Tips for Finding Skilled Construction Workers in Australia

In Australia this year, there'll be more than 100,000 construction industry vacancies, according to the 2022 Arcadis Construction Costs Index Report. With private and public entities projected to deliver over $50 billion worth of capital infrastructure in the next five years, there is stiff competition to find the right construction talent. 

In the face of this labour shortage and the associated challenges, those who can transform their recruitment strategy to align with a new way of thinking will be the pacesetters. We believe the answer lies in a three-pronged approach that we’re going to explore in this article. Cover these bases, and you'll attract high-calibre talent.

A Living, Breathing Employee Value Proposition

Much of the latest research indicates that without a living, breathing Employee Value Proposition (EVP) – one that exists on paper and is evident within day-to-day activities – you’ll have little chance of attracting quality construction workers to your team.

The findings of the recent What Workers Want report support the proposition that an EVP is essential to successful recruitment. The report offers excellent insights into employee priorities and suggests that if your EVP is tethered to an experience-based ethos, you’re on the right track.

• Priority one: Working alongside good co-workers
• Priority two: Work-life balance
• Priority three: A competitive salary

So, how do you ensure your EVP speaks to these priorities?

Where possible, tailor your EVP to include details of what you offer your current team. Include all upskilling and growth opportunities and any development initiatives. If you offer career mobility in-house, make this apparent. When a candidate can see you invest in your people, they’ll know they’re joining a well-formed group and working alongside a team of skilled co-workers.

Ensure your company has a structured and progressive well-being policy in place. If you frame contracts around the lifestyle needs of your team, make this evident. Anything your organisation does to look after your people outside their immediate workplace is a compelling selling point. 

When it comes to remuneration, be competitive! If you offer bonus schemes or incentives, all the better. Do you offer periodic pay reviews? If so, be sure to share this. Anything that demonstrates the potential to increase earnings will catch the eye of any ambitious construction professional. 

Your EVP is one of your most powerful recruitment tools in today’s competitive environment. Ensuring it aligns with employees priorities will put your company on the map as an employer of choice!

Invest in Your Current Workforce

Your current workforce is one of your most powerful recruitment tools. Where you find a thriving and motivated group of employees, you find a company worth working for. 

Training and upskilling are two of the most valuable ways to invest in your current workforce. Not only will it ensure your company keeps pace with advancements in the industry, but it’ll help to establish a robust company culture. This culture will be one that nurtures an engaged, proactive and productive group of employees, and captures the attention of like-minded candidates.

Of the many benefits of training and upskilling your current workforce, those that will appeal to a prospective employee include:

• A top-line internal skill set and knowledge base
• Boosted team (and company) performance 
• An experienced team capable of taking on greater responsibilities
• A loyal and long-serving workforce 
• Motivated employees who enjoy learning and the growth that results

Never underestimate the power of your people or fail to consider how their experience of working for you could influence – for better or worse – your ability to attract skilled talent.

An Expansive Recruitment Strategy

When times get tough, those who get creative and think outside the box usually come up trumps!

In today’s candidate-led job market, this is the approach you should apply to your recruitment strategy. With so many resources available, we suggest you put them all to work for you.

Your People

Encourage your existing team to share job vacancies with their network. This is a one-foot-in-the-door approach that costs you nothing and establishes immediate trust.

Social Media

Social media is a critical component of a modern recruitment strategy. If you don’t have the skills in-house to utilise these platforms for this purpose, outsource to someone who does. 

Trade Shows and Expos

If time and budget allow, attending events helps to promote your brand. It also enables people to engage with your company representatives in a positive and informal way. In this setting, have your reps discuss career opportunities with your visitors and collect a database of those who express interest.

Partner with Local Education Providers

Partner with local education providers to get your name in front of the next generation of skilled construction professionals. Offer internships, placement opportunities and mentoring where applicable. This will establish your company as an ideal option for a job-ready graduate.

Partner with a Specialist Recruitment Agency

Of course, if you want to rise above the competition and attract the attention of the sector's best talent, working alongside a specialist recruitment agency is key. This is an effective ways to ensure you hit the top notes and speak directly to your target market. 

Your Recruitment Strategy

Expanding your thinking and recruitment strategy beyond traditional confines will position your company as dynamic and progressive. In today’s competitive employment market, these are compelling attributes to lead with.

Our experienced specialists know the industry and its stakeholders inside and out. We use our insights to help you hire construction workers who are a good fit for your company and will add significant value to your team. What's more, we take all the guesswork out of the process, which is a huge timesaver for you!

We’ve got our finger on the pulse of all things construction recruitment in Australia. Give the JV Team a call today!