Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Jaime Audette recently made an exciting career change, shifting from manager of facilities services at Rhode Island’s Brown University to a property manager at commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield. She has gone from mostly overseeing older buildings to being responsible for one major new project. The juxtaposition has expanded her perspective and […]
Incorporating everything from hands-on labor to leadership roles, facilities management is a versatile industry that has a lot to offer professionals with different skill sets. That’s why Mike McGraw is happy his career path led him to FM over 20 years ago. McGraw currently serves as a unit director at ESFM USA, the corporate facilities […]
Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. Netflix Studios in Jersey Lights, camera, action! Netflix and New Jersey officials recently held a groundbreaking ceremony at Fort Monmouth, marking the start of construction for the entertainment giant’s new state-of-the-art production facility. California-based Netflix plans to invest […]
As scores of skilled trade workers age out of their careers and settle into retirement, the industry is taking a tumultuous turn. Even though the demand for construction and other skilled trade projects is steadily increasing, 41% of the current workforce is expected to retire in the next six years. These projections aren’t just trends, […]
From combat engineer to custodial manager, Marcus LaPointe has worn many proverbial hats throughout his career. However, he encourages aspiring facility professionals to get their start in the trades—”any trade.” It’s timely advice, given that reports show a grave need for all types of skilled trade workers. As for LaPointe, he now works as an […]
Pressure is mounting. The facilities management industry is facing a critical workforce gap—one that has only been worsening over the past few years as demand for services outpaces available labor. This gap is characterized by a shortage of skilled workers entering the field and an increasing reliance on outdated systems that fail to attract and […]
In the skilled trades, confidence isn’t just about experience—it’s about staying sharp, adaptable, and prepared for evolving industry demands. Certifications have become a crucial tool for professional growth, particularly in trades like fire protection and electrical work. They provide workers with the structured learning needed to refine their expertise, enhance job performance, and build confidence […]
The rapid advancement of digital technology, the focus on climate-resilient buildings, and the movement toward renewable energy are just a few of the many factors disrupting the skilled trades industry. Workers in fields like facilities management, electrical, engineering, and fire service face the daunting challenge of keeping up with these trends so they can do […]
Artificial intelligence (AI) has very quickly become familiar to everyone involved in facilities management. Through prescriptive data insights, combining advanced analytics and AI-driven recommendations, there are a wealth of benefits that AI brings for the industry. After all, McKinsey research estimates that generative AI could soon make up $4.4 trillion of value annually. The rise […]
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released its third annual Industry Trends Survey, which reveals skilled worker sentiments around the current state of labor, training, and technology on the jobsite. The survey provides a look at what the skilled trades industry can expect in each of these areas in 2025. The findings are based […]