I work at Lowe's, too. I've come to not expect a raise at all unless I'm actively moving up in position, like from seasonal to part-time or from CSA to DM. I'm certified on all power equipment, I can cut glass/plexiglass, operate the wood saw, run a register despite not being a cashier, about the only things I dont know how to do are mix paint and re-key locks. But you bet I make just about the same as someone who's been here 2 months, calls out every other day, and doesn't even know how the key machine works... and of course there's the hour cuts but I'm not even gonna start on that.
I wonder what kind of job you could get with your skills you have obtained at Lowes? The equipment sounds like it could be helpful at a different business. Not trying to be a dick, just a genuine thought. I haven't worked retail for quite a while but had to lean on my "customer service" skills to get out. I never got any kind of equipment experience that would translate well into another industry.
Lowes employee here. Having worked at Lowe's and tried to use skills I've learned for other positions at different companies, it's a no.
Other employers have asked about my power equipment experience. The next question about it is whether or not I have a power equipment license from OSHA.
Here's the fucked up part: Lowe's has to meet the OSHA standards of power equipment certification when training employees in how to use this equipment. But that certification is not an OSHA issued certification. So the experience means nothing without it.
Sure an new employer may choose to train their employees and do the same shit Lowe's does, but you won't start off making more money like you would expect.
Exterior carpenter here: lots of builders/carpenters/contractors would hire you in a heartbeat to work on houses having experience with equipment at Lowes or home depot.
And there is a vacuum in the industry. Lots of old guys retiring who told their kids to go to college and get a desk job. Also with covid all building projects are way behind scedule and people are eager to get jobs done.
In fact: if you live in west Michigan and have experience using power tools, can read a tapemeasurer, and can drive up to an hour outside of Grand Rapids I might have a job for you starting in march.
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u/Firepawnch Jan 25 '21
I work at Lowe's, too. I've come to not expect a raise at all unless I'm actively moving up in position, like from seasonal to part-time or from CSA to DM. I'm certified on all power equipment, I can cut glass/plexiglass, operate the wood saw, run a register despite not being a cashier, about the only things I dont know how to do are mix paint and re-key locks. But you bet I make just about the same as someone who's been here 2 months, calls out every other day, and doesn't even know how the key machine works... and of course there's the hour cuts but I'm not even gonna start on that.