The generation gap in electrical hiring is increasing. As more baby boomers retire, fewer millennials and Gen Z members are entering the profession.
Because the generation gap in electrical hiring is growing, the electrical skills gap is growing. As a result, the demand for electricians far exceeds the supply.
Increasing Need for Electrical Hiring
Various factors contribute to the growing need for electrical hiring:
- Rising electrical consumption
- Aging infrastructure
- Extreme weather conditions that need immediate responses
The 2008 recession and the 2020 coronavirus pandemic encouraged many electricians to leave the profession. Many of these electricians were laid off and found work in other industries. Others chose to stop working earlier than planned.
Many high school graduates choose to attend college rather than vocational school because of the stigma attached to not earning a 4-year degree. Therefore, there are fewer skilled electricians available to help maintain vital infrastructures.
Methods to Hire Younger Electricians
The generation gap in electrical hiring can be reduced by promoting trade schools in early education:
- Placing shop classes back into school curriculums helps break the stigma surrounding skilled trade careers.
- Students gain experience working with their hands, thinking critically, and using tools that can benefit their careers.
- High school graduates can use these skills to secure jobs with competitive compensation and advancement opportunities.
Methods to Attract Younger Electricians
Many companies partner with local elementary and high schools to make electrical training programs available as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) electives. These programs showcase the electrical profession and expose students to the work electricians perform to encourage younger generations of electricians.
Employers often share brief, informative videos on social media platforms such as TikTok to generate interest in the electrical profession. They also use messaging to connect with students considering career options. These messages often include the advantages of becoming an electrician:
- Competitive income, benefits, and perks
- Ability to secure steady work
- Opportunities to work overtime
- High job satisfaction
Companies often emphasize trade and vocational school scholarships and apprenticeships available to minimize or eliminate the cost of education and training to become an electrician. The ability to complete the educational requirements and on-the-job training with little or no debt and likely be offered a job make entering the electrical profession much more attractive than going to college, graduating with debt, and potentially not being offered a job.
Advantages of Offering Temp-to-Hire Electrical Roles
Many employers create temp-to-hire electrical roles because of the benefits provided:
- Gain access to a vast pool of qualified electricians.
- Determine whether an electrician has the knowledge, skills, and experience required to perform the work.
- Evaluate whether an electrician fits with the company culture.
- Assess an electrician’s performance for a set period before deciding whether to offer them a full-time job.
- Save time and money on electrical hiring.
Work with a Staffing Firm
Work with SitePro Solutions to help bridge the generation gap in electrical hiring. Contact us to get started today.