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Why You Should Send Your Construction Workers to School

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Why You Should Send Your Construction Workers to School

Apart from the required training as laid down by the Health & Safety Executive, sending your staff on courses and conducting regular in-house training can have significant benefits for your construction business. Here we take a look at why.

Worker Satisfaction

Although it stands to reason that employees who receive regular training perform better, it may also improve their self-esteem and confidence, so they feel more comfortable taking on more responsibilities and are compelled to advance further; it’s well known that making your staff feel valued through education is highly motivating.

Consistency

Having a structured training programme means that all employees acquire the same background knowledge and have a consistent experience. This is very important for making sure your company’s policies and procedures are followed as they should be: making sure all employees are on the same page promotes good practice and means no one can plead ignorance in the case of negligent behaviour.

Attracting Ideal Employees

Having a reputation as a pro-training firm should mean you attract applicants who are anxious to develop their skills and excel at what they do. Highly-trained workers should work more efficiently, which makes life easier for managers and those in a supervisory role. And, of course, when it’s known that your company is on the cutting edge of industry developments, you may well attract more investors and contracts. A firm that keeps employees well trained will appear far less likely to cut corners or make major errors.

Insurance Premiums

Giving your staff recognised training and refresher courses regarding operating cranes, vehicle reversing, handling asbestos, security measures, etc., should reduce incidents and personal accident claims. This might give you leverage to secure lower premiums.

 

Changing Industry

The push towards green building means that materials, processes and techniques are changing. A study carried out by McGraw-Hill Construction in 2012 found that companies were finding it difficult to find workers, including those at managerial level, with the relevant green skills. They were also concerned that, as the ‘baby boomer’ generation is nearing retirement, there would be a huge gap of skilled construction workers, and that those not ready for retirement may feel out of their depth with today’s eco requirements. It’s important to bring older employees back up to speed through training, primarily so they are able to take on new challenges and stay at the forefront but also to ensure they feel like valuable members of your business who still have plenty to offer. To fill any perceived future gaps, it is worth considering offering apprenticeships: training up young people from scratch ensures that they receive all the education relevant to the specific needs of your business, as well as equipping them with an array of incredibly useful practical skills.

Though the government keeps promising that economic recovery has started, the construction industry may disagree: costs may be high, but it’s worth thinking tactically about your necessary expenditures. While various budgets may need trimming to stay in business, allocations for staff training should be left alone or even increased. Training motivates employees, increases productivity and improves your company’s reputation: what’s not to like?

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I am the founder of Startup Today. I am the main writer and have put in many hours of work into creating this blog. If you want to find out more about me then lets get in contact.

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