The skilled trades industry is facing a major crisis: a growing shortage of qualified workers as seasoned professionals retire, leaving businesses scrambling to fill critical roles. With hundreds of thousands of job openings predicted in the coming years, the pressure is on for construction companies to attract, retain, and upskill talent. But could better onboarding be the key to solving this problem? According to Manja Horner, founder of Boost LD, the answer is a resounding yes.
In this podcast episode, Manja shares her insights on how thoughtful onboarding practices can transform the employee experience, reduce turnover, and build a more resilient workforce in the skilled trades sector.
Understanding the Skilled Trades Crisis
The skilled trades labor shortage is not just a North American problem; it’s global. As Manja explains, "There are so many people retiring over the next 5-10 years that we’re experiencing hundreds of thousands of job shortages in the market." This shortfall affects the entire industry, from construction companies struggling to meet demand for housing and infrastructure projects to governments working to support educational initiatives and workforce training.
The Role of Onboarding in Retention
One of the key factors in tackling the skilled trades crisis is improving how companies onboard new employees. Research shows that 24% of employees leave within the first six months if their onboarding experience is poor, while 60% stay longer than three years if they have an excellent onboarding experience.
Manja emphasizes the importance of the first impression a company makes on its new hires:
“When young people go home after their first day and someone asks how it was, they should be saying, ‘It was awesome,’ not ‘It was awkward.’ That first day can make or break their decision to stay.”
By creating a seamless, engaging onboarding experience, companies can not only retain talent but also set employees up for success from day one. This includes providing clear career progression paths, which is especially important for young people who want to see a future in their job. As Manja notes, "Young people don’t want to be in the same job for 30 years. You have to show them a pathway from laborer to supervisor to foreman and beyond."
Three Critical Challenges
The onboarding process is just one part of the larger challenge. According to Manja, companies need to focus on three critical areas:
Recruitment – Attracting young people to the trades is more challenging than ever, partly due to outdated perceptions of the industry. But with initiatives like virtual reality demonstrations and hands-on trade experiences, companies can showcase the potential of skilled trades as a viable and lucrative career path.
Retention – As Manja highlights, "If employees are leaving for an extra dollar an hour, it’s not about the money—you’ve failed to build a culture they want to stay in." Building a positive company culture and providing clear career advancement opportunities are essential to keeping talent in-house.
Upskilling – In a rapidly evolving industry, workers need to be trained and upskilled quickly. Boost LD helps companies create training programs and internal video catalogs that provide easy access to information, increasing productivity while reducing costly errors.
Boosting Productivity and Reducing Costs
Training isn’t just about compliance and safety—it directly impacts the bottom line. In industries where labor and materials are expensive, errors can be costly. "Most of our clients’ field teams are working with expensive materials like lumber, steel, and copper wire," Manja explains.
"By training employees effectively, we can reduce errors, waste, and ultimately, protect profitability."
Boost LD helps companies streamline training processes by creating YouTube-style internal repositories for quick, on-the-job learning. This approach empowers employees to find the information they need without wasting time, increasing both productivity and job satisfaction.
The Human Element: Supporting Business Growth and Employee Experience
What sets Boost LD apart is its ability to balance the needs of both business owners and employees. Manja’s passion for the skilled trades stems from her own experience working in the industry, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges workers face. "I care so much about the entrepreneur and the employee," she says. "I was that person sanding wood until I had no fingertips left. I know what it’s like to be a woman in the skilled trades."
This deep understanding allows Boost LD to create practical, common-sense solutions that benefit both parties. "The solutions we create help with the business results owners want and the employee experience they need," says Manja. By addressing both sides of the equation, Boost LD helps companies not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Conclusion: A Roadmap to Success
The skilled trades industry is at a crossroads. With a looming labor shortage and increased demand for skilled workers, companies must rethink how they attract, retain, and train their employees. Better onboarding, coupled with clear career paths, strong company culture, and innovative training solutions, is a crucial part of the solution.
As Manja Horner puts it, "You can’t afford to ignore this." By investing in the employee experience from day one, businesses in the skilled trades can not only reduce turnover but also build a loyal, productive workforce ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Call to Action
To get started on improving your company’s onboarding experience, download Manja’s free onboarding kit and checklist. Connect with her on LinkedIn for more insights and resources to help your business navigate the skilled trades crisis.
Onboarding Checklist Free Download: https://mailchi.mp/72a46872af31/onboarding-blueprint-freebie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manja_horner/ and https://www.instagram.com/boost_learningdesign/
Website: https://www.boostld.com
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