One of the toughest challenges facing construction employers is finding the right talent. There’s nothing more frustrating than having lucrative projects lined up and struggling to recruit the team needed to deliver on the job. If this sounds like something you’ve experienced before, you’re not alone. It’s a common struggle for employers in the construction industry. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be this way. Here, we’ll take a look at some common reasons why you’re having trouble finding the right talent in the construction industry.
1. There’s a shortage of workers.
Currently, construction employers are dealing with the effects of an industry-wide shortage of talent. Skilled tradesmen are retiring en masse, leaving a considerable number of vacant positions. The demand for work is still there, but employers are having a tough time finding enough qualified talent. What’s causing this gap? Well, the largest generation – the Baby Boomers – are entering retirement age and the follow-up generation just doesn’t have the same numbers. This puts employers in a bit of a bind as they try to keep all of their open positions filled.
2. You keep hiring underqualified talent.
In the construction industry, there’s no space for doing things halfway. Projects can’t be halfway completed, safety standards can’t be nearly met, and deadlines can’t be partially. The same is true when it comes to finding qualified workers. You can’t afford to rely on someone who might be good for the job. You need a guarantee that the individual you’re hiring is skilled and capable of getting the job done right…the first time. Unfortunately, many construction employers end up settling for underqualified talent for a variety of reasons. Here are a few:
- Insufficient vetting procedures – Employers who do their hiring and processing in-house, run the risk of not properly vetting their hirees. It’s a challenging ordeal and some underqualified talent is bound to make it through the cracks. These shortcomings can come back to haunt you later.
- Not taking enough time – Whether you’re rushing to get a team together for a last-minute project or you need a rapid replacement for a vacant position, you might end up cutting some corners. While you save time in the short-term, the problems caused by an unreliable worker will impact you in the long run.
3. You’re working with inexperienced staffers.
Many construction employers decide to outsource their hiring efforts to staffing agencies. When done properly, this can help free up resources while drastically improving the vetting process to ensure only the most qualified talent is getting hired. Unfortunately, many employers end up working with inexperienced staffers that aren’t even qualified themselves. This ends up defeating the whole purpose of outsourcing and only causes your business more problems while still requiring payment. Perhaps the worst effect of working with unreliable staffers is when employers are convinced to never use them again.
How Can Employers Overcome These Obstacles?
Navigating a labor shortage, sifting through unqualified candidates, and handling all other obstacles associated with finding the right talent doesn’t’ have to fall at the feet of project managers or HR departments. You’ve experienced first-hand the struggles involved with recruiting the very best team. What if you could outsource all of that headache and pain while still reaping the benefits of having a reliable and capable team?
When you work with a reputable staffing agency, you don’t have to choose between having an excellent team and having sufficient time to focus on finding new projects. There’s no compromise involved. The right agency will function seamlessly alongside your overall operations, almost like a part of your business. In a sector where it’s difficult – but essential – to find talent that’s already been thoroughly trained and vetted, a hiring company can be your ticket to a steady stream of reliable tradesmen.
Are you struggling to staff your projects with the right talent? As a leading recruiter in the construction industry, Madden Craftsmen can help. And with decades of experience helping employers find qualified, reliable, and talented tradesmen, we have the track record to back it up. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the talent we can provide.
