yzajems.info

Hasn’t it been a tough winter! The whole nation has taken an icy beating, experiencing ice and the prediction of snow from Florida in the south to traditionally hard-hit states in the north such as New York and Massachusetts.Virginia – particularly the northern sector – didn’t escape the bite of the cold and wind this autumn, and now that spring seems to be finally on its way, many homeowners are facing the prospect of much needed home repairs and general maintenance jobs to ensure their properties not only look good, but will stand the test of time throughout the summer and into whatever the next winter throws at them.Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged or damaged gutters are a common sight after a harsh winter. However with the spring rains due any moment a gutter system not working correctly can spell disaster for the homeowner. Water damage is very expensive to repair so ensure your gutters and downpipes are no only free from debris, but are well maintained and functioning well. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, or if you don’t have the skills to effect repairs, call a local handyman who will be able to help you out.Repair Cracks in Concrete
Concrete patios, driveways or walkways that have become cracked will let water through that can lead to movement and settling. Don’t wait until it’s too late; get cracks in flat concrete areas fixed now before they become uneven. Also, if water gets into cracks and freezes next winter, it will widen and worsen the cracking.Look After Your Woodwork
Wood, particularly on older houses, is susceptible to water damage over time. As with most home repairs, tackling them now will not only be easier, but far cheaper than waiting until they have become more urgent. Small areas of damage to wooden components (window sills, fences, etc.) can often be done with epoxy wood patching compounds that is even harder and more durable than the wood itself once dry. If the damaged woodwork is structural then it’s imperative it is fixed immediately, and a quick look through the Yellow Book uncover many local carpentry and handyman services who can take care of this for you.Inspect the Roof
A damaged or leaky roof can spell disaster for the homeowner. A professional handyman not only knows the tell-tale signs that a roof needs repairs, but he or she has the head for heights and the necessary skills to get up a latter and ensure that repairs are quick and effective.General Touch-Up
Although generally considered cosmetic, a general touch-up to the outside of a house will not only keep it looking good, but will hold its value and help ward off future damages from the elements. A pressure wash to remove algae and mold, a lick of paint here and there to protect masonry and woodwork, new or repaired screens to let the spring air in but keep the wildlife out… There are plenty of small things to be done that will help you and your family to get the most from your home.

From dealerships, rental agencies and repair shops (and more), the Canadian automotive industry provides numerous fulfilling and long-lasting career opportunities. In fact, the Canadian automotive industry is the sixth largest on the planet, accounting for 25% of the country’s entire merchandise exports. According to the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, direct employment in the aftermarket (which deals with the manufacture, remanufacture, distribution, wholesaling and retailing of replacement parts, accessories, tools, equipment, accessories, chemicals and services) totaled 410,700 jobs in 2009.Despite these numbers, you would be perfectly reasonable to assume that the industry’s job prospects have taken a hit in the last few years. The economic downturn in 2008, along with accelerated automation and global warming posed tough challenges and led to a 21% drop in new car sales…which obviously had a trickle down effect in all areas of automotive manufacturing, sales and repairs.However, the industry has bounced back in the last two years, and as Windsor Star reporter Grace Macaluso recently reported, Canada’s share of North American light-vehicle production is now at an all-time high (the number now stands at 17.3% of North American vehicle production, which is up from pre-recession levels of 16.8%). Automotive Training Center director Zyg Strecha believes this increased production points to improved job opportunities, adding that, “New vehicle sales are also up a few percentage points over last year, so the economics and employment opportunities are there”.Adding another extra boost is Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which has helped firms modernize their operations to create and maintain jobs. This follows the restructuring assistance the Canadian government provided to prevent the collapse of large companies, including Chrysler and GM, both of whom have repaid those loans in full. The rejuvenated strength of the industry’s biggest players, coupled with technological advances and the looming retirement of baby boomers, indicate that there are very bright job prospects in many segments of the vast auto industry.If you are passionate about cars, therefore, now is the time to act on your dreams. To best prepare for these tremendous career opportunities, interested candidates should enroll in automotive training programs at auto repair schools with the best and most cutting edge training facilities. In order to step directly into the automotive workforce, students should look for automotive training programs that allow them to spend the maximum amount of time in real, industry standard auto repair shop environments. The best of these auto schools, for example, will use modern classrooms, bays, hoists, scanners for vehicle diagnostics and emissions testing, welding equipment, alignment hoists, modern paint booths and mixing rooms (for auto body repair) and much more.Don’t be scared off by the news. Your career in the automotive industry is still within reach.