working in a shop environment. For those of you who haven’t seen The Machinist yet, I’ll tell you why.

PPE

When was the last time you were in a shop, even a very small one, and didn’t see anyone utilizing their personal protection equipment? For me, it’s been a VERY long time. Having the right PPE is so important we actually published a checklist for technicians. However, you can watch every single shop-scene in this movie and not see a single set of safety glasses or hearing protection. Not even one! Some core scenes in this film are set around injuries that happen, or nearly happen, around production machines. Yet, somehow, nobody chooses to opt for extra PPE, even after they see a coworker gruesomely hurt. I dislike this part of The Machinist the most because it perpetuates a narrative about manufacturing that hasn’t fit the industry appropriately for decades.

Machine Tool Safety

Speaking of those machines, where are the guards? Why so lax on proper procedure? At one point, the main character brings up OSHA workplace standards regarding Lockout/Tagout requirements. Does his supervisor or coworkers appreciate his input? Of course not! Instead, he gets grumbles, snide remarks, and rolled eyes. All because he’s reminding them that there is an industry regulation already in place to prevent exactly the kind of injury that occurs later in the film. First, having spent plenty of time in a shop, I can tell you this attitude is inaccurate. I’ve forgotten LOTO myself a couple times when rushing and, I can promise you, it wasn’t my coworker who was embarrassed when it was brought to my attention. Second, portraying such disregard for such fundamental procedures in a film famed for being “realistic” creates a false sense of accuracy too. This in turn goes on to undermine industry integrity for everyone unfamiliar with production environments.

Environment

The theme of misrepresentation in this movie continues when you consider the physical environment of the shop itself. The Machinist is a dark and dirty movie, so it’s understandable that cinematographers chose to reflect that with the shop set they created. Understandable but sadly still a totally inaccurate representation of most modern machining facilities today. In a post-Kaizen, Six Sigma-focused industry the “standard” shop is now much different. Well lit, well ventilated, and clean is now the norm for everything from the machine to the shop floor. Part of the reason that the skills gap even exists in the trades is because media continues to portray the industry with such dated imagery.

Workforce Attitude

Another contributor to our current labor supply problem in manufacturing has a lot to do with the perceived attitude of our workforce. People in blue collar roles are commonly shown to be unwelcoming, unhelpful bullies.

Members of younger generations entering the workforce today are a product of an education system full of anti-bullying policies and they are unwilling to tolerate the idea of something else in their workplace. Movies like The Machinist add fuel to this fire making potential machinists and fabricators think that all their coworkers will be rude, uncaring jerks just waiting for a chance to retaliate. This is most unfortunate of all the film’s missteps because those of us already working in and around the trades know the opposite to be true. Namely, these aren’t our father’s factories we’re working in or their colleagues we’re working alongside. Rather, machinists today work in facilities using the most modern tools, processes, environments, procedures, AND mentalities.

That’s why The Machinist is a terrible movie for machinists. If this article still makes you want to watch the film yourself, it’s currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Whether you’ve seen it already or not, I hope it also makes you watch it differently than you would have otherwise. Our industry needs more thoughtful consideration about how we’re represented and how we represent ourselves. Got another movie you think is terrible (or wonderful) to watch for people in the trades? We’d love to hear about it. Send suggestions to our Writing Team and maybe you’ll hear what we think about it in a future review.

Work/life balance matters — we’ve even hosted a webinar about it. But for those who travel for work, especially in the skilled trades, striking that balance isn’t always easy. Some of our FlexTrades technicians are on the road for weeks or even months at a time. That level of travel comes with real challenges, especially for anyone with kids, families, or responsibilities waiting back home.

So how do you make it work?

We asked our most experienced traveling professionals, and here’s what they had to say. Whether you’re new to the road or a seasoned road warrior, these tips can help you find your own version of balance.

Before the Project: Set the Stage

Communicate Clearly

Talk with your project manager about job expectations, timelines, and challenges
Keep your family informed about your location, schedule, and availability
Be proactive about updates. If your flight gets delayed, let people know — don’t leave them wondering

Use a Calendar

Request time off early for important dates like weddings, graduations, or concerts
Even if you can’t attend an event in person, you can still follow up and ask about it
Put family milestones on your calendar so you don’t forget to check in

Plan for Home Coverage

Who handles emergencies while you’re gone?
Who’s feeding the dog, checking the mail, or watering the garden?
Plan ahead and have a backup for every critical task

During the Project: Stay Connected

Use Technology to Your Advantage

FaceTime. Zoom. Snapchat. Whatever the platform, use it.

