Industrial Talk is chatting with Stacy "Spider" Henson, Sr. Field Service Technician at Azo Inc. about “Skilled Trades - Attracting and Retaining.”  The following is a summary of our conversation:






Skilled trades and industry professionals. 0:00

Spider discusses the skilled trades on Industrial Talk with Scott MacKenzie.
Scott MacKenzie discusses Industrial Talk platform for professionals to communicate and create content.
Scott MacKenzie invites Stacey (spider) to discuss opportunities in the skilled trades industry.


Powder conveyance system for dog food manufacturer. 5:52

Speaker 3 discusses their work on a powder conveyance system for Royal Canin in South Dakota, mentioning their previous projects for Hills pet care in Kansas City.
Scott MacKenzie and Spider discuss work in the construction industry, with Spider sharing their passion for tours of facilities and Scott expressing excitement about the latest technology and improvements.


Engineering, installation, and quality control in pneumatic conveyance systems. 9:32

Senior field service technician describes work installing pneumatic conveyance systems in national forests.
Spider explains how they manage the installation process for clients, including staging parts and problem-solving any issues that arise.
Spider highlights the advantages of using 3D modeling and iPads for visualization during the installation process.
Spider explains the process of installing and commissioning a powder transfer system, including installation supervision, checking and tuning the system, and ensuring optimal transfer rates.
Scott MacKenzie highlights the challenge of finding skilled individuals to work on complex projects, particularly in the context of resource constraints and the need for specialized tech expertise.


Challenges in finding skilled field service technicians. 16:14

Spider discusses the challenges of finding field service technicians who can handle both electrical and mechanical work, as well as travel and problem-solving.
The speaker notes that it's difficult to train someone in these skills on the job, and that finding someone with the right combination of electrical, industrial, and mechanical knowledge is nearly impossible.
Spider shares his experience as an old-school electrician, emphasizing the importance of treating electrical systems as live until proven dead.
Spider and Scott MacKenzie discuss the differences between their generation and current electricians, with a focus on the shift towards bubble wrapping and prioritizing safety.


Hiring and retaining skilled talent in the industrial sector. 22:09

Spider discusses the challenges of finding skilled talent in the marketplace, particularly in industries like electrical and mechanical work.
Spider suggests that apprenticeship programs or on-the-job training may be necessary to bridge the knowledge gap in the workforce.
Spider discusses their background as an industrial electrician and their desire for a change of pace, mentioning their previous experience with rodeoing and traveling.
Spider highlights the importance of finding the right personality type...