There was a staunch industry warning back in 2003 from Electrical Contractor magazine. An electrician shortage was imminent, with fewer people getting into the field and more electricians approaching retirement. But then the pandemic happened. And then the real estate market took off in a huge way. So, here you are now, likely with plenty of job orders and projects contracted but facing a worker shortage.
It doesn’t matter if your company employs electricians, installers, service techs, non-skilled, or light industrial electrical work; you’re likely in a hiring slump like thousands of other companies. What you need for 2022 are ideas and resources to help you change up your recruiting strategy. And here’s what the current data suggests, along with insights from other companies that are finding and hiring the best electrical workers, even during this electrician drought.
Coping with the Shortage of Electricians
As you know, there are many industries employing electricians and electrical work contractors. For example, the construction industry alone is reported to employ more than 500,000 electricians. And that is expected to grow almost 10% through 2030. Electricians within the utility industry are projected to grow by 4.1%. Manufacturing industries employed nearly 50,000 electricians while government sectors employed more than 23,000 electrician professionals. And despite the differences in scope of work, projects, and bottom lines, the one common challenge for all of them is staffing. The three primary causes of the ramped-up shortage include:
- Experienced Journeymen and Electrical Technicians Are Retiring
- Lack of Younger Generation Interest Entering the Electrical Field
- Increased Demand for Electricians Across All Industries
How Successful Companies Are Combating the Electrician Shortage
Company leaders like you are always looking for ways to innovate the processes for streamlined electrical service delivery. And many are leveraging these tactics to improve their hiring and recruiting best practices, as well.
- Working with Trade and Vocational Schools
- Working with Skilled Labor Recruiters or Agencies
- Outsourcing Tasks to Alleviate Electricians’ Workload
- Reducing Field Times with Software Adoption
Today’s Leading Companies Recognize One Key Recruiting Difference
If you needed to host a mass-hiring event five years ago, you might hit up a job fair or place a few extra online ads. But those aren’t going to cut it anymore, considering it’s an employee’s market. The electricians and electrical-related workers out there have a wide variety of career options from which to choose. They’re online more and want access to available company information before selecting a career path. As a hiring company, you need to rethink how you appeal to those professionals. And tapping into the power of your own employer brand could be the tool you need.
Your brand image and messaging used to be reserved for sales and marketing efforts. But now, your brand can be a beacon for attracting electricians to join your ranks. Make sure your brand portrays a healthy company culture, corporate responsibility, and sustainability. Your brand should make candidates want to work with you and join your teams.
If you’re not sure if your company brand is aiding or hindering your recruiting efforts, you may need guidance. Let Awareness Business Group be your guide to all-things employer brand image and brand messaging. We understand your industry and the struggles you face with recruiting right now. And we have the resources and strategies you need to tackle those challenges differently and for best results.
