Free Training for Tradesman

Well my friends it has been a while I have been working on providing more training for those that work in the Trade, such as Electricians, HVAC techs, Plumbers, and all other types of tradesman. Each week I have been doing a weekly podcast which provides free training for you to continue to keep Surging Forward in the trades. If you have ITunes you can sign up by clicking here. If you don't have an Itunes or have a different type of phone you can always down load a podcast app and listen to the Surging Forward Podcast click here for the You Tube video of how to do this. Be sure to subscribe as that is where more free training will be coming in the future. I even have have a video on how to use social media, which is also a podcast. Podcast are really cool because you can listen while doing other things and listen again if you would like. 2017 has been a very busy year. We have also expanded our other training for those that need CEU's for their Tradesman license renewal at our regular web site www.surgingforward.com We now provide contractor training as well as exam prep courses, while these course are not free they are very affordable and vary by state. So spread the word to anyone you know that needs training. I am hoping to get some time to create a few videos to expand the training to help you to keep Surging Forward. In order to grow we must all take advantage of any training with a mixture of free like the weekly podcast and paid like online course, from many types of sources. This will help grow your career. If you would like to keep up with even more I have been a lot more active on facebook, simply click here and like our page. I look forward to connecting with you and make sure you like our facebook page and drop me a line if you have a question you would like addressed on the podcast. Until next time  Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward.

Surging Forward update

Hello from Surging Forward I hope that all of you are doing well for this Holiday. Christmas always seems to be one of the busiest times of the year. During this busy time dont forget to keep growing and Surging Forward in your career. This weeks podcast talks about pursing your passion. Make sure it is yours and not some else's. You can listen on ITunes byclicking here or if you dont have apple you can click here. As always you can go to www.surgingforwardpodcast.com and listen to all the past episodes. Download and listen later so it doesn't slow you down. I hope that everyone stays safe and if you have twitter be sure and follow us @surgingforward. Let us know any topics you would like discussed. After the new year we are looking to launching some new courses for helping you succeed. Some will even be for free but they will only be announced on twitter. I am not sure how much more I will be keeping up on this blog as this one is being combined with the podcast, facebook and the other media we are using so again make sure you follow your favorite media.
Twitter, Facebook, Itunes, other podcast. or even google play
Have a great new year and thank you for all your support

Are you taking Advantage of the tools you have?

Hello fellow Tradesman.
I have not been writing in this blog as much as I should. There has been a lot happening in the past few weeks. First off I want to say congrats to all those that competed in the Apprenticeship competition. My 4th year class did great, which brings me to the subject in this post. Are you taking advantage of all the tools available to you. There is no reason why anyone cannot make a better life for themselves in today's world. Since I started the podcast a few months ago I have spent a lot of time answering questions on how to excel in the trade or even a job you may be in. I have seen that there is a lot of information online that is available to anyone that once to pursue. I have also noticed that many people still like to call versus asking a question online. While that is oky I receive so many more voice mails today than ever before, which is why I started the podcast. First of all thank you for listening to the podcast if you have not already you can listen on ITUNES or if you have an Android phone you can listen on Stitcher  which is an app that allows you to listen to podcast and when you subscribe you automatically receive the latest episode of The Surging Forward Podcast or you can just goto the website at www.surgingforwardpodcast.com. This is only the beginning of the leadership training that I will be putting out for free, yes it will be free as long as I can continue to see a need and hear from all of you, please comment on the posts and leave reviews on the ITunes or the Stitcher sites. Training for tradesman has always relied on the element of time. With these tools you can be trained on your time any time. The internet has provided so much more in this area than I had coming up in the trade. If you have issues on your job or want to know how to deal with an issue just drop me a line at tradesman@surgingforward.com That is the best way as I cannot answer all the phone calls anymore. The is also another great podcast out the called the Apprenticeship Matters which is also on ITUNES or his website is www.theelectricacademy.com/category/podcast/ there are also great resources on his website. So as you can see there is so much info out there for you to learn the trade, learn leadership and grow in your career.  Well thats all for now have to get back to teaching my class, in the mean time Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward.  Please feel free to share this post with your fellow workers.

There is help for tradesman

Hello fellow tradesman,
Been a very busy week I just got back from a code update course for the 2017 code. I will be sharing some of this for you in the future.
Dont miss the two new podcast episodes at www.Surgingforwardpodcast.com on Training and How you can make a difference.
Subscribe on ITunes or Stitcher for your android phone so you dont miss an episode.
Let me know any topics that you want to have talked about in the field.
Well this one is short gotta run Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward
Dave

Thank you!!

