How can you build a sustainable workforce in an industry facing a critical skills gap?

In many industries today, there simply aren't enough qualified candidates to fill essential roles. This talent shortage isn't just inconvenient - it's a structural challenge. Instead of searching endlessly for the "perfect" hire, forward-thinking businesses are reimagining what it means to grow talent. By shifting from short-term recruiting to long-term development, you create a sustainable workforce strategy; one built on training, partnerships, and internal growth opportunities.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker

Waiting for highly skilled workers to walk through the door can leave your business short-staffed for months, or longer. Instead, consider designing a system that creates the right employees by focusing on trainability, support, and retention. By building systems that support skill development, invest in potential, and create opportunities for people to grow into roles, you aren't just changing your hiring strategy, you grow your business resilience strategy.

Tip: 5 Ways to Navigate the Skilled Labor Shortage

1. Focus on Trainability Over Perfection
   ​Instead of searching for the unicorn candidate, look for someone with transferable skills, a solid work ethic, and the ability to learn quickly.
   TIP: Use behavioral interview questions to discover how candidates learn, solve problems, and handle feedback
2. Build an Internal Training Pipeline; Create SOPs, Checklists, and Cheat Sheets
   ​If the talent isn't out there, grow your own.
   TIP: Break down complex roles into a clear, documented training plan. Assign mentors to new hires. Create SOPs with samples of work, provide checklists and cheat sheets for quick access to important information.
3. Partner with Local Schools or Trade Programs
   ​Proactively build relationships with your future workforce. Internships and job shadowing help students gain exposure and you gain visibility as a great place to work.
   TIP: Offer plant tours, serve as guest speaker, or co-design a skills-based learning project with an instructor.
4. Streamline Onboarding
   ​Make it easier for new hires to succeed - especially those coming in with less formal experience.
   TIP: Provide a structured ramp-up plan and assign a buddy/moentor. Use onboarding checklists and a guide to the resources available to help them succeed (where to go for what information).
5. Focus on Retention
   ​The fewer people you lose, the fewer you need to hire.
   TIP: Conduct stay interviews. Having regular 'pulse check' conversations with foremen and crew leads can help you discover what your team values, what's frustrating them, and how you can improve their experience.

No single strategy will solve the skilled labor shortage, but combining these five can help you build a workforce that's not only capable, but committed. Start where you are and use what you have to develop talent from within and create a sustainable, competitive edge.

Personal Update:

Over the last few years, I've had multiple conversations with several business owners who struggle to find skilled workers. Shifting the focus from "there's no one out there" to "how do we build what we need?" is where smart systems, better training, and proactive leadership come in.

If you need help documenting your onboarding or training process, hit reply! I've got tools and templates to get you started.

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