For years, maintenance and engineering managers have struggled to find, recruit, hire and retain qualified entry-level technicians. By now, most have exhausted their efforts, even though the problem remains.
Despite managers’ many attempts to address their staffing woes, they might have overlooked a critical resource — one that's very close to them: their own organizations.
Managers struggling with staffing have relied on key players in their organizations — most often, human resources departments. But they are likely to find even more powerful allies among building owners and facility executives.
Here's the message managers can deliver to get buy-in from owners for their efforts: Corporate support for skilled trades programs resonates positively with 9 in 10 Americans.
That’s one finding of a recent Harris Poll — How do Americans think about the skilled trades? — assessing the nation’s attitudes toward jobs and careers that generally get little respect. Owners and executives can help managers emphasize that trades are respected, future-proof careers that offer strong pay, purpose, and flexibility.
The poll cites several benefits for businesses that focus on skilled trades recruitment.
First, Americans reward companies that step up. Supporting the trades can differentiate a brand, improve employer reputation and strengthen community ties, and it can give companies a competitive advantage. Second, skilled labor shortages are disrupting facilities right now. Executives can strengthen their organizations by making skilled trades a strategic priority, not just a corporate social responsibility initiative.
What can managers ask their companies to provide to bolster recruiting? According to the poll, the most effective measures are sponsoring hands-on skilled trades programs in schools, offering paid internships or apprenticeships to local youth and providing scholarships or training funds for trade education.
Dan Hounsell is the senior editor for the facilities market.
