The Latest with Apex

As a TV personality, Mike Rowe is best known for hosting “Dirty Jobs,” a series that dives deep inside messy, blue collar jobs and showcases the skilled workers who perform them. On TV, Rowe shines a light on skilled trade jobs, and he’s an advocate for skilled labor in his personal life, too. Learn why this famous tradesman believes a four-year college degree isn’t for everyone—and why skilled trade jobs are a practical alternative.

A Focus on Skilled Trades

Rowe provides constant warnings about America’s growing skills gap. But what is the skills gap, and how does it affect the country? The skills gap is defined as a shortage of workers trained for blue collar jobs. Numerous potential workers don’t know about the benefits of learning a skilled trade .

Why? Many high school graduates are encouraged to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university, while technical training opportunities remain unfulfilled. According to Rowe , we should not “encourage the same path for everyone.” This not only harms the economy but also students who would be happier or more motivated at trade school.

In an interview with Business News Daily , Rowe said he met countless happy laborers on the road for his TV show. “I met way more entrepreneurs than I ever would have thought and came across way more success than I ever thought we would encounter,” said Rowe.

Rowe, who started “Dirty Jobs” in honor of his grandfather, has committed his life to closing the skills gap by helping passionate people find hands-on training and skills for the workforce. He also started mikeroweWORKS , a nonprofit organization that offers scholarships for students attending trade school.

Apex Works to Supply America’s Trade Skill Needs

Like Mike Rowe, Apex values technical training. We offer seven programs focused on providing quality, hands-on training and marketable skills for entry-level employment. Students spend at least 50 percent of their time in the shop, gaining hands-on experience with our tools and equipment in programs such as welding, electrical and advanced electrical, auto body repair and more.

To find career training you’re passionate about, explore our programs . Questions? Contact us today.

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Man’s attempts to stay cool and comfortable during extreme summer heat are well documented. Historical evidence shows attempts by several individuals to control indoor temperatures. For example, the Ancient Romans utilized the aqueduct system to circulate cool water through the walls of their homes. The emperor Elagabalus built a mountain of snow in the garden next to his villa to keep cool during the summer.

1800s: Cooling Devices and Innovations

Throughout history, individuals used hand-held fans to create a breeze and stay cool. A Chinese inventor built the first room-sized, but hand-powered, rotary fan. Another innovation in cooling indoor spaces included building homes with windows facing away from the sun. Builders also installed ‘wind towers’ onto large buildings to catch and circulate the breeze. And to be comfortable in the sweltering heat of Washington, D.C., President Garfield used an awkward device to blow air through cotton sheets doused in ice water.

1900s: Developments in Electricity and Motors

The development of electricity and motorized power led to air conditioning and the HVAC industry as we currently know it. Using alternating current motors, Nikola Telsa invented oscillating fans . In 1902, Willis Carrier invented the first air conditioning system . Originally intended to control humidity in a printing plant, Carrier’s mechanical unit sent air through water-cooled coils to produce cold air. In 1922, Carrier invented the centrifugal chiller, adding a central compressor and reducing the size of his industrial refrigeration system.

In 1925, the Rivoli Theater introduced air conditioning to the public. The air-conditioned theater started the summer blockbuster tradition, as people went to see movies to escape the heat. Starting in the 1930s, air conditioning spread to department stores, rail cars and offices. In 1945, Robert Sherman invented a portable, in-window air conditioner that cooled, heated, humidified, dehumidified and filtered the air. Eventually, residential homes and buildings started adding air conditioning and HVAC units. According to the Carrier Corporation, 10 percent of homes had air conditioning in 1965.

Today: HVAC Market and Products

Many different types of units exist in the HVAC market. Price, functionality and purpose tend to determine the type of AC or HVAC unit installed. The type of building being cooled also factors in to what type of AC or HVAC unit is used. Learn about the most common types of air conditioning systems below.

