• Job

    Top 8 Engineering Jobs That Are In-Demand

    When choosing a career path, it can be hard to know whether the industry you are interested in has a good future. Some industries continue to grow and others become redundant or over saturated. However, it is quite clear that jobs in automation and information technology have strong futures and offer great career paths for those interested. Below are some of the top engineering jobs that are currently in-demand and showing the highest salary potential in the coming years.

    1. Robotics and Automation Engineer

    Many robotics systems are great at performing repetitive, menial tasks that do not require a lot of attention to detail or dexterity that human workers are still able to fulfill. However, with advancements in energy storage, computing and materials, robots can complete more complex jobs. Robotics and automation engineers help to design, develop and test these advanced robotics systems. A career in this industry can offer a salary of up to $100,000 a year with experience.

    Civil Engineering Jobs Became Increasingly In-Demand

    2. Machine Learning and Data Science

    Over the past few years, software engineering has continued to show signs of growth. Data science is a branch under software engineering where meaningful information is created using large data amounts. This is known as Big Data, and it is collected from various sources such as the financial, medical and e-commerce sectors. Machine learning is a branch under data science and is needed to make predictions for the future based on the data collected from various sources. You do not need a bachelor’s degree, but a background in coding and mathematics is required. The average salary later in your career could reach $120,000 a year.

    3. Civil Engineering

    Following 2018, civil engineering jobs became increasingly in-demand. They work to build the infrastructure that everything and everyone depends on. There are many branches under this field including transportation, structural, road/highway and environmental engineering. Because of the various fields, civil engineering is hard to saturate. As an expert in the field, you can expect to earn up to $96,000 a year with experience.

    4. Petroleum Engineer

    Workers in this career field try to find new drilling methods. Even though there is a strong push for clean energy and electric vehicles, oil is still as highly valued as it used to be. It is expected there will be a lot of openings in the coming years as more petroleum engineers hit retirement age. Late career salary for this career field can range from $120,000 to $140,000.

    Civil Engineering Jobs Became Increasingly In-Demand

    5. Mining Engineer

    No product can be created without mining. Everything needs some type of raw material to be manufactured. Mining engineers help to design underground and open-pit mines. They are also in charge of supervising the construction and excavation of the mines. The need for iron is expected to fall in the coming decades, but the demand for copper, lithium, nickel and other metals needed to create electronic devices and batteries is expected to continue growing. Salaries for mining engineers can reach over $100,000 a year.

    6. Electrical Engineering

    Another traditional engineering field is electrical. It is a broad field that includes instrumentation, power and electronic engineering. Because of the various career paths available in the electrical engineering field, good jobs will always be available with great pay. Late career salaries for this industry can reach up to $96,000.

    7. Project Engineer

    Project engineers can find jobs in every branch of engineering. It is not something that is often studied because any degree can get you the job. These types of engineers learn how to manage complex projects that can include helping to design, procure, manufacture and deliver simple components to treatment plants. The average starting salary for project engineers is around $71,000.

    8. Alternative Energy Engineer

    Climate change has created an increase in pressure on communities to use clean and renewable energy sources. This is where alternative energy engineers can play their part and help to grow the technology. To start a career in this industry, you should earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. The average salary is around $82,000 a year.

    Traditional engineering fields still offer the best salaries and have the most in-demand positions available. However, changes in the industry are continuing to expand the current job market.

  • Food

    5 Tips for an Effective School Food Program

    Children must get the proper nutrition that their growing bodies need. School breakfast and lunch programs should offer healthy options for children to select from. These programs should include protein, carbohydrates and dairy selections, with reasonable amounts of vegetables and fresh fruits. The following are some practical tips to help you make an impact and effective school food program.

    1. Determine why the children will not eat their food

    Children often bring home their lunch at the school’s day end. Some common reasons why some of their lunch box food remains uneaten include:

    1. Too dry: Perhaps you put filling into your sandwiches, such as peanut butter or dips. Children may avoid these fillings because they can get too dry inside of a lunch box. To keep the fillings fresher, try to not cut the sandwich and just leave it whole.

    School Breakfast And Lunch Programs

    2. Boredom: Children love new and different things, and can be bored by routines. This means packing different lunches every day. This could mean including different fruits and veggies in each lunch box or cutting up their sandwiches in different ways each day.

    3. Sticky or cumbersome foods: Some foods can be too sticky for children to enjoy at school. Others come in packaging that can be difficult for them to open without assistance from an adult. Ensure that the foods that you pack are manageable and as easy for children to eat as possible.

    4. Lunch box style: Your child may dislike their lunch box style. Perhaps they want the box that has the latest popular cartoon’s characters on it or to have a box that matches what their friends have. It may just be too hard or embarrassing for them to open.

    5. Make the most of other meals: When all else fails and your child will not eat prepared lunches, try to offer the best breakfast and dinner that you can offer at every opportunity. Believe that your child will eat something whenever they do feel hungry.

