Schloegel Design Remodel has always strived to hire top-tier craftsmen and like so many companies in the construction industry have learned, it isn’t always easy. The industry has been suffering from a labor shortage over the past decade. This issue opened the door for a new opportunity at Schloegel and we introduced our Apprentice Program in 2017.
Construction Industry Labor Shortage
There are many factors at play causing the labor shortage within the construction industry. Older generation craftsman are starting to retire and younger generations have been slow to join the field. According to a recent study by HomeAdvisor, the younger generation’s negative perceptions and a lack of industry exposure have kept them from pursuing the field.
On the flip side of the labor shortage, the construction industry itself is growing. The housing economy is strong and companies are hiring. Schloegel is among those, as going into 2018 we’ve experienced a larger than average backlog and we’re always on the lookout for good talent.
Schloegel’s Solution – An Apprentice Program
One solution to combat the diminishing number of craftsmen entering the workforce is to educate students. Teach them the benefits of the industry, that it can provide a future with hope and possibilities. Chris Peterson, MCR, CLC, Co-owner at Schloegel and President of KC NARI is out there doing just that. He’s building relationships with schools around the city, letting them know what the industry is looking for and the opportunities that exist out there. The trade industry is a great option for so many students who may not know what they want to do and have no desire to sit behind a desk.
Chris has been able to take educating students one step further by starting an Apprenticeship Program at Schloegel. The program lets the students work in the field with Schloegel’s craftsmen learning the many skills of the trade while gaining first-hand industry knowledge. The apprentices are able to work around their school schedule and full-time in the summer.
The program has been extremely successful so far. Schloegel currently has three active apprentices and one of the apprentices has even helped bring on two new team members.
“Our team has had the opportunity to work side by side with these remarkable individuals while teaching them indispensable skillsets, and they in-turn have become valuable members of the Schloegel team. We look forward to watching them continue to grow in their careers and while we hope they decide to advance within Schloegel we know they’ll succeed wherever they choose to go.” – Chris Peterson
We’re constantly on the lookout for new talent both on our Craftsmen team and in our Apprentice Program. Learn more about opportunities at Schloegel.