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Class Acts - Invest in Your Workers' Skills

Searching for a way to increase staff retention and improve recruitment? Think about providing job-related training. “Employees see training programs as a benefit of employment, up there with health insurance,” says Construction Experts Inc. founder and adjunct San Diego State University professor Robert George, who has been teaching for more than twenty years. Firms that promote education “will become known in the industry as good places to work.”

Worthwhile programs focus not only on the company, but also on the students, addressing anything from specific trade techniques and equipment to planning, leadership, and motivation. For the best results, courses should be open to anyone who meets the requirements, regardless of his or her current title. “You never know, sleepers may step forward,” George notes.

To find qualified educators, contact local chapters of national trade groups, such as the Associated General Contractors and the American Society of Professional Estimators. If your company is not already a member of industry organizations, consider joining — many of them offer training in addition to networking opportunities. Other reliable options, says George, include community colleges. But before signing on the dotted line, employers should do their own research. “Talk with instructors to see what their philosophy is and learn their credentials,” he suggests.

You’ll need to consider scheduling, too. Most companies cannot afford to let staffers participate in classes during work hours. “Employees don’t expect to do it then; it’s a benefit,” observes George. “Some companies use new tool sets as an enticement.” But on the flip side, most people have tremendous obligations outside of their jobs. If they have to give up nights and weekends that would be devoted to family activities, they may eschew training altogether. One solution? Online education, which allows participants to study and practice at their convenience.

“There are some things you can’t do online, but not as many as you think,” says George. “I’ve taught blueprint reading online. For an electricians’ class in conduit bending, I’d put together about eight hours of total training, but I’d reduce the hands-on time to less than half of that.”

Employers hoping for an instant payoff from training may be disappointed; the differences aren’t always immediate and obvious. Long-term, worker turnover should drop. So should mishaps. “If that class can avoid one error in the field, it’s worth it,” concludes George. “A single mistake can cost thousands of dollars.”

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