Hello again fellow tradesman and others in the working class,
I wanted to start out this blog with  a great big Thank You to all of you that continue to keep working day in and day out. I don't think we hear that as much as we should. All of us spend 6 to 14 hours a day making money for someone else and never feel like we are getting anywhere. I want to assure you that you are. The job you do does make a difference in someone life which is not only your boss. The job you do makes a difference to anyone that is effected by the actual completion of whatever task you do. How you react to any given situation can and does make a difference to the community, you city, you state,and maybe even worldwide. we all struggle with the day to day grind one of the hardest things we deal with is the person on the job that never gives thanks to anyone. They are the ones that claim and act as if they know everything. That is what this weeks podcast episode is about the know it all. If you would like to continue to learn how you can make a difference and grow you career than this episode will bring you back to the basics. I would also encourage you to let me know the issues that effect you in  your daily walk. drop is a comment below of simply drop us an email at Tradesman@surgingforward.com
Listen to our new podcast episode on Handling the Know it all,  Go to Surging Forward Podcast on Itunes or go to Surgingforwardpodcast.com to download and listen. If you listen on ITunes, Stitcher or on Google Play, subscribe and you will recieve each episode automatically every Friday.I want also offer my thanks to you all for reading and listening. You can help me a lot by sharing on facebook or email to others who might enjoy. Please feel free to pass this post along and don't forget to like us on facebook. Until next time
Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward

When Will Virginia be on the 2017 Electrical Code?

I have been getting a lot of questions lately regarding as to when Virginia will adopt the 2014 electrical code. The concern I here from other electricians is that the 2017 electrical code will be out soon and many are not even sure as to what code we are on. States adopt the code in various ways depending on the State you live in.Virginia is based on the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code or USBC. The USBC is broken down into 3 parts and became effective as of July 14 2014 they are as follows:

2012 Virginia Construction Code USBC Part 1
2012 Virginia Rehabilitation Code USBC Part 2
2012 Virginia Maintenance Code USBC Part 3
2012 Errata to the Virginia Building and Fire Regulations
You may click on the links above if you would like to download a copy

You will find the code adoption in the section in the 2012 Virginia Construction code 101.2 Incorporation by reference Note 1: The IBC references other International Codes and standards including the following major codes:
2012 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
2012 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
2011 NFPA 70
2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
2012 International Residential Code (IRC)

So as you can see, we are currently still on the 2011 electrical code
You can go to the state website and review the process as you will see it is quite long.
Click here 2015 code cycle 
So when we be on the 2014 electrical code ? I am not sure I have heard that it could be as early as July of 2017, but based on the schedule, I read on the site it may not be until July 2018.
So that is in short how you as a Virginia electrician can stay up to date. In today's world we have access to so much information and training that with a few clicks you can usually find the information you need. Speaking of training, I plan on making some short code courses ( 15 to 20 mins long) that will help you learn the code by understanding how to use the code not just memorize questions and articles. Understanding how to use it will make the code one of the most valuable tools in your tool belt. (Well of course you can't carry it on you any more, since it has become quite large these days) The whole purpose of the code is safety for all the non electricians that think it is just magic. So when install for others remember that is what we do keep others safe. If you would may be interested in this let me know by leaving a comment below. Also feel free to pass this post along by sharing in your facebook, electrical group or even email. Don't forget to subscribe to our surging forward podcast on ITUNES or STITCHER. For those that don]t know what that is you can go to our website at www.surgingforwardpodcast.com
Until next Time Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward

Bragging is not the best way

Hello fellow Tradesman out there.
Over the years I have heard so many people brag about all the things they have done. It is one thing to share about a great accomplishment, but it is quite another to make up stories to make you sound more important. What does that do to ones integrity?
Listen to our new podcast episode on bragging your way to the to. Go to Surging Forward Podcast on Itunes or go to Surgingforwardpodcast.com to download and listen. I want also offer my thanks to you all for reading. You can help me a lot by sharing on facebook or email to others who might enjoy. Please feel free to pass this post along and don't forget to like us on facebook. Until next tim
Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward

Giving Your Word

How important is it to keep your word? Trust is something that seems to have gone by the way side. Seems everyone is looking for an angle. Lying in today's workplace has become the norm in order to get ahead. Don't fall into this trap. Your word is the most powerful attribute you have. If you cannont keep your word it is sometimes best to say no. Your integrity will keep your fellow workers, and/or clients if you have a business watching your back instead of worrying about  whats next. Also do keep company with those that do not have integrity the fal can come very quickly.
Listen to our new podcast episode on giving your word. Go to Surging Forward Podcast on Itunes or go to Surgingforwardpodcast.com to download and listen. Always be willing to help others. Please feel free to pass this post along and don't forget to like us on facebook.
Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward

Episode 4 of the Surgingforward podcast

Well hello again fellow tradesman out there. Been a busy few weeks. We have just published our 4 episode of our new podcast. The title is the 3 R's Respect, Reliability, and Responsibility. Go to Surgingforwardpodcast.com to listen. This show talks about haw to get respect. Do we deserve respect or is it earned something to think about as we strive to grow in our careers. There is a lot happening in our world today and if you are demanding that people respect you than you may not actual deserve it. Just saying respect is something that we must earn on a daily basis and depends on how we are treating others. Leadership is a skill that must continue to be developed. There are many people who at one time were great leaders but the power went to there head and they now abuse the position. These leaders have lost the respect from those that follow . You than have those that work under strictly under fear and nor dedication. Well I need to get ready for the new year. I am working on lesson plans for the upcoming Apprenticeship classes. A new 3rd year class.
So I will leave you with this question What are you doing to help others have a better life, it is not about money, but maybe just a kind word.
Drop us a topic you want discussed on the podcast, at tradesman@surgingforard.com or just leave us a comment below, in the mean time, Stay Safe and Keep Surging Foward.

The Podcast is little late but it's up and running

Hello Surging Forward members, friends, and future fans,
We were a little late but we got the podcast up and going last night. I did not realize all the actual startup work, but I am sure we will be tweaking it here and there. Special thanks too my sons best friend for setting everything up.
You can check out the the new podcast at www.surgingforwardpodcast.com
Don't forget to send us your questions. and we will talk about most any subject related to the trades and to working a job in general. Also like us on Face book to keep up with some of the things we hope to start posting soon. Send us your bad installs or your positive pictures and we will post the pictures there. Our Facebook address is https://www.facebook.com/SurgingForward/ .
The first podcast is an introduction into our first series of discussions. Again feel free to send us your comments on what we can do better. We are new to this but hoping we can help all of us to surge  forward in this hectic world. Even this week end I could not believe how fast time went by.
Well I am going to sign off for now as even I have to work the day to day grind. Remember to pass the word and share with your fellow workers Until next time, Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward.

Free Training the Podcast is coming

Hello fellow tradesman  this has been a busy summer and we are getting very close to launching our new podcast. again those of you that do not know what a podcast is it is like a radio show but on the internet. we have just launched a new website at www.surgingforwardpodcast.com which will have all the details. Also make sure you send us your topics for discussion also and we can include in upcoming episodes. The launch for our new show will be available to listen online or download on Friday August 5th.  we will do a new show every week. These will include topics such as how to grow in your career, How to increase you worth and your pay to your company, How to start your own business (not as easy as you may think but if you have the drive can be rewarding) dispel some myths and learn some truths about working the daily grind, and many other topics for the working class. stay tuned and in the mean time drop us a line at Tradesman@surgingforward.com and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SurgingForward/ . Help us get the word out. Free Training we like free right. Take care and remember to Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward
Dave

New Things Coming

It has been a while but it does not mean we haven't been busy,so here is a quick update. We have been working on some new things. First we have just published the new 2014 Electrical code in Virginia and Oklahoma and it now has full audio. You spoke and we listened. We are working on the HVAC, Plumbing and the Fuel/Gas code to bring audio to those as well.  We are also looking at starting a podcast which will provide you with ways to grow in the trade and move up the ladder. I know the jobs are always bad, the pay stinks, its to hot, its to cold, but hey the grass is not greener on the other side and most of you don't have 4 years of student loans in the thousands of dollars either.
If you have any topics you would like us to discuss simply drop us a line at tradesman@surgingforward.com Stay tuned for times and the opening show.
As always
Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward

