Find More Workers: Successfully Staffing for Construction

S2 E6 - Find More Workers: Successfully Staffing for Construction

Introduction to Staffing and the Construction Industry

Starting and running a staffing firm is no easy feat, especially when it comes to the construction industry. For many burgeoning business owners, it requires a lot of determination, adaptability, and a knack for people management. In recent discussions with Whitney Hill, owner and operator of Central Staffing, we delved into the intricacies of her journey and the lessons learned since she began her firm in 2017. Through her experiences and insights, we can understand more about the evolving trends in the staffing sector and how business owners can adapt and thrive.

Origins of a Staffing Firm

From Humble Beginnings

Whitney's journey into the staffing industry wasn't a conventional one. Her transition from owning a Jan King franchise in the commercial cleaning world to managing Central Staffing stemmed from a fortuitous cold call. Someone needed workers, and assuming she was a staffing firm, Whitney figured out what staffing entailed through self-study and took on the challenge. Here, the importance of resilience and quick learning comes to the forefront; being able to pivot and dive into unknown waters can often lead to unexpected and prosperous results.

Early Challenges and Learnings

Starting a new endeavor always comes with its set of hurdles, and for Whitney, one significant challenge was understanding and establishing effective staffing practices. Initially, without a clear strategy, she learned the ropes of the industry by immersing herself into it fully. This boots-on-the-ground approach provided her with valuable insights into the nature of staffing and the importance of establishing strong foundations early on.

Evolving Trends in the Staffing Industry

Work-Life Balance

One of the more profound changes in the construction staffing industry has been the shift towards emphasizing work-life balance. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic made remote work a norm for many industries, including construction. As a result, workers now seek greater flexibility and balance between their professional and personal lives. Emphasizing these aspects in staffing can help attract and retain talent, as more individuals prioritize their overall well-being alongside their careers.

Technology Integration

The integration of technology is another significant trend impacting staffing. Younger generations, particularly those under 25, are incredibly tech-savvy. This technological adeptness can be leveraged to improve systems and processes within staffing firms. Keeping abreast of technological advances and training employees accordingly ensures firms can operate efficiently and resonate with the emerging workforce.

Successful Staffing Strategies

Investing in People

Whitney's most significant win has been investing back into her people. By viewing employees as the best recruiters, staffing firms can leverage their existing workforce to attract new talent. Providing resources like help with babysitting, car repairs, and counseling to addressing personal barriers to work can significantly improve job satisfaction and loyalty.

Investing in people goes beyond monetary benefits. It's about creating a supportive environment where employees feel valued. This ethos aligns with the golden rule of treating others as you want to be treated. By nurturing this culture, staffing firms can reduce turnover, improve employee morale, and build a community of dedicated professionals.

Building Strong Relationships

Building genuine relationships with employees fosters trust and reliability. When employees feel supported and connected, they are more likely to bring in other reliable workers, thereby creating a network of trustworthy personnel. This relational approach to staffing also enhances overall business efficiency and reduces recruitment-related stresses.

Introduction to High School Internship Programs

The Genesis of the Program

Whitney's experience with a debilitating illness that rendered her bedridden for two years led to an unexpected but fruitful path. As her team carried on successfully without her, Whitney sought new challenges, ultimately leading to the creation of a high school internship program. This initiative aimed to introduce young individuals to the trades, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience.

Program Implementation

The high school internship program started with pilot projects placing 37 students into paid trade industry jobs. The enormous success of this pilot indicated a hunger among students for hands-on learning experiences and a need within the industry for fresh talent. By establishing relationships with schools and local businesses, the program has effectively provided students with valuable real-world skills and potential career pathways.

Overcoming Misconceptions

One major hurdle was the misconception that young people aren't interested or capable of working in construction. However, by providing these students with the right opportunities and support, the program proved that they could thrive in such environments. Specialized training, mentorship, and real-life work experiences have empowered these students to excel beyond expectations.

Exploring the Construction Rodeo

Bridging Education and Industry

The construction rodeo initiative aims to bring together FFA (Future Farmers of America) students from across Oklahoma and expose them to various facets of the construction industry. Through this hands-on competition, students interact with multiple trades, from heavy equipment operation to electrical work, thereby gaining comprehensive insights into potential career paths.

Interactive Learning

The construction rodeo isn't just about observation; it's about active participation. Students engage in activities such as using spray foam trucks, assembling sprinkler systems, and operating heavy machinery. This interactive learning environment helps students develop practical skills and garner interest in construction trades.

Intentional Engagement

A critical aspect of the construction rodeo is intentional engagement from industry professionals. By pairing students with contractors who guide them through each activity, these professionals become mentors, providing invaluable insights and fostering a deeper understanding of the industry.

Benefits to the Industry

Fresh Talent

Programs like these are pivotal in addressing the labor shortage within the construction industry. By engaging young people early, the industry can cultivate a new generation of skilled workers who are familiar with the demands and opportunities of the field.

Cultural Enrichment

Involving students in real-world trading environments not only benefits the students but also enriches the company culture. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives can invigorate existing employees and inspire greater productivity and innovation.

Long-term Impact

Training these students on-the-job and providing structured career pathways ensures a long-term impact on the industry. As more students join and advance within the field, they'll help alleviate workforce shortages and promote continual industry growth.

Conclusion

Whitney Hill's journey and initiatives in the staffing industry showcase the power of innovation, perseverance, and investment in people. By adapting to evolving trends and focusing on real-world training through programs like high school internships and construction rodeos, the staffing and construction industries can bridge the gap between education and employment. These efforts not only create immediate benefits for businesses but also foster sustainable growth and development in the workforce.