COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges for recruiting and hiring. Companies have had to adapt to virtual hiring practices, and technology has helped minimize exposure while still producing quality hires. In-person engagement and recruiting will likely look different in the future. Follow these tips and ideas to find people to fill your technician vacancies.

Four Ways to Find Your Next Service Tech

  1. Partner with your local technical/trade school

Building a positive relationship with a technical school in your area is a win-win for students and your business. It is one of the best ways to connect your company to students who will soon be looking for employment. Ideas for a successful partnership include: serving as an instructor or guest speaker; creating job shadowing and mentoring opportunities; offering training through apprenticeships; organizing a virtual open house at your facility; donating new equipment for classroom use; and developing tailored skills-based curriculum for petroleum service technicians. These types of activities can make learning more relevant for the students by providing real-world examples and hands-on learning. As a result, your company can meet and recruit future employees and positively influence your community’s pipeline of skilled workers.

  • SkillsUSA is an organization for students enrolled in trade and industrial education schools. State and local chapters connect industries looking for skilled professionals with students prepared for employment.
  • The Association for Career and Technical Education’s Industry Connect blog gives employers and educators the opportunity to share information, news and resources on school-business partnerships.
  1. Get involved in your local Chamber of Commerce

A local Chamber of Commerce serves its community in a variety of ways. Chambers support economic development and help further the interests of businesses in the region. Your chamber may also help you promote job openings at your company to local candidates and assist you with partnering with other employers in the area. Many chambers have facilitated “work ready” programs with high schools, trade colleges and industry leaders to provide training and work-based learning opportunities that engage students and address the skills gap in their communities.

  1. Attend career fairs

Career fairs have gone virtual in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chat technologies and videoconferencing platforms simulate the interactions between job seekers and hiring managers at in-person events. Some are sponsored by local schools or are narrowly focused on a specific skill set. Virtual career days and online job fairs are a way to reach a larger pool of candidates with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Traditional job fairs will likely return in time. They are a great opportunity to distribute information about your company and advertise open positions.

  1. Recruit from the military

Nearly 250,000 service members transition out of the armed services every year, according to Military.com. Look for local, veteran-specific job fairs and career gatherings in your area to tap into this talented pool of job seekers. Veterans have advanced technical training and offer unique skill sets that can seamlessly translate to a career in the petroleum refueling industry. Often, service members want to stay in the location of their last duty station and will likely look for a job nearby, so consider recruiting on local military bases or installations. Find local veteran-related community organization that can help connect you with transitioning service members.

Recruitment Trends

Industry Awareness Resources

  • PEI Service Technician Videos

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