A nightly call still goes a long way, but real-time updates, shared photos, and group messages can make miles feel shorter.

One FlexTrades technician said his family stays connected through a shared Snapchat group with his four daughters. “It lets me stay involved on their schedule, not just mine.”

Stay Involved from Afar

Ask your spouse or friend to livestream a game or concert
Use apps like Zoom or Houseparty for family game nights
Help with homework, celebrate wins, or just chat — even from a hotel room

Share the Trip

Send a photo of something interesting. Buy a souvenir. Bring back something small — a shell, a postcard, even hotel shampoo. These tokens remind your loved ones that they’re still part of your journey.

Some FlexTrades techs even have family or friends visit during longer assignments. It’s a great way to make the job feel more like home — even for a weekend.

After the Project: Reconnect and Reflect

Debrief and Improve

Spend your first night back simply reconnecting
The next night, talk through what worked and what didn’t
Make a plan for how you’ll handle things better next time

Write it down so it doesn’t get forgotten in the rush of the next trip.

Use Your Perks

You’ve earned rewards — use them.

Got hotel or airline points? Book a trip with your family
Have extra gear or swag from a project? Bring it home for your kids

When the benefits of your travel are shared, the time away gets a little easier to accept.

Embrace Imbalance

There’s no such thing as a perfect 50/50 balance between work and life.

As one of our technicians said:

“Ninety days on the road and thirty days at home might seem out of balance, but when I’m home, I’m 100% there. I take the kids to school. I volunteer. I do projects. I make that time count.”

Sometimes balance isn’t about the day or the week. It’s about the season. What matters most is being intentional with the time you have — wherever you are.

Want More?

If this helped you think about work/life balance differently, check out our Road Warrior Webinar to learn more about what life is really like as a traveling technician with FlexTrades.

Still have questions? Or maybe you have a blog idea you want us to cover? Send your thoughts to the FlexTrades Writing Team — we’d love to hear from you.

The future of manufacturing is being built by automation. That future is already here — it’s called Industry 4.0 — and it’s driven by robotics, PLCs, and CNC technology.

If you’re already in the machining trade or want to break into it, transitioning from CNC Operator or CNC Machinist to CNC Programmer is one of the smartest moves you can make. And the best place to start? School.

Why CNC Programming Is the Next Step

A CNC Programmer is the person behind the code that tells machines how to move, cut, and shape parts. The job requires a solid understanding of materials, machine operations, tooling, and software. It’s high-skill work, and demand is growing across every sector of U.S. manufacturing.

So if you’re committed to becoming a CNC Programmer, start by enrolling in a technical college or trade school that offers a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in CNC Programming.

Here’s what to consider as you explore your options.

How to Choose the Right CNC Program

1. Look for NIMS Accreditation

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) is the gold standard in CNC training. Schools with NIMS-accredited programs follow a curriculum that aligns with current industry needs — which means you’ll graduate ready to work.

NIMS also offers CNC Programmer Certification, which can boost your résumé and credibility on day one.

2. Check for Hands-On Training and Software Access

Quality CNC programs give you access to:

Modern machine tools
Industry-standard software
Real-world shop environments

If your school teaches Mastercam, you’re in good shape. It’s one of the most widely used CNC programming platforms in the industry, and it’s what many employers expect their programmers to know.

3. Weigh the Length of the Program

Your time matters. Here’s a breakdown of typical options:

Certificate – fastest path, focused curriculum
Diploma – adds more coursework and training hours
Associate Degree – two-year commitment, broader education

Choose the one that fits your schedule, goals, and learning style.

4. Understand the Cost and Value

Cost varies widely by program and location. Make sure you’re getting real value in return — up-to-date equipment, experienced instructors, and job placement support.

And don’t forget to ask about financial aid, scholarships, or employer-sponsored reimbursement options.

5. Choose a Location That Works for You

Some programs are fully in-person. Others offer online or hybrid options. Choose the format that gives you the best shot at success.

Whether you’re balancing work and family or starting fresh, the right location and learning style make a big difference.

FlexTrades Can Help Pay for Training

Already working in the trades? FlexTrades offers a training reimbursement program for our technicians. You can receive up to $2,000 toward approved courses that build your trade knowledge and boost your career.

