A challenge facing the plumbing industry, actually the construction industry as a whole, is the need for employees, particularly younger people. Finding staff to learn from those who have years of industry experience is an important component of maintaining a successful business.

One way for businesses to ensure a steady flow of new workers is by offering apprenticeships. A cost-effective way to cultivate talent, apprenticeships reduce recruitment and staffing costs, giving employers access to an interested talent pool. For employees, a work arrangement of this nature allows them to acquire skills to begin a career in the industry.

There are a variety of benefits to employers and employees related to apprenticeships, which we will outline below:

• Personalized Instruction: An apprenticeship allows for training staff to ensure their skills match a business’s needs. This type of preparation develops an employee who matches the company culture.
• Lower recruiting expenses: Establishing an apprenticeship program significantly lessens the need for using paid recruiting tools to find qualified staff, reducing time allocated to screening and interviewing prospective employees.
• Increase productivity: Hiring apprentices enhances productivity while decreasing operating costs.
• Enhance staff retention: Investing in staff increases the likelihood of job satisfaction and loyalty, helping to lower turnover rates.
• Encourage new skills: Combining classroom with practical training, you can find out what potential full-time employees can offer to further contribute to your organization. There is also an opportunity to provide individual support, addressing strengths and weaknesses to improve their skills.
• Teach safety protocols: Working safely is an important attribute in the plumbing industry, and apprentices can learn valuable tools to work safely, saving time and money in the future.
• Competitive advantage: Finishing an apprenticeship indicates to employers that the individual is committed to pursuing a career in a particular industry.
• Staff Diversification: Enlarging a company’s talent pool enhances its culture and develops positive change, providing fresh perspectives and ideas, often enhancing a business’s product and service offerings.

Bringing apprentices into your company can help you effectively find workers to fulfill your staffing needs. Keep in mind that through HSA’s training offerings (https://www.hsarep.com/training-sessions/), your apprentices and staff members can obtain the education to succeed in the plumbing industry. Contact us at training@hsarep.com for more information.