With Qualified Construction Pros in Short Supply, We Can Look in Unique Places to Find Great People

The labor shortage in our industry is a frequently discussed topic. The shortage of qualified people goes from entry level craft pros to the highest levels of leadership. It's hard to find people and get them into construction, as well as, how to train and retain skilled performers. There's discussion about how to get and keep more people into the construction labor pipeline, through K-12 and college outreach, diversity programs that increase the number of women in our industry and robust mentoring and training programs. To make lessen the number of people needed to build a project we can also look to adopt and implement the right tools and technologies. While these are good ways to increase the amount of qualified labor in construction they take time and money to make happen. In the meantime, we can find people in some unconventional locations. According to a SmartBrief article, seven places are a good place to look for unique and additional construction pros.

1. Look in obscure or lesser know departments or projects.

2. Look for people working with or below "all stars." Sometimes the star obscures strong performers around them.

3. Look for unassuming people who just get things done without much noise OR drama. Look at results and production over a flashy performance.

4. Find people who are qualified and interested in changing their career path. Is there an operator that could transition into a foreman role? Maybe an engineer is interested in pivoting into safety full time.

5. Look for good people on bad projects. Sometimes a bad project can dull the luster of a strong performer. In my career, I've had the financial performance of a project follow me across the country. I'm not the best but I don't know what I am the worst.

6. Check to see if certain leaders don't have any of their people get promoted. Maybe someone appears to be stuck in the same spot or role. It might not be their performance. It might be the person they are working for.

7. Look for people outside of the typical construction career ladder. Sometimes, people totally outside of construction can provide a unique perspective and high amount value in the right position.

Good leaders will find good people anywhere - they will find the right people and get them in the right spot.