Masonry workers can be hard to come by, especially since the trade doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. Many masonry workers grew up in the family business, and that’s how they are introduced to the industry. So how do you find masonry workers who aren’t already tied to a family business? Be an advocate and educator of your craft! Check out the following strategies to see which might work best for your masonry business.
Educate and Recruit Masonry Workers through Social Media
The landscape of recruiting has evolved, and reaching the younger generation of potential masonry workers often requires more than just a traditional presentation at a local high school. With most young people spending significant time on their phones, it’s crucial to get creative and meet them where they are: on social media.
Establish social media channels dedicated to showcasing your business, the masonry industry, or a combination of the two. Since you’re likely already working with individuals who are active on social platforms, tap into their insights. Ask them what types of content capture their attention and drive engagement.
Your social media presence can take many forms—you might choose to be inspirational, educational, entertaining, or even challenge industry norms. For more ideas, check out ScriptsTown’s Guide to Effective Content Strategies for Social Media Marketing. This resource can help you develop a strategy that resonates with potential recruits and builds your online presence effectively.
Partner with Trade Schools or Unions
Tapping into trade networks has been the way many masonry businesses find fresh workers. Look for trade schools and unions that offer specific masonry apprenticeship courses. The best way to gain talent is to find them early and help train and mentor them on the job. While they may lack experience, it helps to find new masonry workers that were recently trained in the latest and greatest techniques, tools, and building codes.
These programs will give the recruits basic knowledge of the masonry industry, but don’t shy away from doing the hard work. Your business will still need to thoroughly train them. If you’ve been in business for years, chances are, you have a lot to teach a beginner—things you just can’t learn in a classroom.
Networking and Employee Referrals
Building relationships is all part of being a masonry business owner. Whether it’s just building comradery with your team or spending time out in the community, you can find people who are interested in your business. Some of them are bound to know people looking for work. Most people are eager to help others succeed, so by spreading the word that you’re looking for masonry workers, you’re likely to receive valuable referrals that can lead to promising new hires.
Recruit Through Construction Staffing Agencies
If your schedule doesn’t allow for hands-on recruitment, partnering with a construction staffing agency can be a highly effective solution. These agencies specialize in streamlining the hiring process, providing not only qualified candidates but also valuable insights on retaining top talent. With a wide range of agencies offering varying levels of support, you can choose one that aligns with your specific needs, ensuring that your business is equipped with the masonry workers necessary to thrive.
How to Attract Top Talent
If you’re struggling to secure the right masonry workers despite multiple interviews, it might be time to reassess your offerings. Today’s workers seek competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, opportunities for career growth, and a positive work environment. Consider whether there are areas where your employment packages could be enhanced or if you could do a better job communicating the value your business provides during the hiring process. Just as the finer details are crucial in masonry, they are equally important when presenting an attractive job offer to potential candidates.
Finding skilled masonry workers outside of the traditional family business route may require a multifaceted approach. By leveraging social media to educate and inspire, partnering with trade schools or unions to tap into fresh talent, and actively networking within your community, you can expand your recruitment reach. Additionally, working with construction staffing agencies and refining your employment offers to attract top talent are key strategies to consider. The masonry trade may be specialized, but with a proactive and innovative approach, you can build a team that is both skilled and dedicated to the craft. Happy hiring!
