Top tips for finding and recruiting the right construction workers for the job

Let’s face it: fewer young people are entering the construction industry to replace those who are retiring. As Baby Boomers enjoy a well-earned retirement, Millennials and newer generations are hard to come by. Fortunately, there are tried-and-true methods that contractors can use to recruit skilled workers. That’s why we want to provide you with this handy step-by-step guide. Take a look…

1. Post for the job.

This may sound simplistic, but there are specific steps you need to take when posting for your construction job. To attract and hire dependable construction workers, you need to ensure they’re fully aware of what your company has to offer. This could include competitive salaries, comprehensive health insurance, adequate working hours, a safety-minded culture and much more.

2. Advertise career advancement.

As you know, there are different types and levels of construction workers available on the market today. As such, if you want to attract the best and the brightest, it’s important you mention the latest technologies, policies, and procedures you offer. This is especially important if you want to attract younger generations. To young workers, tech adoption is a major sign of a company’s ability to grow and adapt to the changing times. This proves to younger workers that they will have a secure future with your company.

3. Use the proper channels.

Does your company run an effective social media strategy? If not, you may be missing out on the best and brightest workers. Make sure you use the proper recruiting resources, such as Craigslist and Indeed. You may also want to put some time into job boards that cater specifically to the contracting and construction industries. These include sites like Construction Jobs and Roadtechs.

4. Partner with trade schools and colleges.

Given that it’s a challenge to attract younger workers to the industry, one of the most effective methods is to work with trade schools and colleges to offer a pipeline straight from the classroom to a job. Aligning with schools and showing that working in construction is about more than hard labor and dirty, technologically-backward jobs. In fact, even the opposite is true. Partner with trade schools and local colleges to demonstrate this fact to potential new recruits.

Here at the AGC of Washington, we understand that it can be difficult to find qualified people. By joining and becoming a member, you gain access to tools and information that will assist you in finding the right people for the right job.