The demand for skilled tradesmen in the construction industry is at an all-time high, and construction companies are struggling to fill their positions. As the demand for infrastructure projects and new housing developments increases, it presents significant hiring challenges in the competitive labor market.
According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) job report, employment in construction is up 34,000 since August, emphasizing the urgency for effective hiring strategies in an industry grasping for labor regularity. Here are five ways construction employers are overcoming said challenges.
1. Understanding the Hiring Marketing for Skilled Tradesmen
Labor Shortages
The construction industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled labor and as baby boomers retire, fewer workers are entering the trades, leading to a significant gap in available talent. An imbalance of qualified workers in the trades has resulted in additional strain on an already limited workforce industry.
Increased Demand in Construction
With the uptick in infrastructure, housing, and commercial real estate projects, the demand for skilled tradesmen is rapidly increasing. Due to the scarcity of qualified applicants, companies are competing fiercely to attract talent. This has resulted in companies redefining their hiring practices and distributing significant resources to hire the right candidates for the job.
2. Benefits of Using a Staffing Company Like Skilled Trades Partners
Faster Access to Qualified Workers
By collaborating with a New England construction staffing company, you’ll be provided with access to pre-vetted, skilled tradesmen who are ready to bring their expertise and skills to your project. At STP, New England’s #1 Construction Staffing Agency, we match our qualified skilled tradesmen with our customers’ open construction positions and support each of them every step of the way during the hiring process.
Reduced Hiring Time and Costs
Working with a New England staffing company to expand your construction team will reduce both hiring time and costs. Construction staffing agencies like STP do all of the paperwork associated with onboarding a new employee and even take care of providing your new hire benefits. This not only saves time but also minimizes the financial burden associated with traditional recruitment methods.
Scalability
Firms who work with a trades staffing company can benefit from the flexibility that allows them to scale their workforce up or down depending on project demands. New England construction companies can respond to changing needs without long-term commitments.
3. The Role of Employer Branding in Attracting Skilled Tradesmen
Building a Strong Employer Brand
Building a strong employer brand in the construction industry is all about positioning your company as the go-to place for skilled tradesmen to work. To do this, show that you value your team and that you always have their back—whether it’s through competitive pay, a commitment to safety (which is a must for all construction companies), or real opportunities for growth such as tuition reimbursement. Skilled trades professionals want to work for companies that care about them and support their career growth. When your construction company communicates that you’re a trusted employer who values and develops talent, you’ll attract the best people in the trades—and you’ll be able to retain them too.
Collaborating with a Staffing Company to Enhance Employer Brand
Working with a construction staffing agency like Skilled Trades Partners can boost your employer branding efforts. It will also help enhance the candidate experience and help create a more appealing environment for prospective construction talent.
4. Improving Retention to Compete in a Tight Market
Retaining Talent Through Career Development
Employees who feel supported are more likely to give them more satisfaction out of their job or workplace. To reduce turnover, construction companies can invest in career advancement opportunities, such as mentorship and training programs. By working with a trades staffing company like STP, we can assist in promoting these initiatives (and providing benefits from our end) and identifying key roles for advancement with your organization.
Work Environment & Flexibility
Construction companies that create a positive work environment and culture are typically more successful in retaining talent. By using employee feedback and embracing continuous improvements in the company culture and practices, you’ll have a critical differentiator in boosting retention.
5. Other Strategies for Managing Demand for Skilled Tradesmen
Leveraging Technology
Digital transformation is one of the best ways construction companies can differentiate and become more efficient. By integrating technology such as project management software and automation tools, you can boost workplace efficiency that positively impacts day-to-day operations. Be a company that’s in tune with the latest technology in the construction field. Once your company taps into the capabilities of technology on job sites, you’ll be able to manage larger workloads and reduce pressure during peak times.
Offering Competitive Benefits
To remain competitive and attract the best talent, companies should not only offer attractive wages but also benefit packages, including Free OSHA/Safety Training, Tuition Reimbursement, and Paid Time Off. Not to mention, this is a great strategy for retaining skilled tradesmen as well. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to offering benefits, simply outsource your construction staffing to STP and we’ll take care of it all for you!
Partnering with Trade Schools and Apprenticeship Programs
Consider building partnerships with local trade schools or vocational programs. You can help bridge the skilled trades gap to satisfy the demand for new talent by creating a pipeline of future tradesmen.
Next Steps If You’re Ready to Hire Skilled Tradesmen…
If you’ve been looking for a better way to bring new talent and skills onto your construction team, you just found it. Work with Skilled Trades Partners to get the skilled tradesmen you need, without the hassle of the hiring process. When hiring your next employee, don’t forget to focus on having strong employer branding, benefits packages, and a construction staffing team that can connect you directly with your next hire.