Let's Dispense With the Tired Tactics
Editor’s Note: This article was orginally published by Kristina McMillan on her LinkedIn page. It has been republished here with permission from the author.
We've created an echo chamber. We've gone from action to perpetuating a problem. We are whining instead of solving.
The following statements are getting redundant:
"Everyone thinks construction is a last resort."
"Counselors are pushing kids into college."
"Millennials don't want to work."
"High schools don't want us to recruit their students."
Throughout my time with Crew Collaborative, I have been privy to countless conversations about workforce issues spanning construction, engineering, skilled-trades, industry support...you name it. I have also talked to high school administrators, after-school programs, teachers, fellow parents and community leaders.
Across the board, they want the children to hear about the opportunities within our industry.
Here we are, complaining about a problem and, for the last decade, trying to solve it with the same solutions. Better culture, more time off, signing bonuses, higher pay, training... all the things that we should be offering whether it's a new employee or a 40-year industry veteran.
But we still aren't seeing the numbers.
Meanwhile, when we reach out to schools, they are ecstatic to hear from us. Not just for their problem students, but for all of their students. For the most part, high schools are on board with providing students with career paths that do not require college.
So, what is the problem? What are we missing?
Our industry wants the new workforce and we have made preparations to support them.
The schools want to present students with all their options. Allow them to decide the best path for their skills and passions.
We are missing the bridge.
Colleges recruit directly into high schools. They are organized. They have marketing strategies. They have campus visits. They have a path defined for students depending on their chosen major. Heck, they even have paths defined for undecided students.
This leads me to what comes next for Crew Collaborative. We are working with one of our founding partners to launch a nationwide, highly effective program bridging the gap between high schools and our industry. This will be a program like no other and serve a need that is neglected nationwide.
This program is still in development, but the potential impact is giving me goosebumps. Tying this in with Classroom Talks, which brings trade professionals directly to classrooms, and the Ambassador Program, which trains individuals how to recruit in their own communities, will create the trifecta of workforce development in my humble opinion.
In order to change the trajectory, we have got to stop doing the same tired tactics. We are ready for another bold move.
About the Author: Unapologetic, candid, and inspirational, Kristina McMillan is one of construction’s strongest and most influential female voices. Founder of Crew Collaborative, she is a motivational construction industry thought-leader with over 20 years of experience in team leading, marketing strategy, workforce development, and operations know-how.