Internships & Training Programs: Bridging the Construction Labor Gap

In the midst of today’s skilled labor shortage, hiring people straight out of school and training them in-house is imperative for rental companies to ensure a pipeline of top talent. Companies that offer internships as well as effective training and development programs create a strong team that drives business growth.

United Rentals Inc.Paid internships bring students in the door and introduce them to the industry, the job and the company culture. United Rentals, for example, offers 10-week sales and service technician internships. Interns who thrive in these roles have an opportunity to land a full-time role after graduation—and they bring job experience with them.

Robust onboarding programs demonstrate a company’s commitment to acclimating new team members and significantly boost retention and productivity. Best-in-class rental companies also offer training programs that help their new employees learn and grow in their new role.  An added benefit: Well-designed programs increase overall job satisfaction. United Rentals’ highly structured sales development program provides a variety of skills development activities, weekly one-on-one coaching and selling experience with our customers. The company also offers a technician development program for a variety of skill levels, including graduating high school students.

These programs require an investment of time and money to develop, and rental companies that invest in them, set themselves and their employees up for success.