14

All in the Blue Collar Family: Electrician

by with No Comment BusinessManufacturingWorkplace

Electricians have an incredibly valuable role in modern society, from ensuring our homes are comfortable and safe to bringing power to our industries and businesses. They are responsible for installing and maintaining the electrical systems necessary for the appliances we use each day, such as refrigerators, heaters, lights, and, perhaps most importantly, the outlets that charge our cell phones. Imagine life without all that!

Electricity, the invisible force that powers our modern lives, is a marvel we often take for granted. And behind every light that brightens our homes and every outlet that charges our devices stands a skilled electrician who has mastered the art of controlling electricity.

History of Electricians

Electricity is a natural force that has existed since the dawn of time. However, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that scientists began to study it truly. The efforts to understand the invisible power began when Benjamin Franklin (you know, the guy with the key and the kite) proved that lightning and electricity are the same thing. His experiments inspired other iconic figures such as Luigi Galvani, whose discoveries led to the voltaic pile, Alessandro Volta, the creator of the first electric batteries, and Thomas Edison, the inventor of the electric light bulb.

Near the end of the 19th century, inventors began taking their electrically powered equipment to show off at significant exhibitions and world fairs, such as the 1889 Paris Exhibition and the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago. During these events, electricians were hired to build and operate the inventions, sparking a significant increase in the prevalence of the profession. As electricity has continued to power more homes, cities, appliances, and other machines over the past few centuries, the need for skilled technicians has grown exponentially.

The Role of Electricians

Electricians are the architects of our electrical infrastructure. Their primary responsibility is to design, install, maintain, and repair electrical systems that power our homes and businesses. This encompasses many tasks, from wiring buildings and installing electrical panels to troubleshooting electrical issues and ensuring safety compliance. They have the crucial job of keeping the lights on, the heaters running, and the devices charging, and they are instrumental in nearly every aspect of our daily lives.

What Electricians Do

The role of electricians in society is nothing short of pivotal, and they perform a myriad of essential tasks, such as:

1. Installation: They set up electrical systems in new construction projects, ensuring that power flows safely and reliably throughout a building to areas such as electrical outlets, light fixtures, and ventilation systems.

2. Maintenance: Electricians conduct regular inspections and maintenance of systems to prevent electrical malfunctions and ensure safety.

3. Repair: When electrical systems falter, electricians diagnose the issue and implement the necessary repairs promptly.

4. Upgrades: As technology advances, electricians upgrade systems to meet modern energy efficiency standards and technological requirements.

5. Safety: Electricians are responsible for enforcing electrical safety codes to protect people and property from electrical hazards.

Becoming an Electrician

The journey to becoming a skilled electrician usually involves:

1. Education: Aspiring electricians typically start with a high school diploma and then enter a vocational or technical school to gain foundational knowledge.

2. Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships combine practical learning with on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced electricians.

3. Licensing: Most jurisdictions require electricians to obtain a license, which involves passing an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and competence. New electricians who have completed an apprenticeship and earned their license are called “journeymen.”

4. Continued Learning: To become a “master electrician,” an individual must practice for at least two years and pass an exam. Electricians must also stay updated with changes in electrical codes and emerging technologies through ongoing training and education.

5. Skills Development: Electricians continue developing their skills through real-world experience and may specialize in specific areas such as residential, commercial, or industrial work.

The journey from the experiments of early electrical pioneers to the indispensable professionals of today is a testament to electricians’ profound impact on our society. Their profession empowers us to harness the energy that fuels progress, ensuring that currents flow smoothly and safely through our everyday lives.

For more about blue-collar jobs, check out The Beauty Behind Blue-Collar Work, Top Seven Reasons to Work in Manufacturing, and All in the Blue Collar Family: Welder.

For more articles From the Plant, check out our blog.

12

All in the Blue Collar Family: Welder

by with No Comment BusinessManufacturingWorkplace

Welders, the architects of metal fusion, are indispensable to the modern world. They wield their skills to forge connections that support our daily lives, crafting everything from towering skyscrapers to intricate art pieces. Often perceived as a modern marvel, welding carries a history nearly as old as human civilization itself. 

