What is the definition of a "Qualified Skilled Tradesman"

[coastal69]

I originally wrote this as a post in the "jack of all trades" forum in the electricians area. I would love to hear other's comments.

I just couldn't leave without writing down a few more of my thoughts.

I've worked thousands of Job-sites and with thousands of tradesmen and I am qualified to give an opinionated answer to this question. I think this might also be a good topic for a new thread.

Licenses, Certifications, degrees and Titles are not always a sure way to determine the actual competency, experience and professionalism of a skilled tradesman.

My Definition is as follows:

A person I can hand a set of Construction Plans and Documents to. Discuss with him the portions of work I am assigning to him an he is responsible for completing. Answer any of his questions until he assures me that he understands what is expected and is confident he can successfully complete his assigned work. He productively and professionally performs and completes the assignment. Then he reports back and requests his next assignment.

When I am able to inspect and/or verify the successful completion of his assignment, I am satisfied and pleased with the quality and professional work performed. He has followed the plans, coordinated with the other trades, cleaned up his tools, workspaces, excess materials and moved them to a logical storage location. If the work must be completed in stages, in coordination with other trades, he completed all the tasks possible minimizing the amount of work required to finish the installation and took steps to protect his work from damage by others.


After hearing some comments from other's I'll write down the my definition of a qualified but "piss-poorly skilled tradesman".

[Gabriele]

My thoughts on this topic are the same as an "educated" person, meaning one that has gone on to clollege and more, are these people more knowledgeable then others or just have a better background. What I have had been told by teachers etc, is that the degrees, liceneces, etc show that you have at least met thr minimum level for that degree, it is what you do with it that makes it meaniful. I would say that yes, if a person has the certificates etc he/she is better trained, not necessairly a better tradesmen. The better tradesmen is one that has taken it further. The certificate, diploma are just more tools for you in the world. :2cents

[mrbreeze38]

Gee, I wonder how many guys fit those qualifications in Beijing? :banghead

[paintermike]

Gee, I wonder how many guys fit those qualifications in Beijing? :bangheadthey built the GREAT WALL didn't they?? but it took them 600 years to complete...