Finding employees in the skilled trades: How to make your company really attractive

Workshop in the company - Finding employees through development & culture

Finding employees in the skilled trades: How to attract and retain skilled workers

Reading time 10-12 min - Area: Finding employees in the skilled trades

Find employees Craft - Many entrepreneurs in the skilled trades know the situation: there is not a lack of orders, but a lack of people who can fulfil them. There are no applications, good people change jobs quickly and trainees are difficult to motivate. The question is not just: "How do I find employees?" - but above all: Why can't I find one?

Why companies in the skilled trades can't find employees

The result is clear: there is a shortage of skilled labour. But the real question is: why? It's often not because the salary is too low, but because of the general conditions. Employees ask themselves: Do I feel valued? Do I have modern tools? Can I develop myself? Do I get reliable working hours? Many companies have not yet clearly answered these questions - and thus lose their attractiveness.

Typical mistakes in recruiting

  • Only bet on money: One euro more per hour is quickly outbid.
  • Unclear job adverts: Standard texts without pictures or real insights are a deterrent.
  • Long processes: Applicants wait weeks to hear back - and have long since moved on.
  • No development: If you don't offer any prospects, you lose talent after a short time.

Questioning the why: self-reflection for entrepreneurs

Before solutions take effect, it's worth looking inwards. Ask yourself questions like:

  • Why is an employee leaving my company?
  • Why am I not getting any applications - is it due to visibility or attractiveness?
  • Why doesn't an apprentice stay until the end?

Answering these questions honestly is the first step. Because Find employees Craft always starts with clarity from the entrepreneur himself.

Solutions step by step

1) Show appreciation

A thank you, feedback after projects, open discussions. Small gestures create stronger bonds than promises.

2) Modern equipment

Tools, vehicles, clothing - all this signals professionalism and respect.

3) Promote development

Further training, promotion opportunities, learning budgets. Perspective motivates people to stay.

4) Create predictability

Reliable times and regular routines take the stress out of everyday life.

5) Living culture

Rituals, open communication, shared experiences. Colleagues become a team.

Employee coaching & leadership in everyday life

Another "why": Why don't employees stay? It is often due to a lack of communication or leadership. This is where employee coaching comes in. Managers learn how to hold discussions, give feedback and resolve conflicts at an early stage. This creates a working environment in which people are happy to stay. This is precisely where we provide support with practical coaching sessions.

Sailing team events as tangible added value

Joint experiences outside of everyday life are a highlight. A sailing team event, for example, shows how collaboration really works: In a confined space, with clear roles and direct responsibility. Employees experience how important communication, trust and mutual support are. This experience feeds back into the company - and makes the difference in the competition for new skilled workers.

4-week plan for first steps

Week 1

Analysis: What advantages do I already offer? Where do I lack equipment, processes or recognition?

Week 2

Modernise your careers page: Pictures of the team, quick application option, make clear benefits visible.

Week 3

Discussions with the team: What do we really need to be happy at work? What motivates us?

Week 4

First incentive or workshop: Introduce a sailing weekend, team workshop or feedback round.

Practical example: Success through cultural change

A construction company with 25 employees lost six skilled workers in two years. Following an analysis, new management routines were introduced, the tools were updated and a sailing team event was organised. The result: more cohesion, less absenteeism and two new skilled workers within three months - because word of mouth spread that this was an attractive employer.

FAQ

"We can't pay the most - do we still have a chance?"

Yes, those who focus on culture, predictability and appreciation will attract employees even without maximum wages.

"Why do team events work?"

Because they create emotions. People remember experiences - and associate them with the company.

"How quickly do we have to react?"

Within 48 hours. Responding quickly signals respect and significantly increases your chances.

Conclusion & next steps

Find employees Craft means more than job adverts and salary. It's about clarifying the "why": Why should someone work in your company in particular? Those who provide clear answers, show appreciation and create genuine experiences will attract - and retain - the right people. Our coaching sessions and sailing team events help you to do just that.

Find employees in the skilled trades - with coaching & team event

We support craft businesses with coaching, workshops and sailing team events. For more attractiveness, cohesion and long-term success in recruiting.

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