The skills shortage is a massive problem for the construction industry. With an aging workforce and not enough young people entering the trades, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find qualified workers to get the job done. So, what can you do to ensure your construction firm isn’t left in the dust? Here are five ways to beat the skills shortage and keep your business running smoothly.
Train your existing workforce
Training your existing workforce is one of the best ways to combat the skills shortage. Invest in their development if you have workers willing to learn new skills. Here are some ways you can do that:
Apprenticeships
The construction industry is shifting from traditional education to hands-on training. Apprenticeships are a great way to get new workers up to speed quickly and efficiently.
Journeyman programs
Journeyman programs are another excellent way to train your workforce. These programs allow workers to gain experience and learn new skills while working on real projects.
Continuing education
Continuing education is another option for training your workforce. You can offer courses and seminars to help workers stay updated on the latest construction techniques and technologies.
By investing in your existing workforce, you’ll be able to keep your business running smoothly and avoid the disruption from losing employees to retirement or attrition.
Offer Employee Retention Bonuses
Another way to combat the skills shortage is to offer employee retention bonuses. If you have employees who are valuable members of your team, offer them a financial incentive to stay with your company. This will help you keep experienced workers on staff and avoid having to retrain new hires on the job. Here are various incentives you can give them:
Raise
The simplest incentive you can give to your employees is a raise. If you can afford it, offer them a salary increase to stay with your company. The average raise in the industry is around 3 percent, but you can offer more depending on your budget.
Bonus
Another option is to offer a bonus for each year they stay with your construction firm. This will give them an extra financial incentive to stay put. Bonuses can vary depending on your budget and the employee’s position.
Paid time off
Paid time off is another great way to keep your employees happy. Offer them extra vacation days, paid sick days, or even a sabbatical if they stay with your company for a certain number of years.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Use your imagination and devise other ways to show your employees that you value their loyalty.
Get Help From a Recruitment Firm
Engineers are the most skilled workers in construction. But sadly, they are few and far between. There are only two million engineers in the country, and other businesses highly seek out each.
One way to get engineers into your company is by getting help from professionals. An engineer recruitment service has the specialty and connections to bring these highly sought-after workers to your construction firm. Getting help from such a service can ensure that you have skilled engineers to get the job done.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Undoubtedly, technology has changed the construction industry over the years. And while some jobs will always require human hands, many tasks can now be accomplished with the help of machines. If you’re struggling to find qualified workers, consider investing in technology to help you get the job done. Here is some essential tech you should invest on:
Drones
Inspections are a crucial part of the construction, but they can be dangerous. That’s where drones come in. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can inspect hard-to-reach areas, saving time and keeping workers safe.
3D printers
Another technology that is changing the construction industry is the 3D printer. These machines can create buildings and other structures from scratch using various materials. This technology is still in its infancy, but it has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry.
Investing in technology can help you get the job done even when you’re short-staffed. You can keep your business running smoothly without needing more employees by automating some tasks and using machines to do others.
Partner With Other Construction Firms
If you’re having trouble finding qualified workers, partnering with other construction firms can be a great way to access your needed talent. By collaborating with other companies, you can share resources, pool your talent, and access a larger pool of qualified workers. This is incredibly effective if you work on a large project requiring manpower.
The skills shortage is a big problem for construction firms, but thankfully, there are ways to overcome it. By following the tips above, you can ensure your business has the workforce it needs to succeed.