    School Breakfast And Lunch Programs

    2. Food preparation for busy families

    For busy families, it is best to make simple meals for the children. Sandwiches are quick, versatile options that can be made the night before school starts and can last a few hours while stored in a lunch box. Foods that can be frozen and taken out to be used as part of a child’s school lunch includes:

    1. Peanut butter

    2. Cheese

    3. Bread

    4. Cooked meat

    3. Foods that parents should pack for school lunch

    Here are a few excellent choices for school lunch foods:

    1. Vegetables (preferably crunchy)

    2. Protein, such as meat slices, peanut butter or a hardboiled egg

    3. Starches, such as rolls, flatbread, crackers or whole wheat bread

    4. Fresh fruit

    5. Dairy, such as cheese sticks, yogurt or grated cheese

    5. Top drinks for lunch boxes

    Some great drink choices for a child’s school lunch box includes:

    1. Water: It can be frozen to keep cold foods cold in the child’s lunch box.

    2. Milk: This drink can also be frozen.

    3. Sugary, sweet drinks: Juices, sports drinks, soft drinks and others are not nutritious and should not be packed.

    6. Peer pressure

    The foods that a child’s friends bring to school will influence them. So will food advertisements about their favorite movies and TV shows. Take an active approach to keep healthy food options available for your child. If a healthy approach is a big change for them, remember that it will take some time for them to adjust. Eventually, they will become more comfortable eating these healthier foods as they become more familiar to them.

  • General

    Hiring a Company to Remove Your Oil Tank

    For those who have had oil tanks removed, the vast majority of cases have only occurred once in the life of a homeowner. If you believe that your oil tank requires removal, then you are likely searching for the right oil tank removal company for your needs. Many such companies exist, but only certain companies will have the right talent, certifications, technical knowledge and proximity to complete your request. Be wary, however, as some companies are simply looking to charge you for unnecessary work through a fraudulent suggestion that you must remediate your oil tank.

    Here is beneficial information to have when considering hiring an oil tank removal company.

    Information Necessary for Effectively Hiring Oil Tank Removal Companies

    When dealing with oil tank removal companies, it is best to have as much information as possible. Information that a company will need or specifically request from you may include:

    Hiring An Oil Tank Removal Company

    1. Age of tank.

    2. Size of tank.

    3. Detailed information on the tank’s location on your property.

    4. Date that the tank was last used.

    5. Your reason for removing the oil tank. The reason will indicate to the company whether they need to expedite the process or not, such as for real estate or other legal purposes.

    Oil Tank Removal Contracts

    The oil tank removal company will present a contract for you and the company to fill out and sign. The contract should have the following elements:

    1. Line items explaining which actions and features are a part of the contract and which are not.

    2. The type of tank closure report you will be given after the maintenance is finished. A buyer of your property in the future will be extremely interested in seeing this document for peace of mind and confirmation of a properly performed tank removal in the past.

    3. Oil tank removal costs, which will tend to include liquid disposal and permit fees. Check carefully so that you are only paying for what is required by you to pay.

    4. A guarantee of a capable person onsite who can extensively document the tank removal procedures that are carried out on your property and can give all parties a comprehensive report.

    Other Considerations for an Oil Tank Removal

    You will want to ensure that your oil tank removal company has its own office and has been operating for over 10 years. You want a company that has seasoned, certified tank removal experts in their employ. Keep in mind that advancements in technology mean that on-site visits are rarely required for most tank removal orders.

    Soil Sampling Post-Tank Removal

    Soil sampling tests are necessary to ensure that there are no leaks. It is also impossible to know if your oil tank requires remediation without a proper test. Even if your tank removal company says that there are high vapor readings, that still does not justify remediation without a soil sample test and laboratory analysis.

    Important Reminders about Oil Tanks

    Keep these pointers in mind the next time that you think that your oil tank is leaking:

    • It is not true that all oil tanks leak.

    • Without testing, no serviceman or person can tell you with certainty that your leak will require remediation.

    • It is erroneous to presume that all oil tank leaks require remediation.

    • An oil tank removal can be considered part of remediation.

    • If your instinct is telling you that your oil tank removal company is feeding you information just to get you to pay for more services, go with your instincts. Contact another tank removal company and get a second opinion.

  • General

    The Correct Way to Maintain Your Septic System

    Maintaining your septic system does not require much effort, increases the life of your system and can save you money. Annual inspections are recommended for the determination of when your septic tank needs to be pumped in addition to making certain everything is working correctly. Systems containing moving parts will require inspections more often. This will help eliminate the high expense of a system failure. A professional contractor will check the condition of your system while looking for cracked pipes. Keep reading as the experts at N.H. precast concrete explain more.

    1. Locating the System: If your tank is buried, the inspector will look at the direction of the pipe going through the basement wall. The buried pipes are then located using an insulated probe outside.

    2. Uncovering the Inspection Ports and Manhole: This will make future inspections easier but may require a little digging.

    N.H. Precast concrete

    3. Checking Connections: You can determine if your plumbing is going through the system properly by running water and flushing the toilets.

    4. Measuring the Layers of Scum and Sludge: The inspector uses special tools to measure the layers of scum and sludge. If the depth of the sludge is at least one-third of the liquid tank depth, your tank requires pumping. Septic tanks can produce toxic gases capable of killing in minutes. Inspections should always be performed by trained professionals.