Domestic Air Conditioners

• Room Air Conditioners: Room air conditioners mount in windows or through walls to cool a room while the compressor is located outside. Room air conditioners are sized to cool just one room, so many may be required for a whole house.
• Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners: Mini-split systems use an outside compressor/condenser and indoor air handling units. To be cooled, each room or zone uses its own air handler. Each indoor unit connects to the outdoor unit via a conduit carrying the power and refrigerant lines. Indoor units typically mount on the wall or ceiling.
• Central Air Conditioners: Central air conditioners cool an entire house. In each system, a large compressor unit located outside drives the process; an indoor coil filled with refrigerant cools air that is then distributed throughout the house via ducts.

Commercial & Industrial Air Conditioners

• Split System Air Conditioners: Small commercial buildings use single split air conditioning systems. They provide heating and cooling to individual rooms, making them ideal solutions for small offices, server rooms, shops, and cafés.
• Multi-split System Air Conditioners: Multi-splits work the same way as single splits but connect indoor units to one outdoor unit. Places like restaurants, offices, doctor’s surgeries and shops frequently use multi-split systems.
• VRF or VRV Air Conditioning: VRF stands for variable refrigerant flow, while VRV stands for variable refrigerant volume. Medium to large applications, including hotels, retail spaces, larger officesand mixed-use buildings use VRF/VRV air conditioning. Efficiency, reliability and controllability make these systems capable of meeting larger buildings’ complete heating and cooling requirements.

Future: Advancements in the HVAC Industry

In America, most homes and buildings have some form of air conditioning. Advancements in technology make air conditioning and HVAC units widely used. Consider HVAC and industrial refrigeration skills and repair if you are interested in pursuing a trade career.The following topics cover the basics of the HVAC and refrigeration industry:

• Major Home Appliances
• Basic Refrigeration
• Domestic Refrigeration
• Commercial Refrigeration
• Commercial Air Conditioning
• Advanced Commercial Refrigeration

To understand more about the HVAC industry, learn about the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program at Apex.

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Staying focused in school isn’t always easy—whether you’re in high school, college, or a vocational trade school program. However, studies suggest that positive thinking can lead to happiness and achievement in school and beyond. Positive thinking is truly a powerful way to keep you on track for success.

Learn how to achieve your goals when you reframe your thoughts and stay positive. Here are some ways to use positive thinking techniques in trade school.

Be patient—don’t get discouraged or blame others.

We all deal with stressful situations, but it’s important not to waste energy placing blame on others around you. This makes you feel less powerful and can cause you to resent instructors, teammates or peers. Instead, gain a clearer perspective by writing down your thoughts:

• List the problems you’re having.
• Write down five to 10 solutions. Don’t worry if some won’t work out.
• Next, look at your list, and weigh the pros and cons.
• Which solutions are best? Choose one or two.
• Make a plan, and act on it.

Keep in mind, you may need to revisit your list if your plan doesn’t work out the way you expect. Don’t worry—this is normal. Your list is there to guide you; simply try another option.

Avoid unnecessary conflict.

Disagreements at home, school or work are a normal part of life. Because we all learn and work differently, conflicts arise from time to time. Like conflicts in your personal life, disagreements in trade school can hinder the way you interact with other students and can damage relationships.

To lessen your chance of being involved in conflict, try to remain non-judgmental when you don’t see eye-to-eye with others. Discussions are another way to keep the peace, especially in class where other students have varying opinions. If a conflict does arise, keep the lines of communication open to show you respect what others have to say.

Ask for help when you need it.

Imagine this: You’re working through a tough problem in your electrical class, or maybe you can’t get your door frame to line up in your building skills class. No matter how hard you try, you feel like the task at hand is impossible. “Maybe I’m just not cut out for this trade,” you mumble to yourself.

The rules of positive thinking say it’s OK to ask for help. Nobody knows everything, and in moments like these, it’s helpful to remember why you’re in trade school—to learn a new skill. Reach out to instructors and peers, learn from others around you in class and in the shop. Asking for help gives you a fresh perspective, shows you how someone else solves the problem, and proves that you can solve it, too.