Welding is an ancient craft with a modern twist that plays a vital role in shaping our world. It’s more than just melting metals together – the alchemy that bonds structures, pipelines, and bridges. Here’s a look into the rich history of welding, how it works, and the indispensable role of welders in society.

History of Welding

Welding, in some form, dates back to about 3000 BC, when ancient Egyptians and Greeks used bronze to create boxes, jewelry, utensils, and weapons via pressure welding. By around 1500 BC, iron smelting became more common, and people in the Middle East began making swords and other tools using heat. Over the next several millennia, metals such as copper, silver, and gold also became popular. Then, in the Middle Ages, blacksmiths entered the scene and introduced a hammering method for forging iron tools.

Modern welding as we know it started taking shape in the 19th century with discoveries such as the ability to produce an arc between two carbon electrodes by Sir Humphry Davy and the hydrocarbon gas acetylene by his cousin, Edmund Davy. In 1881, Russian inventor Nikolai Benardos combined these findings and patented the arc welding process, marking a significant turning point in welding history. Today, there are over 100 welding processes, with more being constantly developed to fit the needs of various projects.

The Role of Welders

Welders are crucial when it comes to construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Their primary role is to permanently join metals, creating structures ranging from skyscrapers to pipelines to delicate art pieces. They ensure the strength and integrity of these structures, making the world around us safe and functional.

While there are many welding methods, they nearly all require the same three basic components: an electrical device that produces an arc, a protective shield, and filler material. The process involves generating intense heat to melt the edges of two metal pieces and allowing them to fuse when they cool. Precision and expertise are essential, as welders must meet specific standards and codes to guarantee the safety and quality of their work.

Welding in Various Industries

Welders are undoubtedly the backbone of numerous industries. Here are just a few:

  1. Construction: Residential and office buildings like apartments and skyscrapers, as well as other structures like bridges and tunnels, rely on welders to join steel beams, trusses, columns, and other elements to form solid foundations.
  1. Manufacturing: Welders create machinery, vehicles, and other equipment critical to producing goods.
  1. Infrastructure: Gas and oil pipelines, railways, and power plants depend on welders for maintenance and expansion.
  1. Automotive: Between assembly and repairs, vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorbikes require thousands of welds to ensure they are put together properly and securely.
  1. Aerospace: Skilled welders are vital to building safe and operational aircraft, such as airplanes and helicopters, and spacecraft, such as rockets and satellites.
  1. Art: Welding can be a medium for artists to express their creativity and craftsmanship; metalwork is often used to create impressive sculptures.

Becoming a Welder

The path to becoming a skilled welder often involves:

  1. Education: At a basic level, most welding jobs require an associate’s degree from an accredited school. Many vocational schools and community colleges offer welding programs that cover techniques, metallurgy, safety procedures, blueprint reading, and other useful skills.
  1. Apprenticeships: Some aspiring welders choose apprenticeships, learning on the job under the guidance of experienced mentors.
  1. Certifications: Achieving industry-recognized certifications, such as those offered by the American Welding Society (AWS), can enhance career prospects.
  1. Experience: Gaining hands-on experience and developing a portfolio of work is crucial for advancement in the field.
  1. Continuous Learning: Welders must stay updated with evolving technologies and techniques to remain competitive in the job market.

Welders are modern-day alchemists, shaping our world through their craft, and their work bridges gaps, connects communities, and supports industries. In a world defined by progress and innovation, welders emerge as architects of connectivity, forging the future with sparks of skill and artistry.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy The Beauty Behind Blue Collar Work.

For more articles From the Plant, check out our blog.

11

Effects of the Industrial Revolution in Kansas

by with No Comment BusinessHistoryManufacturing

To round out our Industrial Revolution-themed “Tour de API Plants” series, we have Kansas. This centralized major agricultural state became a significant national manufacturing hub during this time via technological innovations, urbanization, and infrastructure development.

The effects of the Industrial Revolution in the United States reached far and wide, including the heartland state of Kansas. This transformative period had a profound impact on the Sunflower State, where agriculture met industry and manufacturing took root in the Great Plains.

