How to Streamline the Labor Hiring Process in the Construction Industry

Labor shortages can significantly stall your projects and cost you much in losses. That’s why there’s a need to streamline the hiring process to ensure quality workers are available when needed. With this in mind, here are insights into how to improve the hiring process and counter labor shortages in construction projects..

Invest in Construction Apprenticeships

While there’s been a shortage of high-quality labor for construction work, there isn’t a shortage of young construction enthusiasts who are willing to learn. However, many companies don’t want to take this path and conduct on-the-job training. Unfortunately, if you want a constant supply of skilled, high-quality workers, you may have to invest in training.

Apprenticeships allow you to tap into the workforce pool and engage workers who either don’t have technical certificates or have less than two years experience. During training, the workers get hands-on skills while growing their expertise and knowledge in specific areas. Some of the things you offer training on include the following:

• The various codes in the construction industry
• How to use various tools and equipment
• Safety rules, regulations, and procedures
• How to work in a team
• Communication skills

Workers who successfully complete the apprenticeships and perform exceptionally can be absorbed into the team as full-time or part-time employees.

Consider Hiring Subcontractors

The labor shortage can make it hard for you to find full-time or even part-time workers for your projects. In this case, it is a good idea to engage more subcontractors instead of opting for full-time employees. As a construction manager, the subcontractors report to you and not to your company. Also, they are responsible for their work.

One benefit of using subcontractors is that they come with their own skilled and semi-skilled workers. Thus, if the subcontractor is another company, they have workers to handle the work you’ve assigned to them. Besides saving you from a labor shortage, they also cater to their own benefits and insurance needs. The only downside is it may cost you more to hire a subcontractor than it would an employee.

Embrace Construction Technology

In today’s world where the young workforce is made up of millennials, you cannot ignore the power of this generation over the construction industry. Millennials are tech-savvy individuals who are looking for opportunities that incorporate what they know best — the use of technology. Thus, by embracing construction tech in your company, you can appeal to this generation and find quality labor for your projects.

It could be simple techs such as productivity tools for workers to sophisticated ones like drone technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and 3D printing. Highlight the use of these technologies in your company profile and job offers to attract millennial talent. Besides getting the young workforce interested in your company, construction technology can go a long way in improving efficiency, cutting costs, and boosting the overall profitability of the company.

Streamline Your Hiring Process for Improved Productivity

Finding the right talent to join your construction team can be an uphill task amidst the current labor shortages. However, as a smart construction manager, you can leverage these insights and snatch the best talent from the already-strained pool of workers.

Are you unable to locate the best workers for your projects? At Webuild Staffing, we pride ourselves in offering the best recruitment services for your construction company. Contact us today for more details!

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com