5 Tips for Improving On The Job Training for Construction Workers

The construction industry is experiencing a labor shortage. With the 4% unemployment across the country, it’s not the only industry suffering. It means that finding skilled laborers will be difficult or impossible for many companies. Another way to get the skilled laborers you need is through apprenticeships or on the job training for construction workers. An apprenticeship gives you the skilled labor force you need, and it gives you a chance to ensure everyone on your crew receives continuing education to stay sharp in the field. Here are some tips to improve on the job training for construction workers and students.

1. Benefits of On the Job Training for Construction

When you use apprentices or offer on the job training for construction your business will instantly benefit. While this person doesn’t necessarily have the skills at the moment, you will be teaching them the skills to your standards. Businesses that use apprenticeships see a reduced turnover cost, and they get their pick of highly-skilled employees. Plus, on the job training gives your current population the ability to train up and hone their skills.

On the job training also offers participants the ability to be paid while they acquire new skills. On the job training is a great way of increasing safety on the job site as well. When there is regular training at the site, there is a 16% decrease in injuries from preventable accidents. And while your program may target newbies to the construction industry, it offers you the chance to also train up your current workforce.

2. Questions to Ask Before

If you’re thinking about introducing an apprenticeship program or on the job training for construction, there are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself before.

– Which positions do you have difficulty filling?

– Which positions have high turnover and why?

– Is anyone retiring soon? What position do they hold?

– Which positions need skills learned through the job?

These questions will help you determine whether it’s a good option for you and your business.

3. Connect with Community Colleges and the Department of Labor

The first step to improve your on the job training for construction workers is to get into contact with your community college. By letting them know that you’re interested in participating in any of their existing training or apprenticeship programs is a great place to start. Many apprenticeship programs use in class learning as well as on the job training, and they can provide that. They can tell you what you need to do to create an accredited program.

The Department of Labor is also a good resource. They accredit apprenticeship programs and can answer any other questions about the apprenticeship model. They can also connect you and your business to other businesses that offer similar on the job training and help find funding to support your apprenticeships. That way you aren’t eating too much of a cost with your apprentices.

4. Creating The Program

After you meet with the community college and determine which position you want to train for you need to build the program. For any accredited apprenticeship program, you have to set up the goals of the program, length of the program, and a model. If you need more journeyman carpenters, then it’s important to look at what training is needed for that position. From there you can set specific goals and when they should learn a certain skill by.

Using your community college, you can set up in classrooms. These days offer theoretical and technical instruction, so your apprentices understand the why and how of the job as well as how to do it. Classroom instruction is as important as the hands-on experience. This also helps you shape your program and whether you want to run a time-based or competency-based program or a hybrid.

5. Accreditation and Certification

The final step for any on the job training program is to ensure that your proposed training program would qualify any participants for any certificates or licenses. This way they leave with all necessary skills and licenses. So your work and their work isn’t for nothing. This last step also looks good for your program. If your apprentices are able to get their licenses and certificates from the program, more people will be interested in the program.