Technological Advancements and Industrial Expansion

Known as the “Wheat State” and “Breadbasket of the World,” Kansas has a long history of being a prominent farming state. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, new technologies and machinery, such as steel plows, threshers, and mechanical reapers, allowed Kansas farmers to increase their productivity significantly. This led to the expansion of agriculture and the birth of large-scale commercial farming.

The state’s other abundant natural resources, including coal, lead, zinc, and salt, contributed significantly to its economic development. Mining for these and other mineral deposits became a top industry for the state, and companies began producing commercial products using these materials.

Technological advancements in manufacturing processes at the time quickly revolutionized production, and Kansas cities became hubs for manufacturing products such as stoves, washing machines, and other furniture. Factories began to sprout up, adopting mass-production techniques that made goods more accessible and affordable to consumers. This shift diversified the state’s economy, providing new opportunities for employment and growth beyond just the fields and mines.

Urbanized Transportation and Infrastructure Development

As Kansas became more industrialized, the need for improved infrastructure, including roads, railways, bridges, and utilities, became evident. Government and private investments were made to develop and modernize cities across the state, facilitating economic growth and urban expansion

The state’s strategic location in the country’s center made it a vital transportation hub. The construction of railroads facilitated the movement of goods and people, connecting rural communities to urban centers and linking Kansas to the broader national market.

As industries flourished and railroads crisscrossed the state, Kansas saw the rise of urban centers, and cities like Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City experienced rapid growth as people flocked to these emerging industrial hubs in search of work and opportunity. Skyscrapers replaced silos, and bustling streets replaced quiet country lanes.

Workforce Growth and Workers’ Rights

As industries boomed, so did the need for a workforce, and the Industrial Revolution created new job opportunities in Kansas, particularly in the manufacturing, mining, and transportation sectors. Factories required a skilled workforce to operate machinery and perform various tasks, increasing labor demand. Jobs such as machinists, textile workers, and railroad employees became prevalent.

However, the growth of industrialization brought challenges for workers, including long hours, low wages, and often unsafe working conditions. In response, labor unions and workers’ rights movements gained momentum in Kansas, which advocated for better pay, fair treatment, and job security. Strikes and collective bargaining efforts became part of the struggle for workers’ rights, shaping the labor landscape for generations to come.

The effects of the Industrial Revolution in Kansas were transformative, forever shaping the state’s economy, society, and landscape. Today, as we look at the thriving manufacturing sector in the state, we can trace its roots back to the era when Kansas embraced industry and became an integral part of the nation’s industrial tapestry.

For more history lessons about the Industrial Revolution, check out these articles on Alabama, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

For more articles From the Plant, check out our blog.

9

Effects of The Industrial Revolution in Alabama

by with No Comment BusinessHistoryManufacturing

All of our API locations are situated in states with rich histories in manufacturing. Alabama experienced significant growth following the Industrial Revolution, becoming the most industrialized state in the South.

Alabama, once a quiet agrarian state, found itself on the cusp of change in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The arrival of the Industrial Revolution set off a chain reaction that revolutionized the state’s economy, society, and culture. Gone were the days of small-scale farming, as factories and mills began to spring up everywhere.

A Boost to Manufacturing

Amidst the cotton fields and picturesque landscapes, Alabama’s manufacturing sector surged. The state was primed for industrial success with abundant natural resources, including iron ore, coal, and limestone.

Technological breakthroughs like steam engines and mechanized cotton gins transformed the cotton industry, propelling Alabama to the forefront of cotton production. This surge in cotton manufacturing fueled the need for more textile mills, creating thousands of job opportunities and driving economic growth across the state.

The Rise of Steel and Iron Production in Birmingham

A beacon of progress in the heart of Alabama, Birmingham witnessed an unprecedented boom during the Industrial Revolution. With the discovery of rich coal seams and iron ore deposits, Birmingham’s furnaces roared to life, becoming a hub for steel production. As this new industry soared, the city’s skyline expanded, and its influence grew exponentially.

The rise of iron and steel mills earned the city the moniker “The Pittsburgh of the South.” Innovations such as the Bessemer Converter, a revolutionary steelmaking process, enabled the industry to flourish. The Bessemer process reduced production costs, increasing output and making steel more affordable for various applications.

