Construction Law

Finding Top-Grade Workers in a Labor Shortage featured image

Finding Top-Grade Workers in a Labor Shortage

Good help is hard to find, especially during a labor shortage. The construction industry is very familiar with this problem, but a labor shortage doesn’t give contractors an excuse to permit unskilled workers to enter the workforce. Quality workmanship is paramount in construction, but with very few skilled workers entering the job market, how can contractors put together the right team to complete their next project?

At Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, we offer legal counsel and support to construction professionals struggling with this very issue. Our Miami construction lawyers have witnessed the labor shortage firsthand over the years. In response, we have drafted this short article to help you find top-grade workers  in a labor shortage because your next project is too important to rely on amateurs.

Visit High Schools, Community Colleges, and Vocational Centers

Perfect employees don’t grow on trees, but dependable workers are developed in high schools, community colleges, and vocational centers. This demographic is often lured away from trade jobs by the promises of fulfilling, high salary positions that require a college degree.

Unfortunately, the numbers tell a different story. The Washington Post reported that only 62 percent of college graduates held a job that required a college degree in 2010 and only 27 percent of college graduates had a job that was related to their field of study. Exposing this demographic to the benefits of working in the construction industry early on allows you to cultivate interest in the construction industry’s premier offerings, mainly: competitive pay, reliable employment, health benefits, and no student loans.

Offer Job Training to New Recruits

If you can’t find top-grade workers, you may have to consider making your own. If you have prospective employees who aren’t making the cut, consider offering them in-depth job training to round out their skill set and prime them for a career in construction. This method is preferable because you can tailor your workforce to your specific needs to increase their effectiveness on projects.

Explore Untapped Job Sectors

Common jobs that lack accountability and offer minimum wage with paltry benefits are great places to find workers who want a change but are afraid their skill set will only land them in another similar position. Most people believe they are expected to work white collar jobs, but tradesmen earn higher salaries and report greater satisfaction than many of their white collar counterparts. A job in construction gives employees the chance to make a tangible difference in the world, and unlike the monotonous and repetitive tasks associated with white collar jobs, blue collar projects with finite deadlines give employees a sense of completion.

If you would like to speak with a Miami construction lawyer, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.