Brian Calley President and Chief Executive Officer at Small Business Association of Michigan | Official website
Brian Calley President and Chief Executive Officer at Small Business Association of Michigan | Official website
Every business owner understands the challenge of hiring, especially in the trades where finding skilled labor is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. At Springfield Commercial Roofing, efforts to attract the right talent have been extensive and inventive. Despite creative billboard campaigns and increased job board postings, commercial roofing often remains overshadowed by higher education and more mainstream career paths.
About five years ago, this predicament led Springfield to transition from traditional hiring strategies. Partnering with Northwest Michigan Works, Springfield launched Michigan’s first commercial roofing apprenticeship program, recognized by the United States Department of Labor. This program operates on a five-level system where apprentices progress at their own pace, with compensation aligned to each level mastered.
The value of apprenticeships lies in creating a symbiotic relationship between employees and employers. When implemented effectively, they align employee growth with business profitability, enhancing efficiency and increasing profits.
From a candidate’s perspective, apprenticeships offer paid education, universal skill sets applicable across various settings in the U.S., an active lifestyle through trade work, and empowerment through accreditation. For businesses, these programs build a committed workforce by identifying and nurturing dedicated talent while reducing turnover rates and fostering loyalty among workers.
Common misconceptions about apprentice programs include the belief that they are laborious or take too long to complete. However, existing industry resources can be tailored to fit specific business needs without reinventing the wheel. Transparency about program duration helps set realistic goals and maintain motivation among apprentices.
To establish an apprenticeship program:
1. Define your goals and needs.
2. Research regulations in your trade or industry.
3. Develop the framework.
4. Partner with resources like Michigan Works.
5. Launch your program internally for current employees and externally for new candidates.
By Nick Jacqmain, CEO and President of Springfield Commercial Roofing; originally published in SBAM’s May/June 2024 issue of FOCUS magazine.
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