    5. Checking the Drainfield: The inspector checks the drainfield for potential failure, the tank walls for cracks, the condition of the tees or baffles and any pumps, drop boxes and distribution boxes.

    The frequency of pumping is dependent on the tank size, the number of residents and the habits of the household. The pumping frequency can be impacted by garbage disposals, whirlpools and hot tubs. Hiring a licensed contractor is important because they will dispose of the sludge and have the correct equipment. You can find licensed haulers and pumpers through the local health department or the yellow pages. You should be there when your tank is pumped to ensure the manhole is used as opposed to the inspection ports.

    N.H. Precast concrete

    This will prevent damage to the tees or baffles. All of the materials must be removed from the tank. Your tank will not need to be disinfected or scrubbed. The most important action you can take for protecting your system is pumping your tank. If the solids build up too high, they can end up in the drainfield. This can strain and clog your system requiring the installation of a new drainfield. You also need to ensure you have a detailed record of every inspection. This includes repairs, permits, pumpings and all maintenance performed on your system.

    You should have a sketch showing the location of your septic system. This information will save you money and time during your service visits. Keep your sketch with your maintenance records. An annual inspection is an excellent means of monitoring the health of your system. An inspection often locates problems prior to them becoming serious. You will be able to accurately determine how often your tank needs to be pumped by checking the scum and sludge levels. You can protect your system from any potential damage by protecting the drainfield and tank.

    Only plant grass near your system. The roots from trees and shrubs can damage your septic system. No heavy machinery or vehicles should be operated above any area of the system. The best cover for your drainfield is grass. You should perform proper maintenance and operation of your system including water conservation. You must make certain your system is not used for the disposal of anything harmful. Your septic system needs to be pumped regularly and inspected annually. You can ensure the development of good maintenance habits by educating your entire household regarding what is good and bad for the system.

  • Software

    How modern banks are offering a trendier customer service experience

    While the most revolutionary change in banking is the widespread use of online banking that has mostly obviated branch visits, traditional brick-and-mortar branches still exist. There are a few tasks like confirming a customer’s identity and discussions about loans, which still necessitate a visit to a branch. Not to mention the fact that several people prefer the experience of walking into a solid bank building to conduct their financial business because it provides them with a comfort level and security that online banking may not.

    In order to adapt to changing times, banks that have retained their physical presence have redesigned the in-person banking experience to match the cool-factor provided by online or mobile banking. Banking software for collection and recoveries, online banking and bill pay, and even banking from home or via a cell phone are driving forces in the banking industry.

    Banking Software For Collection And Recoveries

    A few of the key trends are discussed below.

    Conceptualizing new ideas

    Designers are provided with creative work spaces so that they can invent radical new concepts and technologies to make the banking experience trendier. These spaces are innovation labs that are equipped to nurture creativity. Designers are furnished with gadgets to play around with and use in their experimental and conceptual designs, which they also get to test on volunteer employees and customers.

    Beating the queue system

    One of the more frustrating aspects of customer service is the delay and boredom involved in waiting in a queue. While the queue system has not exactly been dispensed with, it has been streamlined using smart technology that is available. These systems make it possible for a customer to join a virtual queue instead of standing in a physical one. The customer then enters the building when their turn approaches, saving them time and energy. It makes the banking experience much faster and more pleasant.

    Keeping the customer occupied

    Despite all the new time-saving tools, customers do need to wait to be served sometimes. In such a scenario, banks have adopted ways to keep the customer entertained and occupied in order to prevent boredom or frustration.

    Banking Software For Collection And Recoveries

    Some banks provide computer terminals and tablets, which the customer can use to access the internet. Large touch-screens called interactive walls are another trendy new way to help customers kill time.

    Making the teller interaction electronic

    Teller kiosks are a smart and modern way to make the banking experience more efficient. Several tasks that the teller performs can be done electronically at a self-service interactive kiosk in the branch. This makes the experience faster for the customer, while reserving the resources of the human tellers for those tasks which require discussion and cannot be performed by a kiosk.

    The use of teller kiosks has radically altered the physical design of the bank’s interior space. Instead of having a teller wall that could be considered an unwieldy and outdated concept, the space can have a smattering of sleekly designed kiosks arranged around the room, lending it an airy, contemporary feel.

    Providing additional services

    To make the experience more enjoyable, banks are adding on supplementary services at their physical locations. This also allows customers to multitask. For example, an attached coffee shop not only makes the branch more chic and lively, it also allows the customer to perform the task of buying a cup of coffee while they are banking.

    Using innovative technology

    Creative new ideas can not only make the user experience of banking at a branch more efficient, it can also be enjoyable to the customer. An example is a sensor that detects the arrival of a customer, immediately providing them with an interactive screen to browse the products and services on offer. They can then make a quick selection and start conducting their business right away.

    The range of new technologies and innovations has made the in-person banking experience modern and avant-garde. It saves the customer time and energy and ensures maximum customer satisfaction.