Saturday, August 26, 2023 How to Be a Skilled Tradesperson Want to be successful in the construction industry? Comport yourself as the skilled professional you are and set the right examples at work Blogs Newsletters Manitoba Local 152 By Nathan Koslowsky, Representative I’ve been on many different sites. Some are squared away, and workers walk with their heads held high. They’re confident, relaxed. Their work clothes are worn but clean and taken care of. Beards have been trimmed. Boots are in good shape. They carry themselves with pride. They are deliberate and unhurried because they know that slow is smooth and smooth is fast. They work smart and safe. Their tools are clean and organized. Materials are well ordered. I’ve been on other sites too. Trailers are ill-equipped and unkempt. Tables are dirty and covered in food stains from last month. Garbage is overflowing. The site is a mess. Porta johns look like performance art gone horribly wrong—and smell even worse. You are a skilled tradesperson. A professional. A subject matter expert. You are often hard at work before most people wake up. You work in a risk-on environment where things are heavy, sharp, charged, and hot. You are an integral part of a high-functioning team. You are the sharp tip of the spear. You are a skilled tradesperson. Comport yourself accordingly. Dress for the conditions. Dress for the position you want. How would you carry yourself, what quality of work would you have, how would your planning look, and what would be your interactions with others if you were wearing a suit? Dress for success. In the trades, this means considering the elements, PPE, strap-on tools, etc. Behave like a contractor. You are contracting your time to an employer. Maintain a high level of professionalism, responsibility, and agency. Set an example for new entrants to the construction sector and new employees to the company. Whether you recognize it, or accept it, or like it or not, you are setting an example for your coworkers, new entrants to the trades, and those coming over from other companies. 7 Areas of Example Setting Parking and lunch spots – Don’t always grab the best ones. Arrival and departure times – Be on time and don’t leave early unless it is absolutely necessary. Greet others – A quick “Good morning” and “How are you doing?” are always welcome. Be respectful. Act professionally. Work safely and don’t cut corners. Take care of your tools and how you use them. What kind of example are you setting? What are the consequences of that example? What is the outcome you’d like to have? What is the outcome CLAC would you like to have? What is the outcome the emergency room would like to have? You might be interested in #WomenWednesday - Shandora Threadgould 22 Jul 2026 The Power of Asking for Help 20 Jul 2026 How to Manage an Insecure Leader 16 Jul 2026 Heat of the Moment 13 Jul 2026