Although the construction and manufacturing sectors face recruitment challenges and misconceptions, there are ways to overcome these hurdles and find passionate apprentices who understand the career opportunities in your industry. Before you start recruiting, define the job requirements and responsibilities, practical expectations, and clear salary figures.
Clearly defined responsibilities, qualifications, skills, and experience required will help you attract the most suitable candidate for the job. You can build a diverse and strong team by incorporating inclusive recruitment strategies and widening your candidate search beyond traditional channels.
What you can do:
- Align your recruiting practices with the national workplace standards.
- Explore current employment trends to stay competitive in the job market.
- Create attractive job ads to attract the right candidates.
- Audit your job ads.
- Expand the reach of your apprenticeship recruitment efforts by actively sourcing and engaging with platforms, organizations, and communities that specifically cater to diverse candidates.
- Encourage employees to refer their connections.
- Develop an employer brand that showcases your diversity.
Tips for Hiring Apprentices
Structured Apprentice Programs
Promote that you have a structured apprenticeship program available at your company. Highlight the benefits of an apprenticeship program with roles and responsibilities of apprentices and journeypersons. Your program should include clear expectations for job duties, training, and workplace conditions.
Job Banks
Advertise job openings on relevant job boards, social media, and industry-specific publications. Join the Canada Job Bank site to promote your jobs for free.
Inclusive Recruitment
Practice inclusive recruitment to help your organization attract diverse candidates.
- Educate your team about common hiring biases and identify ways to reduce them in the hiring process.
- Review job descriptions with a critical lens to remove bias and include inclusive language that will attract diverse candidates.
- Expand where you advertise your vacancies to help widen your candidate searches and reach under-represented groups in your particular trade.
- Involve people from diverse backgrounds in the recruitment process.
Partner with Educational Institutions
Establish partnerships with local educational institutions, such as technical schools or community Colleges, to recruit potential apprentices. This relationship will allow you to tap into a pool of motivated, skilled candidates actively seeking career opportunities.
Contact us and we’d be happy to connect you to Colleges and Institutes in your community.
Referrals and Recommendations
Reach out to your network and ask for referrals or recommendations for skilled trades workers. This networking can help you find candidates who have already demonstrated a strong work ethic and are eager to learn. Creating a LinkedIn profile is a good investment of time and will help you connect with industry people and programs.
Job Fairs and Industry Events
Participating in job fairs and industry events is a great way to connect with potential apprentices and promote your business. Bring marketing materials such as brochures and/or business cards. Be prepared to answer questions about your company and apprenticeship program.
Compensation and Benefits
To attract top talent, make sure that you offer competitive wages and benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, retirement savings plans, training, and mentoring opportunities. Having flexible schedules and time shifting allows workers with personal obligations to meet the needs of their families and still contribute to your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Recruiting Apprentices
How do I compete with other construction/manufacturing companies to recruit apprentices?
Workers in the skilled trades are looking for long-term career opportunities, and building a strong employer brand can be a compelling factor in attracting top talent. Showcase your company culture, values, and commitment to employee development. Here are some ideas on how you can market your trade business.
Do I really need to start recruiting apprentices online?
Most people are looking for jobs online. To stay competitive build a strong online presence using social media, job boards and ensuring your website stays up-to-date. Share testimonials from current and past apprentices, highlight the benefits of your on-the-job training approach and provide clear instructions on how to apply to your business.
I am not a marketing person—how am I supposed to run my business and attract talent to my team?
Look at online resources to help you upskill manufacturing workplaces and help you develop your marketing strategies for manufacturers. Marketing needs for construction companies are different and will require different approaches to attracting talent to their teams.
Are there any government grants or a program for employers to recruit?
Yes! You can access grants and employment programs through a variety of financial supports. The Government of Canada also provides resources for employers.
Can I partner with my local college to find apprentices?
Establishing partnerships with local educational institutions can help you attract students and recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in their field of interest. Contact local high schools, Colleges, and vocational training centers in your area to promote your apprenticeship opportunities. Reach out to your local Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Offices.
Contact us and we can help connect you to a College or Institute in your community! Email us at trades@careerlauncher.ca or call us at 343-451-6595.