Don’t let your past define you.

Many people avoid negative parts of their past by focusing on gratitude. In fact, researchers have found that gratitude has lasting effects on the brain , especially when we write down what we’re grateful for in a gratitude journal.

To start your own gratitude journal, jot down a few things you’re thankful for as you take the train to school, break for a quick lunch, or after you finish an assignment for your plumbing skills class. It’s as simple as appreciating the skills you learn from a dedicated instructor, a cheerful call from an admissions representative , or even just jokes with classmates.

Deciding to learn a trade is about pursuing your goals. It requires determination to move forward. And you can’t overcome challenges if you’re always looking backward. So, take a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other and lean on the power of positive thinking to help you reach your goals.

EXPLORE TRADE PROGRAMS

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If you’re on track to meet your graduation goal, congratulations! Finishing trade school and starting a career in the trade of your choice requires hard work—and a polished resume. At Apex Technical School, our job placement assistance team helps you learn how to create a resume you can send to companies as you prepare to pursue an entry-level position. To help you get started, we’ve listed four elements you can add to your new graduate resume.

Education

As you learn how to write a resume, it’s important to accurately and professionally represent yourself. Provide details about where you attended school, including high school and trade or technical school. It’s helpful to cite the dates you attended school because this shows hiring managers the time you’ve spent learning new knowledge and hands-on technical skills.

Part-Time Employment

Many students work part-time while they attend trade school. Plus, learning a trade part time is an excellent way to start a new career without putting your personal life on hold. If you have prior work experience, consider listing the following details on your new graduate resume:

• Company or organization name
• Location (city and state)
• Dates of employment
• 4–5 job responsibilities

Experience

You’ve worked hard acquiring new skills in the classroom and shop, so include your technical experience with pride. For example, students training for the plumbing trade can include their knowledge of hand and power tools, pipefitting skills and more. Unlike a college graduate’s resume, your vocational resume showcases hands-on learning experiences.

Soft Skills

What are soft skills and how are they different from hands-on technical skills? Soft skills such as personality traits and communication abilities characterize how you approach a job and find success in your work. Incorporate relevant soft skills on your vocational resume, such as:

• Work ethic
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Decision-making

Most employers look for soft skills in job candidates because they prove you have the ability to make decisions, solve problems and create professional relationships with coworkers.

For more help creating your vocational resume, contact our Job Placement Assistance team.

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Should I pursue my passion for cars? If so, is the auto repair industry right for me? And how do I know if this is the right career path to follow?

These are questions you might be asking if you are in the process of choosing a career. Maybe you find yourself drawn to automotive repair training, but you are unsure if the field is right for you. Identifying your natural abilities or passions will help you choose a fulfilling career path. If you have any of the following personality traits or interests, becoming an auto mechanic may be the right path for you.

I like cars.

From classic to luxury to electric and everything in between, you appreciate the diversity of automobiles. You know the popular models, both past and present, of auto makers. You enjoy attending auto shows, and you like updated cars and trucks as much as futuristic concepts.

The automotive industry is fueled by individuals with a passion for cars. An appreciation for vehicles will help you learn new skills and give you guidance if you want to pursue an auto mechanic career.

I am curious about how things work.

If something isn’t working right, you are not afraid to look under the hood. You like to see how things interact and function together. You like to learn about mechanics by taking things apart. If you don’t immediately know how to assemble something, you try to figure it out. Maybe you even like to watch videos or TV shows about how things are made.

The auto industry is constantly changing as technology becomes more important in cars and trucks. If you want to become an auto mechanic, it is good to be curious and to have a desire to learn.

I like to solve puzzles.

If it is broken, you can fix it. You love the challenge of identifying a problem and finding a solution. You are observant and pay attention to details. And you especially like being able to fix things because it gives you a feeling of accomplishment. You can work both independently and on a team to solve problems. You’re not afraid of a challenge, but you also like to solve simple problems every now and then.

