Part of my job is always looking for valuable information for construction contracting business owners and managers. So, whenever I come across material or business wisdom that fits that criterion, I’m “on it.”
This is One of Those Occasions
I was sitting with a group of friends when one mentioned he was excited about getting a new job, changing his career, and leaving a job he didn’t like.
My young married friend, the father of two toddlers, was excited to start a new job working for the railroad. Because he seemed so animated and excited about this unique opportunity, I asked him if this had been a childhood dream. He said, “No, I never even thought of it when I was a kid.”
So, I asked a few more questions.
I learned that he was excited about the job because not only would he be making “good money” from the start of employment, but he also didn’t have to know much about the skills needed. Union Pacific would fully train him. He enumerated a few drawbacks to the job (especially as a beginner) but decided they were minor compared to the benefits and opportunities for advancement he would receive.
The conversation veered off from there, but I was still curious.
Learning More
When I looked at the Union Pacific website page concerning the type of job my friend was entering, I discovered something quite interesting. Something I thought might be helpful for my construction contracting audience.
One of the things many of our clients and other construction contractors struggle with is recruiting the right people for the job. My perusal of the Union Pacific page showed three insights I thought were helpful when finding the right people for the construction industry.
My Three Takeaways
1) Mention all the hard stuff right away. Union Pacific mentions:
You will not work a standard 40-hour week.
[There will be] variable work hours and irregularly scheduled days off.
[You will find that you’re] often on-call, even on nights, weekends and holidays.
[You] are typically required to report to work within 90 minutes of notification.
You may also travel with our trains, sometimes spending a day or more away from your home terminal.
You will be working outdoors in all weather conditions - including snow, ice, rain, cold and heat.
You must wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats and hearing protection where the company requires.
2) Tell them what they can expect to earn as beginners and with advancement.
As a newly hired Train Crew trainee, you can expect to earn about $52,000 a year. As you advance to Conductor and Locomotive Engineer positions, you can earn up to $88,000 a year or more.
3) Give them a visual of possible career paths.
The graphic used is simple yet powerful. (If you haven’t looked yet, go check it out.)
The last takeaway is possibly the most important. What types of advancement can a worker on your construction crew expect to achieve? What options are available? Think about the shop, the yard, the sites. Consider the titles – such as foreman, superintendent, estimator, expeditor, project manager – that might be in your graphic illustration.
One Last Thing
Be sure anyone visiting your site to learn more about working for you has links to other helpful information, including:
Benefits
Further job requirements
Information about each career path opportunity
Currently available positions
Application
Construction Contractors look to The Profit Constructors to provide advocacy in dealing with:
Clients and customers
Employees and subcontractors
Vendors and service providers
Governmental entities
Working with The Profit Constructors gives Construction Contractors the means to organize their operations in ways that help them:
Remain informed
Avoid hassles
Reduce risks
Be future-ready
Ready for action? Or want to know more? Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary discovery call. 866-629-7735
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