Why Can’t I Recruit Any Construction Apprentices?
Why Can’t I Recruit Any Construction Apprentices?
Date: 17th Feb 2023
If you're having trouble recruiting apprentices, you're not alone. In fact, many companies in the road surfacing and planing industries are struggling with this exact issue. There are a few reasons why this may be the case and thankfully, there are also a few things that can be done to change the situation. Keep reading to find out more from MAC Surfacing.
Identifying the Problem
With the ever-increasing demand for new roads and highways, road surfacing and planing is an invaluable field. So it can be frustrating if you’re struggling to recruit any new apprentices. This could be due to a combination of both an aging workforce and a limited understanding of the available roles and career options among younger generations. These younger generations are also less likely to opt for jobs that require physical effort and manual labour.
Many organisations are making the mistake of not providing firm expectations for their apprentices or foreclosing potential candidates who lack certain qualifications or set skills. Identifying these key areas is crucial to transforming your recruitment process and ensuring you’re able to hire ample apprentices who can bring added value to the company.
The Advantages of Recruiting Apprentices
Recruiting apprentices is a crucial part of road surfacing and planing industries as it offers a whole host of incredibly beneficial advantages. Welcoming apprentices means welcoming in brand new ideas. As they work alongside experienced professionals, apprentices can offer new insight and suggestions to benefit the company, while employers will benefit from the enthusiasm their apprentice brings to the role.
The willingness to learn and advance that apprentices bring to a company can contribute towards increased productivity, better customer satisfaction, innovative ideas, and an overall improved quality of service.
Having someone with a new perspective on board can help to motivate other employees and propel them forward in their work performance. This motivation can further be increased with the opportunity for both new apprentices and more experienced workers to progress within the company.
Additionally, bringing new young talent into the workforce enables companies to stay ahead of the curve by securing fresh ideas for the company. Recruiting apprentices offers a whole host of valuable benefits to a company, so it’s important to do it right.
How to Transform Your Recruiting Process
With a few adjustments, recruiters can start to land more apprentices than ever before. Ways you can transform your recruiting process and start to recruit more apprentices include:
Revamping the job description
Ensuring the job description paints an accurate picture of the position is key to attracting more and better qualified candidates. Consider including information about company values, culture, and benefits that can help differentiate your apprenticeship from those of competitors.
Focus on communication
Interacting with potential applicants through online platforms, newsletters, and other interactive tools can further help apprentices understand more about what opportunities are available and give recruiters better access to potential candidates.
Engage in marketing campaigns
Marketing campaigns can help to improve brand visibility and strengthen relationships with supporting organisations and colleges to help find apprentices quicker and easier.
Provide effective training and career coaching
This is also a great method to highlight the advantages of pursuing an apprenticeship or internship. By helping potential candidates reach their full potential, recruiters can create successful programs that boost their recruiting numbers.
Conclusion
By investing in their future career prospects through internships, on the job training, and other skills-development initiatives, businesses can ensure they can recruit engaged and motivated workers who are eager to contribute to their success.
If you or your company offers apprenticeships in road surfacing and planing, it's important to focus on spreading the word and highlighting why it's a great field for young people to be part of– such as opportunities for problem solving, gaining real-world experience, and preparing for potential further study or certification down the line. Contact MAC Surfacing for more information on starting an apprenticeship with us.
