Let’s face it: We’re not getting any younger. These days, trades are in high demand. Whether you are an electrician, plumber or landscape professional, trades like ours will not be able to be replaced by AI. Some young people these days are struggling to find a career that they can embrace. This is where you come in.
Your vast experience in the landscape lighting trade can be a benefit to a young adult seeking a career path. I know that I would not even be writing these articles if it wasn’t for the mentorship of Bill Locklin, founder of our low-voltage lighting industry. I’m sure that many of you reading this article have had contact with him in the past.
Mentoring could begin with your current staff. You probably have that one person working for you who shows up on time and gives the best effort. These are the type of people you can give more tasks to. You may also want to take them with you to a jobsite or a consultation so that they can understand you as a business owner. The others on staff will see that you are guiding this individual. This may spark a better work ethic for other employees.
I have heard of contractors offering summer jobs to college students. Usually, the contractor has to work with the administrator and guidance counselors at, for instance, a junior college. A scope of expectations would be given to them so that the student would know what would be required.
Many students would even continue working for you after graduation. Since they’ve been with you a few years and understand your process, these could become some exemplary employees.
“As we think back in our careers, think about those people who have helped you along your path to success.”
I’ve had many contractor friends in the past teach at city or community colleges.
Typically, the college has some type of curriculum that you can follow along with, often within the horticultural department at the school, but you can teach the class your own way. If you are a full-on landscape contractor, this is a great way to share all your vast experience on many topics, including irrigation and lighting.
I have been fortunate enough to be invited to some of these classes to share landscape lighting troubleshooting techniques, as well as design aspects. It’s really refreshing to get new questions that have not been asked before. The students are often very fascinated with lighting and are very eager to learn.
As we think back in our careers, think about those people who have helped you along your path to success. I know you’re probably thinking of several right at this moment. As for me, fortunately, many of the people who have helped me throughout my career are still alive, and I speak with them regularly. I often bring their names up in my classes and share how they helped me move forward in my life.
And I’m always honored when a contractor, distributor or even another manufacturer reaches out for assistance. It’s very humbling.
So, when you have that person reach out to you for assistance in understanding how to do a task correctly, I encourage you to be the mentor. The more mentors we have, the better our industry will be in the future. If you have any questions or need assistance from me, please feel free to always reach out. Until the next time, keep up the great work you’re doing!