The Future of Tradesman continued

Well I am back again. I want to try and continue with the topic of the future of Tradesman. Last time we spoke of the lack of training and today I spent some time with a former student that is seeking to grow in the trade. So many times there are so many choices, yet you may feel there are no choices. In reality the choice is up to you. If you are happy with the statuesque and do not want to continue Surging Foward in our lives, how can you expect to gain respect in the trade, make more money in the trade, be promoted in the trade, get that really cool task on the job site, or any other  goal you want in life. The road to success is not always easy but it is not hard either. The opportunities are there but it requires that you step forward to take on the challenge. With that said a few things to keep in mind. You will fail, yes that it what I said you will fail at times, but you will also succeed. So many people are afraid to move forward because they may fail. If that was the case and you never continue to Surge Forward you would have never learned to ride a bike, How about even learning to walk, or play sports. Think about where you are in the trade you work at. Ever made a mistake? The real question is what did you learn from falling off the bike? What did you learn about not doing the task on the job the way it was explained. Maybe you wanted to do it your way. Maybe you should have asked  one more question. Maybe you ask too many questions and need to do some research yourself. Boy I wish I had google when I was younger. I could have avoided a lot of mistakes. The point is we learn much more ( or we should be learning ) from our mistakes than when we get it right accidentally and deep down we have no idea how we got it done. Now the real question is what can you learn from others mistakes and also keep them Surging Forward.
Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward

The future of Tradesman

Hello Fellow Tradesman it has been a while since we have posted on here on our blog. Not that we haven't been busy but there has been a lot going on. Virginia is now on the 2011 National electrical code for those that are wondering. We have also been working on new code update courses and have expanded into Texas and Oklahoma. Our main focus this year has been on learning to start an organization. I have been talking to a lot of tradesman and the one thing that seems to be lacking is a platform for training. With this in mind I am hoping to create an organization for tradesman that is geared toward helping recruit as well as grow tradesman for increasing their skills. Almost everyone wants to make more money in the field but very few really know how. What are you doing to increase your skill set? There are many resources out there that can help you succeed. A good source of electrical information is www.mikeholt.com he has a wealth of information for electricians from tradesman to estimating and even teaching. Only you can be in charge of how well you do in the trade. There are still many opportunities to make a very good living. No you may not become a millionaire but you may if you start your own business. When you work for a contractor remember profit margins are very tight in today's world. The more valuable you make yourself the more likely you will make a better wage. So I have provided a lot of things to think about in a short time. So do your research, grow yourself and let me know how we can grow together. Until next time
Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward

Firefighters & Home Builders at Odds About Safety Device

 Hard to believe that saving human lives cost to much according to politics


Firefighters & Home Builders at Odds About Safety Device

March Maddness/2011code is Coming

March madness is here and boy has it been a long winter.  I for one cant wait till summer. Speaking of summer, wanted to get the word out about some of the changes coming up in Virginia.  It looks like the state will adopt the 2011 NEC code. The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code is slated to go in effect July 2014. There have been a lot of changes in the 2011 NEC from the 2008 NEC. We have not been on the 2008 NEC very long, but it seemed like we were on the 2005 NEC for a long time. The process takes many meetings for the boards to approve all the changes in Richmond, they listen to a lot of input from people like you and I. So if you like; you can get involved.  Your input does count.

One of the big changes is that the continuing education is still required for renewing your tradesman license. The requirements remain at 3 hours forElectrical, HVAC/Mechanical, and Plumbing.  Fuel/Gas requires only one hour. Many of you I have heard; get upset that the state requires you to be up to date on the new codes. Codes are updated to meet technology changes and new equipment types that continually come out on the market. Well, as we all know the codes are not an instruction manual on how to be a tradesman, but they are there to insure a safe installation for those that use HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing and Gas systems. Keeping up with the codes not only keeps you as a tradesman abreast of the changes it also allows you to provide the safest and most up to date installation to your customers. Face it, there are many people who claim to be a qualified tradesman, but then we hear of the damage that is done to people’s homes, and in many cases lives.  The so called qualified tradesman take dangerous short cuts to make it work and charge high dollar for shoddy work.

You should be advertizing your license showing your qualifications, giving your customers piece of mind. Face it most people have no idea of how their systems work in their home. They go to the local big box store and read a book for 15 minutes and think they are an expert. Now I am not saying that licensed tradesman never do shoddy work but most understand the true dangers to life safety and would not risk putting their customers lives at risk doing work that is directly against code.

Many States require 8-20 hours of education every two years. The real question is, do we get enough education to stay ahead of the curve. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes; do you think they would rather have a qualified person. Though the non-license tradesman is cheaper and asks the homeowner to pull a permit because he can’t or he sends in helpers he hired off the street, when they collect the money and the gas leak causes their home to explode, how much did they really save? Would you want a person that stayed at a motel overnight and read about heart surgery perform surgery on you? I think not; so let’s put quality and respect back in all the trades as we keep Surging Forward.

Well bye for now and remember Stay Safe and Keep Surging Forward.

Where Do I Go From Here?

