By Jessica Deleault, Account Manager – Northern NE

It’s sad but true. The construction industry is facing a skilled worker shortage that frustrates contractors and makes quality construction skills hard to find. More and more baby boomers are retiring while less manpower is entering the workforce. Being part of the industry, you most likely sense the turbulence. Do you just go with the flow and continue receiving unqualified applicants? If that is your plan, then you are doomed to fail. Take a look at hints that indicate you are getting skilled construction candidates and positioning yourself for success.

Validated Credentials
The construction industry is hungry for construction candidates who do not only have the necessary construction skills, but they’re also certified to put them in action. From OSHA training certifications, to machinery handling certifications, to local or state regulations and licenses, workers have to be up-to-speed with industry and local market norms. Remember that getting skilled construction candidates for your organization’s needs means that the applicants who come your way are doing their best to be up-to-date and aligned with current regulations.

Work Examples
New technologies have been transforming the construction industry and getting skilled construction candidates is becoming even harder. Are your applicants able to provide solid examples from their past work experience that are relevant to the position you offer? Have they worked on similar jobs? It is important that your candidates are able to talk about specific projects they have worked on, the scale of the projects they worked on as well as the duration of these projects. The more they are able to talk about their previous experiences the more they fit your needs.

Robust References
When you mix water and cement you are getting concrete. When you mix construction skills and references you are getting skilled construction candidates. No matter whether you are trying to get the right workers yourself or you turn to a construction recruiter to help you address your needs, always keep in mind that references are the best evidence of the value of an applicant. Ask for at least two references from past employers or colleagues that validate the construction skills of the person you are considering.

Up-to-date and Ready
You need an electrician for the project you are currently running. Does your candidate have an adequate number of recordable hours working on electrical projects? Do they keep up with the evolution of the industry or are just relying on what they learned at school? Having the educational background to support their professional expertise is very important, but it is equally important to always be aware and ready to adapt to new trends and change. You know you are getting skilled construction candidates when they invest the time and effort needed to sharpen their construction skills.

Skilled Assistants
All of the points above guarantee that you are getting skilled construction candidates for your organization’s needs. Hitting all of these points at the same time is not an easy task for a hiring manager. A great way to facilitate and expedite your efforts of finding qualified workers is by reaching out to a construction recruiter. Validated credentials, work examples, robust references and industry alignment are key elements for a construction recruiter who is looking to deliver strong candidates to their clients. They understand your concerns and are working hard to live up to your expectations.

Key Takeaways to How Skilled are Your Construction Candidates:
1.  Your applicants must be current with industry and local market norms
2.  Choose candidates who provide relevant examples of their work experience
3.  Ask for references that talk to a candidate’s construction skills
4.  Look for applicants who are up-to-date and ready to adapt to change
5.  Reach out to a reliable construction recruiter in order to receive skilled candidates

About TradeSource
Founded in 1993, TradeSource is a construction labor solutions firm focused on delivering labor solutions to contractors throughout the United States. By supplying skilled tradespeople – where and when they’re needed – we help contractors grow their companies, without the associated costs and hassles of full-time hires. Likewise, we match qualified employees with rewarding and well-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. www.tradesource.com