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Retaining Workers

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Tips on Retaining Workers

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Tips On Retaining Workers
By: Todd Hawkins, IEC Atlanta/ GA Associate Executive Director of Workforce Development

Recently, I attended the IEC National Business Summit in Savannah Georgia.  The conference offered many presentations on Workforce Hiring and Development.  One of the many points that I took away is that we all need to work together to get more people into the Electrical Construction industry. As the number of available qualified and capable electricians dwindle it is imperative to attract, hire and then retain as many people that are willing to join this great industry.

Several items are key to retaining the next generation of electricians, and yes, you probably heard this before:

  1. Hire quickly – when contractors receive an application review it quickly and get in touch with the interested person. Shoot for 24-48 hours from the time you receive the inquiry, otherwise, the candidate has probably moved on to another prospective employer.
  2. Look to diverse populations to fill your hiring needs. Diverse populations help increase the total talent pool from which to choose your next employee.
  3. Use the IEC Out of Work List – IEC staff continues to seek and attract applicants to the IEC Apprenticeship Program. These are people that are actively seeking careers in Electrical Construction.  Let’s engage them quickly to see if they are right for your job openings.
  4. Ladder helps IEC contractors find experienced electricians and they currently have over 2000 individual candidates seeking employment with IEC members.

Working together, IEC Members and Staff have the opportunity increase hiring of individuals that are actively seeking employment, electrical training and the status of IEC Electrician.

 

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IEC Contractors Creating Workforce Loyalty and Longevity

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Creating Workforce Loyalty and Longevity

In July of 2021 IEC Atlanta, Georgia chapters graduated 91 apprentices.  There are so many success stories for so many graduates.  What happens after an IEC apprentice graduates?  What can the investing contractor expect from their skilled trained apprentice?  IEC has one story here.

Alfred Wheeler is a 2021 IEC graduate and his training during the apprenticeship program has already manifested into a thriving and promising career with IEC Contractor Pat Murphy Electric.  Alfred is a perfect example of how a contractor investing in workers can pay off for both the contractor and worker. 

Just before Alfred graduated from the IEC apprenticeship program, Pat Murphy Electric promoted him to Assistant Project Manager!  So he graduates looking forward to a bright future and completely motivated to give all that Pat Murphy Electric has given him, back in his performance and potentially being a key factor to the continued growth of Pat Murphy Electric. 

A little over 4 years ago Alfred Wheeler applied for the IEC Apprenticeship program.  He received 3 contractor referrals from the IEC training department and within 3 to 4 weeks he was hired with an IEC contractor.  The contractors were very responsive and he began working really fast.  Operations Manager, Chelsea Roberts of PME shares why Alfred Wheeler was chosen to invest in.  “He was quick at catching on learning from senior members, exemplified leadership, teamwork, has a thirst for learning and dressed for the job he would like to have, “states Chelsea.

Today as Assistant Project Manager at Pat Murphy Electric, Alfred Wheeler describes his experience with Pat Murphy Electric as “the best time.”  He used phrases such as “Great Company,” “Like a Family,” “Pat Murphy is everything!”  The truly telling statement coming from Alfred is, “They saw the value in me, I plan to retire with PME someday.”

Pat Murphy Electric has a motivated and dedicated worker with the best intentions for PME, and PME has the best intentions for their employee which is exhibited by PME investing in Alfred Wheeler.   As Chelsea Roberts stated,” At Pat Murphy Electric, Inc. we really consider our team a family, and just as a family builds others up, we will continue to invest in our employee’s careers and lives. When we invest in them, they will in turn invest in us (and Alfred is a great example of that) and hopefully make their tenure with us longer. “   This is exactly why IEC apprenticeship and management classes are important as contractors build their businesses.  Here is where the foundation of loyalty and longevity can begin.  Thanks to Pat Murphy Electric and Alfred Wheeler for conveying how it’s done.

For upcoming recruitment opportunities and training to build your loyal workforce, go to www.iecatlantaga.org/Training.