Hello fellow Tradesman,
As I write this post I am really seeking on the next steps of helping fellow tradesman and men from all career walks. Yes I know there are many women out there and they actually make some of the best skilled workers in the construction industry. But this post is focused on the men of the trade. As I talk with many out there today, there seems to be a fight between giving up and pushing forward. It is getting harder and harder for men to keep pushing because we have created a culture in which men feel that they have to handle issues alone. If one seeks help he is considered a failure. This is so far from the truth. Men have always come together in groups, bands of brothers, the gang, the football game, even during war. Men fight and tackle the tough issues as a team. Have you ever seen a one man football team? I dont think so. The best way to grow and survive is through being mentored by other men. None of us can say we learned the skills of the trade entirely on our own. Someone had to teach us and mentor us , even if it was only for a short time. We can all think of people in our lives that have had a positive and a negative impact on us. Do you know where you are going in life? Do you have any goals in your life? Are you on the career path you want?, Do you know how to even get on the career path you want?, Do you have the relationship you want with your girlfriend or spouse?, Do you even know how to have a relationship? These are hard questions that you may not even want to ask yourself but if you don't, you will be heading in the wrong direction of even just burying your self in a video game hoping that none of these real issues will ever effect me. For this post I am just really pushing you to think on some real issues that effect all men whether you believe it or not. You see it does not matter if you believe it or not it can and will keep you from succeeding and having that positive life if you do not address these and many other issues about life. . If you are in the Hampton Roads area drop by our website and send us an email. Visit our Mens Fraternity page and try come by one of the free teachings held a YNOT Pizza where we as men get together and talk.
Our website is  www.surgingforward.com  Take charge today one way or another, read a book on leadership, challenge yourself. Make a change move forward. Never quit. Stand firm.No what you believe and why. Many men have done this and even created Nations, That will you do
Well by for now
Stay safe and keep Surging Forward

Updating, maintaining electrical outlets is an important part of keeping your home safe

Updating, maintaining electrical outlets is an important part of keeping your home safe

What does 2014 Hold for Electricians?

As we draw close to the end of another year, we tend to look back on the past and try and hope for a better future. 2013 was a tough time for many electricians I have talked to over the past year. At the same time many had a very good year an were able to recover from past losses. if I can share or pass on anything to my fellow tradesman it is to never give up. Those who were able to do better and have a good year continue to grow in knowledge and responsibility. Many tradesman work long hours for very little pay and easily fall into the group that is tired, complains and always looking for ways to ... well put it bluntly to get one over the rich boss or owner. This negativity is a very dangerous down hill spiral. The path down this road will lead to destruction for you and those around you. Though keeping the positive attitude is not easy, tell me who ever said success was. Look at Football teams, a team can have a loosing season yet still continue to play the best they can even with no hope of going to the play offs. Let alone the Super Bowl. The goal for 2014 should be to turn around that negative attitude and instead of condemning your boss or the company you work for strive to make your strife invaluable. Yes that means looking for ways to make the company mire profitable. Just think when you stressed out boss sees that you are making him look good to his boss, guess what he will be less likely to let you go. That is what I call sacrificial giving. You see it is not about what you do for you because you have no control over whether you keep your job or not. But when you do for others and make your self an asset than you create a valuable asset that it would not be wise for the boss to get rid of. The idea of it is better to give than receive is a concept that is hard to grasp yet when you help others succeed than they will be compelled to take you with them. So by staying positive in a negative world allows you as a person to continue to Surge Forward even though times are tough. Have a great 2014 and may God bless you all. Remember stay safe and keep surging forward.

What Electrical Code is Virginia Under?

While Teaching Code update courses I often get the question: What code are we under in Virginia? As of today The 2009 Uniform State Wide building Code is the reference that Virginia enforces the building codes. The newest 2012 Uniform State Wide building Code is still in process of being reviewed. The cycle is done by the legislation in Richmond. Also to keep in mind Richmond is pretty much the Authority have Jurisdiction and covers the Virginia cities regarding Electrical licensing and such.The 2009 USWBC provides the electrical industry to refer to the 2008 NEC for the guidelines to follow regarding the safe installations of electrical systems in Virginia. Base on some research I have done the 2012 USWBC may go into effect around march of 2014 this would refer electrical installations to the 2011 NEC. While many states adopt the codes much quicker Virginia is sometimes a cycle behind because of the time it takes to review the many changes in the code and to make sure they are in line with the Building codes already in place. So when you are faced with the choice of do I take a the 2008 or the 2011 code update course I would recommend the 2011 as we will be under this code soon. Both will count for your education requirements for your license renewal. Well thats all for now my fellow tradesman.
Remember Stay safe and keep Surging Forward  Have a great Holiday