The ability to solve puzzles is a great skill if you are interested in an auto mechanic career. Entry-level jobs in the auto repair field focus on diagnosing, repairing and performing preventative maintenance on cars and trucks.

I like to help people.

Much like solving problems, helping others gives you a sense of pride. And you want to earn someone’s trust, in addition to solving their problem. You are good at explaining things, even if they are unfamiliar with the topic. Maybe you don’t have the most experience with something, but because people like you, they will ask you for help. You know when to offer advice or when to be supportive when someone tells you a problem.Individuals with the ability to connect with others find success in the automotive industry, regardless of career path. Understanding unique problems, offering solutions and providing the right assistance are huge assets for individuals seeking an entry-level automotive repair job.Consider the opportunities available to you in the auto industry by checking out our Automotive Service and Repair program .

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Electricity grew popular in the late 19th century, and this demand led to the formation of the electrical profession. In fact, many skilled electricians—such as Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla —became famous for their electrical inventions.

The electrical trade consists of three areas: industrial, commercial and domestic. Throughout history, tradesmen have often specialized in one electrical discipline, but many have knowledge of more than one. Today, electricity powers nearly everything we use in our daily lives, and there are more exciting electrical trends on the horizon .

If you’re curious about trade schools for electricians or interested in basic training for electricians, you might be a good fit for the electrical trade. Learn more by exploring some common questions of the electrical trade.

What does an individual in the electrical trade do?

An electrical tradesperson installs, maintains and repairs power and lighting in homes and businesses. Some focus on construction or maintenance, while others specialize in both. Common tasks include:

• Reading technical diagrams
• Installing and connecting wires to circuit breakers, outlets, transformers or other systems
• Using basic electrical tools of the trade
• Repairing and replacing equipment when it breaks
• Making quick repairs, often in small or dark areas
• Correcting potential problems before they occur
• Fixing motors, generators, and other machines
• Taking proper safety precautions to avoid injury and electric shock

All individuals in the electrical trade must follow local and state building codes and the National Electric Code .

Where does an electrical tradesperson work?

Many work in residential homes, installing wiring and solving electrical problems for homeowners who don’t have a tradesperson’s hands-on skills or knowledge in electrical theory, math and power distribution. However, many men and women in the electrical trade work in factories, warehouses or business buildings, applying their skills on a larger scale.

How long is electrical trade school?

Basic electrical training at a trade or vocational school involves students learning core electrical skills—both in the classroom and in the shop. Students spend many hours learning electrical safety, residential wiring, breakers and fuses, grounding, bonding, splicing, currents and outlets.

Because learning a new skill is a time investment, students dedicate weeks and months to brightening their futures. At Apex Technical School, students in the electrical program gain 900 hours of entry-level electrician-skill training in as little as seven months.

After studying several hundred hours in a classroom and shop setting, many students go on to apprenticeships and entry-level positions in the electrical industry.

Learn more about the electrical trade at Apex , including classes and areas of study.

What tools does an electrical tradesperson use?

Learning how to use the right tools is an important part of basic electrical training programs. A tradesperson uses many tools to install, maintain and repair electrical boxes, fuses and wiring. Some valuable tools on your tool belt include:

• Digital multimeter
• Tape measure
• Fish tape
• Wire stripper
• Wire crimper
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers

As you learn about working in the electrical industry, read more about electrical tools of the trade and how to use them.

How do I gain electrical skills in New York?

Enrolling in an accredited trade school is a great place to start if you want to learn entry-level electrical skills. Because every vocational school for electricians has its own look, feel and personality, it’s a good idea to visit the school to see if you feel comfortable there. This is also an ideal time to ask questions you may have about technical school training, classes and instructors.

At Apex Technical School in Long Island City, Queens, we meet one-on-one with you to discuss your goals and to explain what our school offers:

• Seven 900-hour certificate courses
• Hands-on technical training
• Day and evening classes
• Job placement assistance
• Financial aid and work-study to those who qualify

Find out if Apex Technical School in New York is right for you. Contact us today to learn more about our trade school for electricians.

