ideas for creating an outdoor living space

3 Ideas To Attract Blue-Collar Workers

21 June 2019 by Kyle Brown

According to a report released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), construction employment increased in 39 states and Washington, D.C. over the past year. Unfortunately, there are not enough skilled employees, such as machinists and pipefitters, to meet the growing needs of the construction industry. Retiring blue collar baby boomers are exacerbating the problem. This means companies are going to need to step up their recruiting efforts and reconsider their hiring practices. Here are three ideas to incorporate, in your business.

Use A Staffing Agency

While advertising in the newspaper used to be the first stop when hiring new employees, putting an ad in the want ad section of your local paper probably won't be enough, anymore. Newspapers have been declining for some time, and that includes the digital editions, not just the printed paper. Hanging up a "help wanted" shingle usually doesn't help, either.

If your company needs experienced employees, registering with a staffing agency is probably your best bet. An employment agency knows many workers today are using the internet to find open positions. Today's generation also seemingly prefers to apply for jobs online rather than physically going to places to fill out applications or turn in resumes. As older blue-collar workers retire and the need for new workers grows, a staffing agency will help make prospective employees become aware of your organization and what you have to offer.

Contact Technical Schools

Get in touch with any trade schools that offer construction and industrial programs. Don't limit yourself to the schools local to your area. All program graduates will be looking for work, once their schooling is complete. While this may not net you an employee with a lot of experience, an inexperienced employee who is eager to learn and work is better than no employee at all. Inexperienced workers are paid less than skilled workers, which will likely leave money in the labor budget to hire experienced workers that the staffing agency finds.

In addition to the technical schools, develop a relationship with the local high schools. Many still offer industrial arts classes that teach welding, machining, metal fabrication, woodworking, carpentry and construction. Make arrangements to visit those classes or set up a field trip to your facility for career day. Try to get the kids interested in what you do, and you may have a future pool of potential employees.

Offer Apprenticeships

If you are willing to invest in an on-the-job training program, you may find younger workers who are interested in learning. If you want to set up an official apprenticeship program, the Department of Labor can assist you.

For more information, contact a company, such as UA Local 100, that can answer any of your questions.

Share

Search