Impact on Society and Culture

Beyond the economic boom, the Industrial Revolution also impacted Alabama’s residential conditions. As factories emerged, the state saw a significant influx of immigrants and rural-to-urban migration. The workforce diversified along with the industries, bringing in people from various backgrounds and laying the foundation for a more cosmopolitan society.

Population densities in major cities increased quickly as Alabama became the most industrialized state in the south, which also led to the establishment of several workers’ unions.

Over the years, Alabama’s identity has been shaped by embracing modernity while preserving its rich traditions and history.

The Industrial Revolution’s effects on Alabama were transformative, forever altering the state’s landscape and identity. From the rise of steel mills in Birmingham to the mechanization of cotton farming, manufacturing advancements played a key role in this remarkable journey. The spirit of innovation that emerged during this era continues to shape Alabama’s progress, reminding us of the power of change and adaptation.

For more history lessons, check out Effects of the Industrial Revolution in Wisconsin, Effects of the Industrial Revolution in North Carolina, and The History of Manufacturing in Eau Claire.

For more articles From the Plant, check out our blog.

employee6166

The Beauty Behind Blue-Collar Work

by BusinessUncategorized

While blue-collar jobs may not always seem the most glamorous, they are the basis of what keeps life as we know it running each day. Check out this article to read about why working as a manual laborer can be an incredibly advantageous career path for dedicated individuals.

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“People with dirty jobs are happier than you think. As a group, they are the happiest people I know… These are balanced people who do unthinkable work. They have this amazing sort of symmetry to their life.” – Mike Rowe, Host of Discovery’s “Dirty Jobs”

While the thought of performing manual labor each day does not always appeal to everyone, blue-collar jobs provide excellent benefits to those who do them. This specific group of workers helps to keep our society running, leading them to feel a unique sense of pride and fulfillment while enhancing their mental and physical health. Could this type of work be a good fit for you?

Learning to Become a Pro

One advantage to blue-collar jobs is that learning a trade is often less expensive and time-consuming than getting an advanced degree. This benefit allows workers to quickly get started with their profession, earn an income and develop their unique skills.

In many industries, tradespeople can learn as they go while on the job and receive training directly from experienced professionals. Getting hands-on experience from the beginning often gives individuals a deeper understanding and appreciation of the process.

As a tradesperson continues in their position, they tend to keep learning and enhancing their skills. This may lead them to be able to take on larger, more complicated projects that are of interest to them. With time, they will become increasingly more capable and confident in their abilities and eventually be able to pass on their knowledge to others.

Solving Everyday Problems

Most blue-collar jobs stem from everyday needs within our society. Construction workers building homes and businesses. Electricians and plumbers fixing our appliances. The employees at American Phoenix help forge the rubber that creates the tires that keep our vehicles moving. The importance of these individuals’ trade is built right into the critical infrastructure of our society.

Because of the nature of these jobs, there will always be a need for someone to do them. Manual laborers in these types of positions are essential to sustain life as we know it each day. This means that they can typically feel high confidence about their job security as an essential worker.

Similarly, individuals who perform blue-collar work can feel significantly prideful about what they do because of the impact it has. In these types of jobs, it is often easy to physically see the work that has been accomplished each day and know that each moment spent on the job helped to complete a task crucial to daily life functions.

Strengthening Mental and Physical Health

There are also added health benefits that blue-collar jobs provide for those who perform them. When completing hands-on tasks, laborers often spend a lot of time moving around and getting functional exercise in the process. This can help to enhance physical strength and endurance.

Additionally, many manual laborers report lower levels of stress and anxiety than office jobs. This is an incredible benefit because it helps to reduce the chances of mental burnout that sometimes result from working in white-collar positions.

Blue-collar workers also tend to have a higher degree of job satisfaction. Because they can recognize their work as meaningful and often see results right away, they are likely to feel more fulfilled in their day-to-day lives.

Here at American Phoenix, Inc., we have an immense sense of pride in the quality work we do every day. If you are interested in a fulfilling position where you are able to consistently learn and grow, check out our current job opportunities.

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