When some companies think about training, they only see dollar signs. Money spent on sending your crew to a training course and the lost time and dollars missed by not having boots on the ground.
What companies might not see is that training is actually essential for your company to stay competitive in an industry that’s changing faster than we realize. It’s also an important key to keep your employees happy and invested in their careers. This is especially true for the younger workers who desire training and growth and who are going to carry your company in to the future.
It’s a double edge sword that these “Millennials” are the best-educated generation so far. This is partly why the construction industry is having trouble recruiting them—many see jobs that don’t require a college degree as beneath them. Organizations who have been able to retain Millennials have made the investment in them through education and career development and by making training a priority.
Construction companies should any take chance they can to help employees learn something new. If you’re a larger employer, you could start a tuition assistance program; if you’re smaller, think about allowing employees to adjust their schedules so they can take classes.
Some training opportunities for construction companies are now free of cost and can be taken at the leisure of the employee. One such option is Autodesk ConTech Academy which is a no cost, on-demand option. The courses provide an opportunity to learn about the latest construction technology trends — something today's construction business can no longer avoid (and shouldn't either).
ConTech Academy courses include:
- Quality Management in the Digital Age — Learn about practical steps towards a best in-class digital quality management program
- Safety with Mobile — Mobilize your site safety management program in five practical steps
- Site Layout & QA with Robotic Total Stations — Leverage robotic total stations to improve site layout and QA programs
- Site Surveys with Drones — Learn how you can use drones to improve the site survey, progress reporting and inspection process
However, some things just can’t be taught through a computer. Investing in your workers means sending them to the training courses and equipment schools that will give them the hands-on skills they need. They’ll feel appreciated and can bring back the skills learned to the rest of the crew and you can take comfort in knowing your equipment is being operated at the optimal levels it was designed for through this proper training.
Take a look at Asphalt Contractor's 2017-2018 Training Guide and read through the training opportunities that will be offered by manufacturers this year. Make the investment. Ultimately, you’ll benefit because a highly skilled team will help you stand out from your competitors.
How will you invest in your employees this year? Let me know at [email protected].
