7 things to know about starting a construction training program
Providing on-the-job education can help fill the labor gap and increase retention , but first , companies need to identify the right employees .
Before any company embarks on a handson education program , here are seven things that managers need to keep in mind .
1 ) Training can fill gaps . Aerotek Business Development Executive Scott Minto said that providing new skills can help fill the biggest in-demand skillsets , including electrical , carpentry , welding and soldering , plumbing , pipefitting , machinery and construction equipment operation .
At a time when many contractors are looking to help solve their labor woes by bringing in more workers , a new report argues that upskilling strategies can help companies close talent gaps in their workforce and increase retention .
As more tasks are becoming automated , companies need employees who can work with this expensive equipment , according to a white paper from Hanover , Marylandbased talent provider Aerotek .
Training can be expensive and companies need to make sure that their culture and staff are prepared , according to Aerotek . They also need to ensure that their culture encourages retention . If it doesn ’ t , they may be training employees for their competitors .
“ If a valued employee isn ’ t utilizing certain tools and skills , for example how to read plans , the best approach to upskilling that employee would be teaching them how to do that certain skill ,” Minto said . “ It ’ ll open a lot more opportunities both for the company and for the employee .”
2 ) Upskilling isn ’ t easy . Hands-on education may help fill gaps and retain employees , but many companies aren ’ t prepared for it . While 74 % of companies acknowledge that upskilling their workforce is critical , only 10 % of businesses say they are well prepared to address this issue , according to Staffing Industry Analysts .
3 ) Schedule regular training . Committing to training is great in theory , but how do busy companies incorporate it into their
10 DITCHMEN • OCTOBER 2021