In our last blog, we discussed the hiring challenges of filling skilled trades jobs. Attracting talent, specifically younger workers has been a difficult task for many businesses.
The demand for skilled labor in the construction sector continues to grow, and the Department of Education reports that there will be 68% more infrastructure job openings in the next five years than there are people to fill them.
The industry is experiencing what many call a “skilled labor gap” — a shortage of laborers with the skills to accomplish all of the work demanded. As a result, staffing for these jobs remains an ongoing problem.
So how do you attract the talent you need?
Workrise surveyed hundreds of people--those currently working in the skilled trades and the general population aged 18-30. Both groups were asked about their career choices and their perception of the skilled trades.
The results of the report showed that raising awareness of the benefits of working in the skilled trades and placing an emphasis on training, may help attract the right talent to the job.
An Emphasis on Training
An emphasis on training may be another way to attract workers to the trade. Our survey results showed that the general population believes they don’t have the skills needed to perform the job and don’t feel qualified to use the tools and equipment.
When asked about what would attract more talent to the trades, the skilled workers surveyed repeatedly answered training and advancement opportunities. They said providing funding for education and training would make them feel like the organization was investing in them and their future.
There is no doubt that training can play a key role in teaching workers new procedures, equipment, and technologies. By investing in training, you may also help attract new people to the skilled trades, and alleviate their existing fears of feeling unprepared and unqualified for the job.
Raising awareness of the benefits of working in the skilled trades, such as the number of jobs available and competitive wages, may also help you attract the right talent for the job.
At the end of the day, you feel a sense of accomplishment working in the skilled trades.
Skilled Trades Survey Respondent
This is where Workrise can help. With two decades of staffing experience--we know how to reach the incoming generation of workers and attract them to the trades.
We heavily emphasize our focus on the worker first, by providing best-in-class pay, comprehensive benefits, and 401K. And by supplying the training needed, we help prepare our workers for future career advancement in their trade.
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