While construction isn’t just a young man’s game anymore, there are still some strong business incentives to recruit from the emerging talent pool.
If your organisation has begun reviewing their approach to recruiting youth into the construction industry, there are some key considerations you should be making. In this article, we want to set out our seven tips for attracting the next generation of construction professionals.
#1 – Tap in
The first thing to think about is your organisation's proximity to the talent pool. Developing a strong recruitment effort means putting yourself at the source. Our tip here is to make your own efforts to put your business in touch with at least a few avenues of entry into your industry.
Small to medium enterprises do not necessarily have to match the brand presence and marketing efforts of multinational companies, but they do have to put themselves out there. Approach educational institutions, develop an online presence, and begin targeting young talent at or even before pivotal decision-making stages in their careers.
#2 - Diversify your message
It’s no great secret that construction is populated by men. If you want to recruit young and fresh talent to your organisation, we strongly recommend making the effort to reach a more diverse audience.
Broaden your focus, and your organisation will reach more eyes and a deeper talent pool. A greater diversity in your messaging will see your organisation put in contact with candidates that your competition will not have even considered.
#3 – Speak to their level
The vast majority of younger workers lack the skills, knowledge and experience to take on the sort of work that is varied and fulfilling. But this does not have to be true of working in construction.
Young, fresh and talented candidates want to avoid the trap of monotonous and unfulfilling work. Even early career jobs in construction offer variety and regular opportunities to grow and develop. Highlight this fact and you’ll see strong returns on your recruitment efforts.
#4 – Show them how to get ahead
Large portions of the younger generation face periods in their early working lives where they experience uncertainty about their career progression. A strong appeal to this portion of the talent pool is one that speaks to the desire for stability.
This tip is about stressing that your organisation rewards hard work with a steady income. Quality candidates know that the opportunity to close their account with the bank of Mum and Dad is one that’s too good to pass up.
#5 - Develop strong training and development opportunities
You don’t want to just attract candidates; you want to attract candidates that want to grow and develop. For organisations of all sizes, that means developing strong training and development opportunities.
This could come about over the course of your ‘tapping in’ to educational institutions, but it can also come in the form of ongoing on-the-job training. The best candidates in the early stages of their career are those that want to grow and grow fast.
Recruit the best with the help of Zoom Recruitment
The construction industry has plenty to offer the next generation of workers. If your organisation is looking to make the most of the position that you’re in, you can do that with the help of us at Zoom Recruitment.
We have over 20 years of experience staffing projects across construction, mining, civil and rail. Get in contact with us today to find out more about what we can do to facilitate your efforts to recruit youth in the construction industry.
