*TLDR*
There are many ways to find and recruit skilled workers, but you should always ensure your workers have a CSCS card for compliance. Many ways to find workers are through referrals from your crew, local WhatsApp and Facebook groups, and training providers. However, you should upskill your current workforce as investing in your own team is great for retention.
So, you’re looking to build your business, but now you’re asking, where’s all the skilled workers gone?
It’s a tough one, every business is also scratching its head. The question every growing business asks itself. How do I find and recruit skilled workers?
It’s a daunting task we know, but it’s necessary, and when it’s done, you’ll pat yourself on the back because you know that you have the right number of people to get your projects sorted.
So, let’s get you up and running, shall we?
Let’s set the scene, and answer why you’re struggling so much, as the construction worker shortage is affecting everyone
Studies have found that the workforce is ageing, with roughly 40% of workers being over 45 years old, and a fifth being under 25. So, if this trend continues, we have workers retiring faster than they’re being replaced.
On top of this, the CITB also states that an extra 41,200 extra workers needed a year until 2030 to make up for demand.
There’s also a shortage of workers since 2019, as Brexit saw 200,000 EU workers leave the UK.
Now this isn’t to say don’t write off anyone who hasn’t got a CSCS card, because it’s fairly easy to employ someone and have them train on the job so they can become site certified, in fact, you can even receive funding for these NVQs.
Lets drill this into your head.
Qualified and capable aren’t the same thing. If it was, we’d be laughing.
But since you’ve gotta have your workers certified to even set foot on site, you’ve gotta make sure your staff is up to code.
Right, now that we’re up to speed and we’ve got those terms and conditions out of the way, here’s what you need to do to find your newest starters.
We’re gonna start off simple, look inward.
By that we mean talk to your current staff, referral from your crew is the best source of employment you’re gonna get, it’s simple, straight to the point, and you’ll have someone by the end of the week. You’re laughing.
Now, you could also look at your trade-specific boards and your local Facebook and WhatsApp groups, there’ll most likely be somebody looking for work. So, in that case, shoot them a message for an interview.
Finally, why not message a couple of training providers? That’s your massive source of potential workers there, and training providers are always looking to put their learners to work.
This is probably where you started off, so here’s what you need to consider with the advert itself.
You gotta be specific about the work, the site, the hours. People want stability, so tell them how your newest position can offer that.
Also, ditch the corporate buzzwords and make the application nice and simple. That’ll get the applications rolling in.
Listen, the best thing you can do in the meantime is upskill your employees into skilled construction workers.
That means getting them on some construction nvqs, and upgrading those CSCS cards!
Investing in your own crew will only strengthen your business, and it’s always great to focus on retention, as that’s so much easier than recruiting.
But we also know what you’re thinking. “DMR?! We can’t afford to train our staff!”
Well, we have great news for you mate, you could be entitled to funding from the government to ensure your staff get their proper qualifications.
So let’s break it down. You get your employee to undergo training, which is free, then which in turn allows for your business to succeed, which takes the stress of recruiting down a peg.
When life gives you lemons, upskill your workers with a construction NVQ. That’s what we always say at DMR Training. Get in touch with us.
