Caffrey later switched to an accounting job with the company but put what she learned as an apprentice to work , catching an error on a vendor bill by knowing a part didn ’ t cost as much as the company was being charged .
“ You can put knowledge to use ,” Caffrey said . “ You can solve problems . I learned a lot real fast .”
In addition to helping employees build technical skills , Mister Sparky focuses on teaching them how to communicate with customers .
Hagan started what he calls Sparky University , where all three locations meet twice a week by video conferencing . In the meetings , employees go over how to talk to people , how to maintain a professional appearance , how to provide good customer service and how to inform clients of any needed updates to their home ’ s electrical system .
The company needs employees with technical skills , communication skills and a dedication to safety .
“ We have a recruiting budget for employees ,” Hagan said . “ We have to find the right fit .” Hagan said he would like to continue hiring apprentices .
“ If I could find the right kids , I ’ d hire two or three of them now ,” Hagan said . “ You can have a solid life as an electrician .”
The right kind of employee cannot have an arrest record . He or she must pass a drug test and random drug screenings after they are hired , Hagan said . Also , it is important to have a clean driving record .
At a recent meeting , a discussion focused on how to tell customers that electricians could not work on a certain brand of breaker box now banned because of safety reasons .
“ We have to educate people about the safety of their home ,” Carlton said . “ We are not just doing what we are called to do . We want to stop problems before they happen . We want to make the house safer when we leave than when we came .”
The company also wants its employees to follow procedures that will ensure their safety in what can be a dangerous profession .
“ We preach safety ,” Carlton said . “ We want them to make their home safe .”
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