5 reasons to hire young people in construction industry

There is the tax incentive from government for companies hiring a set quota of young people, of course. Beyond that, there are sound reasons why every organization should be actively recruiting young people, not as just interns, but also as entry level employees in all fields.

1.  First to fish in the talent pool

Like in any other sector, success of any establishment in the construction industry is based on the caliber of its human resources. In addition to headhunting of established and proven professionals, hiring bright young people gives any company an extra advantage. With competitive packages and culture of personal growth for deserving individuals, such companies are likely to retain the talent. While others will definitely move on to new challenges, the reputation of giving chance to young people means that such an organization becomes an employer of choice, thus attracting the best.

2.  Eyes that see the future now

Construction almost always involves massive investment that must serve purpose and give return on investment over a long period. The speed at which the world is changing means that many construction projects going up right now will have to be reimagined for different purposes in the near future. It is undeniable that young people have a better conception of what that future will look like, than older people who grew up in a much slowly evolving world. So having younger people on the team means better concepts and a brand that is perceived as adaptable and future looking.

3.  Creation of lasting legacy

The most brilliant of us will be off the scene sooner or later. It could be old age, infirmity or death. So if we are to build lasting legacies, then we need to constantly inject fresh blood. Young people who come into an organization from the beginning have higher chances of becoming the perfect hybrid for future leadership. They understand and respect what the organization brand stands for. But they also have fresh perspectives and new ideas to avoid stagnation and inevitable demise.

4.  Feeding the hunger

Because young people still have their dreams to chase, they are likely to give more of themselves. They are full of energy and are not yet jaded by failure. So they are likely to be more willing to work longer and harder as long as the rewards are transparently dispensed. They are also still building their reputations and rising to their zenith. So they will push for the best possible outcome, more than established stars who have nothing left to prove and are more concerned with maintaining standards, rather than pushing boundaries. The organization will ultimately achieve more, and better with bright and hungry young people.

5.  Turning failure into success

“It didn’t work the last 10 times it was done.” This statement is the vibe killer that stops many projects dead at vision stage. While experience is crucial in the construction industry and there is no need to reenact tried, tested and failed methods, sometimes a fresh mind can come up with that absolutely simple but brilliant idea to turn things upside down. It could be an innovative and stunning use for that expensive building that has turned into an embarrassing white elephant. Out of the box thinking is now a must for an organization. And young people are the undisputed champions.

Conclusion: Leadership is crucial

While bright young people are raring to go and will bring wonderful energy and breathe in fresh air into any construction project, it must never be forgotten that they are inexperienced and must be guided well.

The right leadership approach is to groom, coach and mentor, leaving ample room for self-discovery and growth. Which all leads to effective HR policies that will allow an organization to be young people friendly. The result is a win-win for both parties.