DW Companies
Editor's Note: This is the second story in a series on attracting people to careers in equipment operation and construction. To read our first story in the series, click here.
This article originally appeared on EquipmentWorld.com – a leading media site serving up the latest news in construction, heavy equipment, pickups and everything else that helps you get the hard work done.
It is re-posted with permission
DW Companies, an excavation contractor based in Cambridge, Minnesota, has grown from five to 30 employees in just five years.
But what’s even more impressive is the company’s ever-growing job-candidate waiting list, with at least 10 new applications coming in each week.
While many construction companies struggle to attract talent, DW is excelling. So, what’s its secret?
There are many factors, but key – and replicable – pillars to their success include brand establishment, team building, professional development and community involvement.
Driving these initiatives are two former teachers: Kayti Bjorklund-Strandlund, the co-owner and human resources director of DW Companies, and Ry Bostrom, the company’s marketing director.
Together, the pair have also formed The Repurposed Educator, a service line of DW Companies with a mission of helping construction firms become places where people want to work and stay.
The professional development content created by Kayti and Ry, available through The Repurposed Educator, is tailored to the construction industry. Online courses, downloadable guides and live coaching services are available. They also train construction companies and dealers on how to engage the next generation.
{Related Content: Check out Equipment World's Heavy Equipment Operator Pay & Benefits Report}
Maximizing Community Involvement
While workforce development can feel overwhelming, getting involved at the school board level is the best first step in shaping your local education system and talent pipeline. Kayti and Ry have noticed that the machine-operating trade is not as well represented on school boards, especially compared to other trades like carpentry, electrical work or plumbing.
“There are kids that have interest; they just don’t even know you exist,” says Ry. “You have to start with showing you exist. Colleges and tech schools spend a lot of energy, time, resources and money trying to attract kids to their campuses – you need to do the same.”
