Like any sector, the construction industry has its fair share of issues when it comes to recruitment. However, this vibrant and innovative part of the UK economy also has a lot of potential, particularly for businesses that are willing to embrace new ideas and technology and take steps to crush out of date perceptions. Construction is an exciting place to be right now – an overview of recruitment in the industry looks a little like this.
The millennial issue
One of the biggest challenges for the construction sector as a whole right now is the lack of appeal to millennials. The bulk of the workforce is currently made up of older generations, many of whom are on a path out of the industry over the next decade, moving towards retirement. There’s no doubt that construction has something of an image problem among millennials so what can be done to overcome this?
More on-the-job training and experience
From apprenticeships through to offering mentoring and a wider variety of positions designed to appeal to degree-educated millennials, employers keen to attract this demographic can make themselves more appealing by providing more on the job training and experience.
Ongoing learning and an unambiguous career path
The millennial generation is one that values personal development and growth and is looking for employers who can offer clear career advancement.
Job satisfaction
The typical career pattern of a millennial worker is characterised by short-term employment opportunities. Employers who proactively identify ways to offer more job satisfaction will be able to recruit and retain more millennial workers.
The basics of recruitment in construction
Whatever your business does it’s important to start by assessing the biggest obstacles you currently face. This may be the lack of millennial talent or it could be a workforce that would benefit from more diversity. It may be the impact of Brexit on the business or the need to integrate more cutting edge technology to improve workflows and outcomes. It’s also worth examining the way that your business recruits and what this says to potential employees. Recruitment in construction can be improved with a few straightforward steps.
Simplify the recruitment process
A concise applications process that is easy to manage will avoid putting candidates off, especially younger applicants who don’t want to go through a convoluted series of recruiting steps.
Be clear about the role and what it offers
Do this and you’ll have a much better chance of attracting candidates who are a genuinely good fit for the role.
Make sure you manage the applications process
In particular, stay in touch with candidates, manage their expectations and keep them up to date about progress.
Provide feedback and maintain communication
Even if candidates don’t make it through this time – or take a job elsewhere – they could still potentially return in the future so constructive feedback and maintaining positive communication after the process is finished can be useful.
Recruitment in construction is facing some serious challenges today. However, with the right steps in place, any business can do more with this essential process.
Did you know that we run Industrial Placements and a Graduate Programme? Get in touch with The RG Group to see if you’d be a good fit to work with us or read about our commitment to career development.