Get around the labour shortage: New ways to recruit roofers

One of the biggest issues right now for roofing contractors is finding enough people to fill all the jobs. As we all know there’s a shortage of skilled workers in the roofing and construction industries. So as a roofing company looking to hire, where do you go to find new roofers?

Here are some ways you can create a more diverse workforce and grow your roofing company at the same time.

Think beyond the typical roofer

When you’re facing a tight market, it’s time to think differently about who might want to work in roofing.
What about all the people who lost their jobs during the COVID pandemic? Folks who worked in manufacturing, retail, restaurants, or agriculture could all be possible candidates.
Canadian Armed Forces veterans looking to re-enter the workforce are also considerations.
In your job postings, you should make it clear that you’re open to hiring all types of people from different industries outside of roofing.

Hire more women

Typically roofing is a “male-dominated” profession, but women in roofing do exist and that number is growing.
The National Women in Roofing (NWiR) is an organization that supports and advances the careers of women roofing professionals across a wide range of jobs in the industry.
Now in Canada, the NWiR can help you find women in your local markets who are interested in working in the roofing industry.
Roofing companies can advertise open positions for women roofers on the NWiR site for free.

Recruit younger workers

Not everyone wants to be saddled with loads of student debt for a post-secondary degree.
Look for career fairs at local high schools and vocational programs to talk about the potential the trades can offer.
Tap into local apprenticeship and co-op work term opportunities.
Partner with local and national roofing industry associations for help with training and recruiting workers and to advocate for the industry.

Advertise your jobs in the right places

Rather than taking a shotgun approach, focus on hiring through services designed for roofing and construction, such as Careers in Construction, and Construction Jobsite.
Check out what other companies are doing to recruit new employees in the help wanted section on Roofers Coffee Shop.
Post on targeted job boards for construction workers: here are some of the best boards to post on.
Use general job search sites such as Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.

Use social media and your website

Post job openings on your social platforms. You can use social media like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to attract new workers while you promote your business.
Keep the careers section on your website current. List all of your available jobs with sufficient details about what’s required and make it easy to apply.

Ask your suppliers for recommendations

At our different Gibson Building Supplies locations, we’re often asked if we know any roofers who’re looking for a job. We’re always happy to pass along a name if we can.
Let people know that you’re looking … word gets around and could snag you some great new roofers for your team.

For more employee recruitment tips, as well as insights into what qualities to look for, and how to keep the right people on your team, check out this article: How to find and keep good employees for your roofing business.

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