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If you’re considering going to trade school, you’re probably wondering where to start. Do you research financial aid for trade schools first, or should you find the most interesting vocational training program? To simplify the process, we’ve broken weighing your trade school options down into six simple steps that could take you to the first day of class. Start here:

Create a short list.

Before you consider cost or timeline, put your interests first. Create a list of all the accredited trade schools and programs that sound intriguing. Then consider what careers you could pursue with each of those vocational training programs. Which future sounds most appealing to you? To narrow down your list further, limit your schools of interest to only those in an ideal location for you.

Request information.

If you have questions about any of the vocational training programs on your short list, get in contact with the school. Some questions you might want answers to include the following:

• What courses are required to graduate?
• What careers have recent alumni pursued?
• Can I talk with one of the program’s instructors about the program?
• What does a normal day in the life of a student look like?

Visit.

Once you’ve learned all you can through email, the website, or phone conversations—and you’re still interested in the program—it’s time to visit the school in person. Contact the admissions department to schedule time for a campus tour or conversation with an admissions representative or instructor. Meeting faculty, staff, and students in-person will help you understand the trade school’s culture and if it would be a good fit for you.

Apply.

For the schools you enjoyed visiting, it’s time to start your application process. Reach out to admissions at any time. This is your official request to attend the programs you’re excited about, so you should accurately provide all information requested.

Get help with financial aid.

Once you’ve applied, you can get a better idea of financial aid for the trade schools you’re serious about attending. Ask the admissions departments where to start with your financial aid process. They should be able to introduce you to a financial aid advisor as they process your application. Remember to research all aid sources:

• Federal financial aid (via FAFSA)
• Scholarships and grants
• Loans

Keep asking questions until you have a clear understanding of the total cost of your program with financial aid factored in.

Decide.

Once you’ve been accepted, it’s time to decide when and where to start your vocational training program. If you’re accepted to more than one, your decision may come down to each school’s culture or cost after financial aid. Choose what’s best for your goals and lifestyle, and dive in head first when it’s time to start classes.

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What career path should I pursue? What trade am I passionate about? How can I turn my natural skills into a future?

These are all questions you’re probably asking yourself when considering career paths. And if you’re drawn to the construction trade, we want to help you make an informed decision about a construction career path. If you find any of the following statements apply to you, pursuing the construction industry may be a good fit for your goals and interests.

I work best with my hands.

Were you a Lego enthusiast as a kid? Do you enjoy tinkering with models, even as a teen or adult? Do you learn best when there’s something physical to build or examine?

Working well with your hands indicates that you like to understand how physical objects fit and work together. Playing with Legos and models probably fostered that skill early on, which translates to both strong critical thinking abilities and physical awareness.

I enjoy home improvement projects.

Many people dread fixing things around the house because they know there’s so much room for error; so they resort to hiring a professional. There’s nothing wrong with hiring someone already in construction to handle the project, but if your first instinct is to brainstorm and try to build the solution yourself, you may have a natural interest in construction-related tasks. You could foster that natural interest by working toward a construction career path.

I like working but don’t want to be tied to a desk all day.

If moving around fuels your creativity and helps you accomplish tasks, you may be more suited to field work than to a desk job. While some people love the office environment, it’s not right for everyone. Sitting at a computer, answering phones, and attending office meetings can feel stifling. If you feel more productive on your feet, you may find the construction trade a rewarding fit.

I enjoy working with tools.

This one may sound obvious, but many people ignore their love of using tools, not realizing that their hobby could be turned into their future. If you have fun using drills, saws, hammers, levels, and more, consider the fulfillment you could have by using those tools every day in the construction trade.

I’m naturally curious.

Individuals with careers in the construction industry should be well-versed in related trades, such as electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. While those other trades can be career paths in themselves, construction ties them together into one final product. If you enjoy learning new topics and relating them to your current life or task at hand, you may have a curious, holistic mindset that could be applied to construction.As you consider your career path options in the construction industry, explore our Construction & Building Skills program .

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