One of the most dependable strategies for quickly building and maintaining a skilled team is the implementation of a reliable training program. Effective training has many positive outcomes, from increased efficiency, accuracy and productivity to improved team morale and employee retention and enhanced customer service. When these outcomes are combined, they can add up to opportunity.
Extreme demand for workers across in the skilled trades industry has helped reverse traditional roles in job interviews. Applicants typically have far more leverage than employers in skilled trades, driving a radical change in strategies for attracting and retaining team members.
Many employee benefits that were once considered perks are now common. Today, young workers expect their employers to share their values and to demonstrate that they care about their career success and goals.
Job candidates want to be confident that the new position will give them the opportunity to develop skills to help advance their careers — even if that means at a different company. Employers who can provide continuous learning opportunities with a successful in-house training program can establish a meaningful advantage in hiring. In fact, training is a critical tool for companies that wish to stand out in their market.
Training To Thrive
The ongoing shortage of skilled workers is one of the most urgent issues employers are facing today. A range of factors contribute to this critical labor crisis, including an aging workforce and fewer young Americans entering careers in skilled trades. To ensure long-term success, employers must equip their teams with the skills and tools necessary to drive productivity and growth.
A reliable internal training program can be a powerful tool for developing talent quickly. With an effective training program, business owners and managers can identify and recruit capable people outside of conventional channels and provide focused, flexible learning that can prepare their learners for the job.
By establishing a structured training program, employers can create a dependable pipeline for transforming raw talent into seasoned professionals. Designed effectively and supported by the right digital tools, companies can implement immersive, innovative training programs that not only quickly prepare new team members for the field, but also continuously ensure that all employees are equipped with the resources they need to optimize job-site experience and productivity.
One way to do that is to meet skilled technicians where they are — in the field. The right field management software will also provide training tools to support the ongoing process of learning and provide a foundation for continuing skills development. Tools for real-time support improve their performance and turn every day and any jobsite into a powerful training opportunity.
Training With Technology
Technology that focuses on providing helpful resources for continuous training can enable front-line workers in the flow of work. Tech enablement solutions can encourage better performance by delivering applications that directly meet the needs of the people who use them most.
However, for technology to be effective it must be helpful. Historically, field workers are often overlooked when organizations make technology purchasing decisions. The majority of people involved in the technology-buying process often aren’t the ones who will use it. When front-line workers feel more involved in decisions that affect their day to day, they can feel more confident in how they work.
And when they take advantage of new tech and tools, they are more likely to feel more connected and engaged with the organization. Innovative learning methodologies, like mobile learning and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), can deliver on-the-go learning that elevates skills. Investing in front-line workers development can increase their sense of belonging and motivate them to take advantage of learning opportunities.
The skilled trades industry will continue to experience highspeed transformation as the business world continues to face ongoing change. Utilizing technology to equip your teams with lifelong training opportunities can help satisfy their evolving work and learning needs.