It’s one of the ways we invest in your future — because when you grow, we all win.

Every technician has a toolbox. Wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers — the mechanical staples are easy to recognize. But if you work in manufacturing, especially in quality or machining roles, there’s another set of tools that matter just as much: inspection tools.

These tools ensure the work you perform isn’t just done — it’s done right. And while some are provided by the employer (due to cost or required calibration), every technician should understand what these tools do and why they matter.

This is our version of the Essential Technician Toolbox, focused on quality operations.

Inspection Tools You Should Know

Calipers

Used to measure the inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD) of components.

Types include:

Dial Calipers
Vernier Calipers
Digital Calipers

Gauges

Used for quick, reliable dimensional checks.

Thread Gauges – also called screw or pitch gauges; measure thread pitch
Go/No Go Gauges – include plug, snap, and ring gauges for checking pass/fail limits (see the differences)
Chamfer Gauges – measure top diameters of tapered or chamfered holes
Depth Gauges / Depth Micrometers – measure holes, slots, and cavities
Height Gauges – measure and set vertical distances

Hardness Testers

Used to determine the Rockwell Hardness of materials. The method depends on the type of metal or alloy being tested.

Indicators

Help align parts, inspect roundness, or assess surface irregularities.

Dial Test Indicators
Plunge Indicators
Travel Indicators

Micrometers

Precision instruments that measure thickness, depth, and length — more exact than calipers.

Surface Comparators

Used to visually compare and measure surface roughness or finish.

Surface Plates

Granite or cast iron blocks that provide a perfectly flat reference surface for checking whether an object is flat, convex, or concave.

Tool Tidbits: Analog vs. Digital and Metric vs. Imperial

Many of the tools listed above come in both analog and digital formats. Think of it like this:

Analog tools = like a watch with hands
Digital tools = like a digital clock, giving precise numbers at a glance

Similarly, these tools may use metric or imperial systems. Not sure what that means? Check out this guide.

Calibration Matters

Accuracy is everything. That’s why inspection tools must be regularly calibrated. Calibration ensures that your readings are reliable, consistent, and within tolerance — because trust in the tool means trust in the work.

Who Uses These Tools?

If you’re in any of the following roles, these tools are part of your world:

CNC Operators
CNC Machinists
Quality Inspectors
CMM Programmers
Machine Operators

These professionals rely on inspection tools during pre-inspection, in-process checks, and final inspection to make sure every part meets spec.

Because in manufacturing, it’s always safety first, quality second — and these tools help protect both.

At FlexTrades, we provide workforce solutions to American manufacturers. It’s what we do — and we take the solution part seriously.

That means we ask a lot of questions. But we also answer a lot, especially from the skilled trades community. This post tackles some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from technicians and job seekers alike.

Do I Need a Forklift Certification?

This is one of the most common questions we get. And the answer is straightforward:

No, you don’t need an active forklift certification to qualify for a FlexTrades project.

But — and it’s a meaningful but — having prior forklift experience or past certification is highly preferred.

Here’s why: any technician operating a forklift on a project will need to certify to that client’s internal standards while onsite. So while FlexTrades doesn’t require your certification to be current, previous certification makes you a stronger candidate and helps you hit the ground running.

Are There Other Required Certifications?

Yes, there are a few other certifications that occasionally come into play:

OSHA safety certifications (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
MSHA safety certifications (Mine Safety and Health Administration)
CDLs (Commercial Driver’s Licenses) for roles involving transportation or heavy hauling

These certifications aren’t required for every project, but when they are, having them in hand puts you at the top of the list.

What Other Certifications Should I Consider?

Beyond the essentials, there are plenty of optional certifications that can make you more competitive in the skilled trades.

Want to get ahead? These resources can help:

Payscale’s list of common manufacturing certifications
Zippia’s top 20 certifications for production workers
PrideStaff’s breakdown of value-boosting certifications

Certifications can lead to better roles, higher wages, and more career mobility.

Want to Work with FlexTrades?

If you’re a recent graduate of a technical training program, consider applying through the FlexTrades ReTool Program. It’s designed to help you bridge the gap between training and the real world.

Already have experience? Join our Talent Network to access new projects, grow your career, and work with top-tier U.S. manufacturers.

Have a Question of Your Own?

We want to hear it. Send your questions to writingteam@flextrades.com and we’ll answer them in a future FAQ.