What's the state of training in our industry? How frequently are people trained? Do they feel it's adequate? What do they do to teach themselves?
Background
When I speak with industry leaders across the US and worldwide, they almost always ask a version of the following question: "What's everyone else doing?"
BuildWitt's become one of the few organizations positioned between everyone else—contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, associations, owners, and, most importantly, the workforce itself.
We're still figuring out how best to leverage our unique position. Our company can appear to be a rudderless boat to those in the Dirt World, an industry that has been remarkably consistent for decades.
I promise we have a rudder (our strong desire to help companies develop their workforce), but we are sailing uncharted waters. Trial and error is our only compass.
But error isn't the only result—sometimes we win, and our team's latest workforce survey is a shining example.
We surveyed over 600 PEOPLE working in the Dirt World (essential infrastructure and natural resources) about their overall job satisfaction, the training they receive, and what they do to learn on their own.
72% of the total respondents were 40 or younger. While you can read the full report at the link below, here are my main takeaways!
Job Satisfaction
First, we asked who was satisfied with their current job.
Over 60% of executives said they were satisfied.
But only 36% of laborers responded positively.
We then asked, what would make them more satisfied?
25% responded with a higher wage.
19% responded with more learning and training opportunities.
This aligns well with what I hear from people in the field. Money is the clear winner in driving satisfaction, and wages are increasing almost everywhere due to demand.
But I understand as a business owner that it's more complex than giving everyone a raise.
The good news? You can create a HUGE impact by providing learning and training opportunities, often costing little time and money. When done right, people can be more effective, making companies more profitable, leading to higher wages and even more training. NEAT.
Who Receives Training Now?
How often do people receive training now?
46% of workers (57% for laborers specifically) surveyed receive training once yearly or less.
Assuming the yearly training is safety-related, nearly 60% of workers in the field receive NO training regarding how to do their jobs better.
It's a lose-lose…
Those receiving little to no training undoubtedly lose. While speaking to a construction executive this week, he said, "No one wants to feel worthless." I couldn't agree more.
I hear many stories of equipment damage that should NEVER happen, like someone filling the diesel tank with DEF in a new machine.
The response is usually, "How dumb do you have to be!?"
Do you think many people want to ruin machines intentionally? Absolutely not. It's a lack of training.
Leading us to the second loser… Every company not training. If people don't know how to perform their jobs well, they aren't efficient. Lower efficiency = more people needed and less margin.
Even with those who receive training, 69% rated the training "fair" at best. Providing training is one thing, but EFFECTIVE training is the key.
How Do People Train Themselves?
"In the past year, what methods have you used to train yourself?" Here are the top three answers:
62% — asked a coworker for tips
56% — read online articles
54% — watched YouTube or free online videos
Training doesn't have to be eight-hour shutdowns! It can be as simple as helping facilitate teaching through your existing workforce (work it into daily toolbox talks?), supplying everyone with written information on equipment and methodology, or providing a few videos to watch.
Did someone say videos??
We have over 1,400 of them through BuildWitt Training… Just saying ;)
Summary
Did we facilitate this survey in the most scientific way possible? No. Is our questioning unbiased? Absolutely not.
BUT… When I read the results, I was amazed at how well they aligned with what I hear from people in the field around the world.
Training is good news for everyone and doesn't have to be expensive. Giving people even a little bit can help make them more effective, building their pride and overall job satisfaction. They can then do better work, making the company more money. More money = more to invest in the company and workforce, leading to even greater gains. Everyone wins!
Here's the link if you want to see the full report and study. Thanks for reading, and we'll see you next week!
https://dirtworld.com/dirt-101/workforce-survey
Dirt Talk Podcast
This week on Dirt Talk, the guys dive deep into the important topic of mental health in the construction industry. They're joined by Vince Hafeli, the president Ajax Paving Industries, who shares his personal experiences and the steps his company took to tackle mental health challenges among their workforce.
Together, they explore practical strategies that companies can implement to prioritize mental well-being. From introducing toolbox talks focused on mental health to providing accessible resources and support, they discuss how businesses can make a positive impact on their employees' lives. It's not just about the well-being of the individuals, but also the long-term benefits for the success of the company.
Join in to gain valuable insights and discover how fostering a supportive work environment can lead to happier and more engaged employees, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more resilient construction industry. Don't miss out on this important conversation that highlights the power of open discussions, destigmatizing mental health, and providing the necessary resources to help those who may be struggling.
Vlog
In this episode, we followed up on our exploration of the Suncor Base Mine and put our focus more on the actual equipment used in the oil sands. From enormous graders to the legendary PC8000, we took a peek at the rental machines and the challenges of maintaining equipment in the harsh conditions of the oil sands. #mining #construction #heavyequipment
I’ll see you next week!
