As a recruiter, I get a front-row seat to what’s happening in the labor market. While some industries and positions have plenty of candidates available, others remain difficult to fill. Skilled trades, healthcare, engineering, accounting, and frontline positions are just a few examples.
In many cases, the challenge isn’t a lack of job openings or even a lack of interested candidates. It’s that the demand for certain skills exceeds the available supply.
So, what can employers do? Rather than focusing only on finding people who are ready to step into a role today, it’s worth looking at how you can help develop the talent you’ll need tomorrow.
Michigan has a number of resources and programs designed to help employers do just that. Here are a few ways to get involved.
Build a Relationship with Michigan Works!
Many employers think of Michigan Works! as a place to find job candidates, but its resources go well beyond recruiting. Local offices connect employers with training programs, workforce funding, apprenticeship opportunities, and educational partners.
Getting involved can also give you a voice in identifying the skills and occupations employers in your area will need. Building a relationship with your local Michigan Works! office is a good place to start, especially if you’re looking for ways to train new employees or expand your candidate pool.
Get Involved in Your Local Schools
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, community colleges, and universities are preparing students for careers in manufacturing, healthcare, IT, skilled trades, business, and many other fields. But students can’t pursue careers they don’t know exist.
Employers can help bridge that gap by serving on advisory committees, hosting student tours, offering job shadowing opportunities, speaking to classes, or providing internships.
The same goes for educators. Teachers and school counselors have a significant influence on students’ career decisions, but they may not always know what local employers are looking for. Inviting educators into your workplace and showing them what your industry offers can help them better guide students.
I recently joined a local career and technical education advisory group, where I had the opportunity to emphasize the importance of accounting and Excel skills. It’s a great example of how employers can share their perspective and help shape what students are learning. (And I even got a lovely lunch from the culinary program!)
Make Internships More Than a Summer Job
Internships are one of the best ways to introduce students to your organization and build relationships with potential future employees.
Rather than treating internships as a short-term staffing solution, think of them as an extended recruiting opportunity. Students get a chance to learn about your business, develop new skills, and see what a career with your organization could look like. You get to see their strengths and how they work with your team before a full-time hiring decision comes along.
Consider reaching out to nearby colleges and universities to explore internship, co-op, or other work-based learning opportunities. You may find that building a relationship with a local school is easier than you think.
Take Another Look at Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships aren’t just for skilled trades anymore. Employers are using them to develop talent in IT, healthcare, accounting, HR, manufacturing, and other fields.
The benefit is that you can train people based on the skills your organization actually needs while giving them an opportunity to earn a paycheck and build a career.
And an apprenticeship doesn’t have to be a complicated, formal program. I once worked with a property management company that was struggling to find maintenance employees. We put together a three-week training program covering basic skills like installing garbage disposals and repairing drywall. It gave people without previous experience a chance to learn the work, and it gave the company a way to hire based on potential rather than an existing skill set.
Sometimes, you just need to be willing to teach.
Connect with Regional Workforce Partners
Michigan has several economic development organizations, including Ann Arbor SPARK, Traverse Connect, The Right Place, Detroit Regional Partnership, and Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP).
These organizations often coordinate regional workforce initiatives, connect businesses with educational institutions, and support talent attraction and career awareness programs.
Participating in a committee, advisory group, or local workforce initiative is a good way to meet other employers, share hiring challenges, and have a say in how your region approaches workforce development.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. There are already organizations working to connect employers, educators, and future employees.
Think Beyond Your Own Hiring Needs
Ultimately, workforce development works best when employers are willing to collaborate. Schools, workforce agencies, economic development groups, and businesses all have a role to play.
It may seem easier to focus on competing for the same pool of experienced candidates, but that only goes so far when the supply isn’t there. Investing time in students, educators, training programs, and community partnerships can help create more opportunities for everyone.
You can’t always find the talent you need right away. But you can help build it.
