Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 29 seconds

Save Cash By Hiring, Training + Retaining Skilled Operators

Skilled operators of construction vehicles are one of the hardest-to-find resources for many companies. Not hiring, or maintaining highly skilled operators, can cost your business money in terms of fuel costs, potential accidents, and rehiring costs.

A skilled operator is not only more familiar with the capabilities of the equipment he or she drives and maneuvers at a project site, that driver also understands the effects of load and route, weather, vehicle performance, tire pressure and traffic have on fuel efficiency. That knowledge is powerful in helping a driver make preparations and also respond to worksite conditions, accordingly.

Attracting and retaining skilled operators is a top priority for managers, but is also one of the more difficult hiring tasks. Hiring first-rate construction workers is a challenge across the industry, but many companies cite equipment operators as the hardest position to fill. Failure to fill these positions in a timely manner impacts work, slows business, and cuts into the bottom line.

Increasing wages helps to attract and retain highly skilled operators, and workers in general. Make sure that the wages you offer are competitive for your market. Another way to attract and retain exceptional construction talent is to offer a culture that values safety, collaboration, capable leadership, provides ongoing training, and offers employees opportunities for professional development.

By maintaining this kind of culture for your employees, you’re in a better position to compete for (and keep) the best talent in your market. An added bonus—according to the Association for Talent Development--is that when the construction industry leverages training, managers are also more likely to attract Millenials, the emerging group of talent that is the future construction workforce.

Look at the conditions in which you’re asking operators to spend 10 hours of their day, then ask yourself “would I work in there?” Skilled operators don’t want to operate a rundown rig or any other piece of equipment. The inside of a Caterpillar is part of the “office environment” for operators. Newer equipment is more efficient and offers features such as better visibility, ergonomic seating, and better ventilation for their “office.”

Is your technology in the 21st century? If you want to attract a younger, trainable (or already highly trained) Millenials, then you’ve got to offer the latest technology (e.g., automated guidance systems, GPS integrated tools), because that’s what they’re looking for in their work environment. It will not only help you attract talent, it will help your talent perform their jobs efficiently, safely, and effectively--all of which can lead to cost savings.

Finally, to keep highly skilled talent while developing new talent, create an apprentice program. Contact your industry national organization or consult with the Department of Labor for information about creating a registered apprenticeship program.

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