As demand in the home improvement industry rises, contractors face new challenges to deliver quality, timely results to a growing customer list. Is your contracting business ready to take advantage of all the new opportunities that are flooding the industry?
The key to keeping up with demand is to ensure that you have a reliable workforce. Currently, the labor shortage is affecting businesses of all sizes and industries. According to the Home Improvement Research Institute, 72 percent of contractors and remodelers are aware of the skilled labor shortage.
With a proactive approach, you minimize the effects of an employee shortage on your company. There are various strategies to maintain a thriving team, such as proactive recruiting and emphasized employee retention.
If you want to know how to combat labor shortage problems, then you need to be proactive about standing out in the industry to attract quality candidates. In addition to recruiting top talent, we recommend considering an apprenticeship program to develop necessary skills in your new employees.
Apprenticeship: A Long-Term Investment
One powerful method to combat employee shortage issues is to start an apprenticeship program. This approach does not solve immediate problems. But it creates a foundation for you to build a skilled team in the future.
Even though the results are not immediate, they are worth the investment in the long run. Doing so will create a system to close the skills gap in your installation and sales teams.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits you should expect if you choose to implement this strategy in your industry.
How to Start an Apprenticeship Program
The size and scope of your apprenticeship program can vary depending on your business and the positions you are striving to fill. Follow these steps to create a successful program for sourcing and training your apprentice(s):
- Set Goals: Clarity about the purpose of your apprenticeship program is essential. Identify specific goals, write down these details, and structure your hiring and recruiting to meet the desired accomplishments.
- Structure the Program: It takes work to create a registered apprenticeship resulting in recognized credentials at the end of the program. The requirements vary between states and businesses, so you must contact your state office for specific information. If you do not want to go through these steps, then consider creating a non-registered apprenticeship instead.
- Design a Training Program: The purpose of offering an apprenticeship is to create opportunities for on-the-job training. Be proactive in creating a training program that helps participants develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry.
- Recruit Apprentices: Advertise the opportunity. Recruit through job boards and local networking to find candidates interested in learning more about the industry.
- Assign a Mentor for Each Trainee: Mentorship is an effective strategy to help new trainees access someone who will answer questions and guide ongoing work. Help apprentices learn from the team through mentorship.
Benefits of an Apprenticeship Program
Is it worth the effort to implement an apprenticeship program in your business? These are just a few of the benefits you should expect through an apprenticeship program:
- Employee Loyalty: Investing in your new hires builds a strong sense of loyalty. These employees recognize the value of their unique skills and knowledge. As a result, loyalty often has a positive impact on improving retention as well.
- Broader Range of Candidates: Your options are limited if you only hire job candidates with specific skills. An apprenticeship program helps you connect with younger job seekers who are still developing skills and training.
- Brand Awareness: As you spread the word about your business through the apprenticeship program, it increases awareness about your company. In a recent Built Better podcast episode, Jim Ziminski, President Crane Renovation Group, implemented a forward-thinking fund to attract more workers to his business.
With a little bit of work, you will create win-win solutions for your business and new hires. An apprenticeship program is an effective strategy to solve employee shortage programs for home contractors and companies in the construction industry.
