How Contractors Can Overcome The Shortage Of Skilled Labor In Nevada

Nevada is not the only state facing a shortage of skilled labor. There are currently shortages in all states, and contractors are finding it challenging to find the skilled laborers they need to fill open positions. As a contractor, overcoming this labor shortage is vital to ensure your business can thrive, grow, and be successful. Fortunately, you have several options for finding the skilled workers you need. 

Need skilled workers? Overcome labor shortages today.

Status Of The Current Skilled Labor Shortage

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here in Nevada, there are 93 workers available for every 100 job openings. There are also 92,000 job openings, but only 85,620 people are unemployed. Other data includes:

• Labor force participation rate: 61.7% 
• Hiring rate: 4.1% 
• Quit rate: 2.6% 
• Unemployment rate: 5.4% 

Impact On Construction, Manufacturing, And Trade Industries

The impact of the labor shortage on the construction, manufacturing, and trade industries means there is an insufficient number of laborers available to fill current openings. As a result, it has other impacts on the daily operations, including:

• Project delays: It takes longer to complete and deliver projects because there aren’t sufficient workers available to fill every project.
• Budget overruns: There can be increased costs due to labor shortages. 
• Increased competition: Contractors are facing increased competition with one another to secure the workers they need.
• Workers switch employers frequently: Due to the labor shortage, and high competition between contractors, workers are switching from one contractor to another, usually going to the one currently offering the best wages. 
• Increased costs: Contractors have to offer higher wages to attract the laborers they need, which increases their costs, and potentially increases the project’s costs. 

Why Does The Shortage Exist?

The skilled laborers shortage has been in the making over the past several decades, and the COVID pandemic did not help. Some of the current reasons contractors are finding it challenging to find the skilled tradespeople they need include: 

• Aging workforce: Many skilled laborers are older, and are nearing retirement age.
• Fewer workers entering these industries: There is not a sufficient number of younger workers entering the skilled trades industries to replace the aging workforce.
• Stigma about skilled trades jobs: Many young people have misconceptions, and negative views of these industries. 
• Drive for young people to go to college: Over the past several decades, young people have been widely encouraged to go to college, and get a four-year degree. As a result, vocational jobs are not being encouraged. 
• Skills gap: Not all skilled workers have received sufficient training to keep pace with technological advancements. 
• Deportations of undocumented workers: A large number of undocumented laborers work in construction, manufacturing, and other trade industries. With fears of being deported, many workers have stopped showing up for work, or they have been deported, adding further to the existing labor shortages. 

How Does It Affect Project Deadlines, Costs, And Workforce Availability?

The shortage of skilled labor has direct impacts on the construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades industries, as follows:

• Project deadlines: Contractors will have longer project timelines since they lack sufficient workers to complete projects faster. 
• Project costs: Contractors will have to offer higher wages to attract the skilled laborers they need, and in turn, this will drive up project costs. 
• Workforce availability: With the number of available skilled workers not growing as fast as demand, contractors will continue to have to compete with one another to find the workers they need. 

Practical Solutions For Contractors To Fill Gaps In Their Workforce

While it may not be possible to fill every single open position, there are several practical things contractors can do to fill gaps in their skilled laborer workforce, as follows:

• Implement new technologies: Updating to newer technologies can help attract younger skilled workers who have grown up using technology.
• Offer apprenticeships and mentorship programs: Offering these opportunities can help entice younger workers to enter the skilled trades industries. 
• Offer a sign-on bonus: Sign-on bonuses are a great incentive to attract the skilled workers you need. You should have stipulations with the sign-on bonus, such as the employee will receive it once the project is completed.
• Work with a skilled worker staffing agency: Working with a staffing agency is an effective way to find the skilled laborers you need, and provides you access to a diverse pool of laborers. 

Proactive Steps To Secure Reliable Skilled Labor Through A Staffing Agency

Securing the skilled workers you need through a staffing agency provides several benefits to finding the talent you need. Some steps to take when working with a staffing agency to ensure you get the best laborers include:

• Define your needs: Clearly define what types of skilled laborers you need, such as HVAC technicians, plumbers, or pipefitters, including desired skills and experience. 
• Determine a competitive pay rate: You should know how much you are willing to pay potential candidates.
• Length of employment: Decide if you need skilled workers for specific projects, longer-term for multiple projects, or would like to hire them directly. 
• Let the staffing agency know how many workers you desire: To fill your labor shortage gaps, you need to let the staffing agency know how many workers you would like to ideally hire, so they can find suitable candidates. 
• Review potential candidates: The staffing agency will provide you with a list of potential skilled tradespeople to review. 
• Conduct interviews: Even though the staffing agency has already vetted their pool of skilled laborers, interviewing the ones you are interested in hiring is still a good idea. 
• Hire the workers you need: After completing your interviews, let the staffing agency know which workers you want to hire.

Hire Skilled Laborers In Las Vegas Today

Even though there is a shortage of skilled labor in Nevada, it is easy to find skilled laborers in Las Vegas through Hire525. Our Las Vegas staffing agency provides access to a wide range of skilled and experienced workers in numerous trades ready to start work immediately. We work directly with Local 525 to help you meet your staffing needs. Contact us now to get started. 

Hire skilled workers today to overcome labor shortages.