ColonialWebb\'s Human Resource Plan

ColonialWebb is a construction company that has developed to become a leader in the Mid-South through superior construction as well as installation and service of developing mechanical systems. The company has experienced tremendous growth and profitability across its operations because of various factors including its unparalleled and wide range of capabilities, industry experience, and technical expertise. The company is operating in the construction industry, which is a branch of the commercial enterprise sector that focuses on the development of buildings and mechanical systems. This industry is regarded as one of the booming industries across the globe given the proliferation of real estate properties and is expected to continue growing in the foreseeable future. However, it is characterized by a increase in skills shortage, which has enhanced the demand for competent and productive construction workforce.

ColonialWebb has currently advertised for the position of Helpers for its commercial construction projects in Central Virginia i.e. Charlottesville and Richmond. Helpers will be responsible for assisting the firm’s mechanics with fabrication, assembly, installation and repairs of piping systems, plumbing, and sheet metal. ColonialWebb requires a suitable HR plan for sourcing, recruiting, selecting, hiring, and socializing candidates for this job position.

Sourcing will entail developing a personnel pipeline through conducting talent hunt, providing internship opportunities, and creating job descriptions for the vacant job positions. Recruitment will involve branding the company as an excellent place to work and using various recruitment tools while selection will entail short listing candidates, conducting interviews, and ranking candidates based on interview performance. Hiring will involve conducting psychological and other customized assessments while socialization entails conducting induction training/orientation and promoting close working relationships.

ColonialWebb is a Mid-South leader in the construction industry and has experienced tremendous growth and profitability since inception. The company provides various services including superior construction as well as installation and service of developing mechanical systems. The company’s success and profitability is attributable to various factors including its unparalleled and wide range of capabilities, industry experience, and technical expertise (ColonialWebb, 2017). These factors have enabled ColonialWebb to become a valued partner for owners, facility managers, and contractors. However, the company is operating in an industry that is faced with a skills shortage, which has affected its recruitment and selection strategies. This human resource (HR) plan provides strategies the company should utilize to recruit, select, hire, and socialize candidates for the vacant Helpers position.

The construction industry where ColonialWebb operates it is a branch of the commercial enterprise sector that focuses on the development of buildings and mechanical systems. This industry has experienced tremendous growth in certain parts of the world, especially regions that have been characterized by increased urbanization. Construction industry is a crucial sector in the economic growth and development of a country because of its focus on the development of buildings and mechanical systems. Companies in this industry work with a wide range of contractors, owners, and facility managers.

The construction industry is regarded as one of the booming industries across the globe given the proliferation of real estate properties (Economy Watch, 2010). Secondly, this industry is also characterized by an increase in skills shortage given the long-term downturn that existed in this sector even before the 2009 economic recession (Pillai, 2015). The increase in skills shortage has been experienced in major economies like Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Some of the factors that have contributed to increased skills shortage in these economies include the fact that specialty trade workers have shifted industries and professional workers have moved to other countries (Pillai, 2015). However, despite the increase in skills shortage, the construction industry is expected to experience tremendous growth in the coming years. These trends have contributed to the increase in the demand for construction workforce in order to promote industry growth.

ColonialWebb is one of the profitable companies in the construction industry since it has developed to become a leader in the Mid-South. Given its leading position in the construction industry, ColonialWebb is a Comfort Systems USA company that provides services like superior construction as well as installation and service of developing mechanical systems. Some of the factors that have contributed to the company’s increased growth and profitability include industry experience, technical expertise, and a wide range of capabilities (ColonialWebb, 2017). These factors have played a critical role in the firm’s position as a valued partner for owners, contractors, and facility managers. Additionally, the company is strengthened by a country-wide network of mechanical contractors.

A critical aspect towards the successful and profitable operations of ColonialWebb is a productive workforce. In this regard, the company focuses on hiring employees with necessary technical expertise. However, ColonialWebb’s recruitment and selection strategies are significantly affected by the skills shortage that has characterized the construction industry. The company has advertised for the position of Helpers for its commercial construction projects in Central Virginia i.e. Charlottesville and Richmond (see Appendix A) (Our Career Pages, 2017).

In light of the skills shortage and increased demand for competent and productive construction workforce, ColonialWebb has adopted various staff retention strategies. One of these strategies is provision of competitive salaries and benefits to all employees. It is regarded as a suitable company to work for because of its competitive pay and benefit packages. Secondly, the company provides steady and stable jobs to its employees, which helps in staff retention through enhancing job security. The other staff retention strategies utilized by ColonialWebb include flexible work schedules, a friendly working environment that is centered on close working relationships, and career growth and development opportunities.

As previously mentioned, ColonialWebb has currently advertised for the position of Helpers for its commercial construction projects in Central Virginia, particularly Charlottesville and Richmond (see Appendix A). Helpers will be responsible for assisting the firm’s mechanics with fabrication, assembly, installation and repairs of piping systems, plumbing, and sheet metal (Our Career Pages, 2017). Through this process, these employees will learn pipefitting, plumbing, and sheet metal trade from experienced mechanics. In this regard, the vacant job positions at the company provide opportunities for individuals to contribute towards the firm’s success while enhancing their skill sets in the construction sector. The company will provide a competitive pay and benefit package that includes career development and growth.

The first component of this recruitment and hiring strategy is a sourcing plan that will help in identifying suitable individuals for this vacant position regardless of the current skills shortage in the construction industry. Sourcing plan is the first step towards determining the right fit for an organization’s workforce need (Warner, 2015). In light of the current skills shortage, ColonialWebb will develop a personnel pipeline through conducting talent hunt in colleges and universities that offer construction-related courses. The company will conduct workshops and seminars in search universities and colleges to identify technically capable individuals. This process will also entail providing internship opportunities through which potential employees will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities for the respective job position. Through these initiatives, the company will keep contacts of potential employees and their resumes and contact them whenever a job opportunity or vacancy arises. Additionally, the company will create job descriptions for the vacant job positions and design them in a manner that enables candidates to see the big picture in terms of the company’s direction and how they fit in it (Chisholm, 2011).

ColonialWebb’s recruitment plan will entail branding the company as an excellent place to work in through demonstrating why it’s an employer of choice (Chisholm, 2011). In addition to branding, the recruitment plan will involve the use of various recruitment tools that help in finding the best talent. Some of the recruitment tools that will be utilized by the company include online recruiting platforms, internal employee referral programs with incentives, internships and co-ops, job postings on the firm’s website, external referrals, and use of professional recruiters. These tools will be utilized since they are among the top recruiting strategies in the construction industry (Warner, 2015).

Once suitable candidates have been identified through the use of various recruitment strategies, the will be selected using various selection tools. First, ColonialWebb will shortlist candidates based on their knowledge, skills, and abilities as presented in their resumes. The shortlisted candidates will then be interviewed to determine whether they are the right fit for the company. The interviews will help in determining the suitability of the shortlisted candidates to the vacant job position. After the shortlisted candidates have been interviewed, the final step in the selection plan will entail creating another shortlist based on the individual’s performance in the interview. In essence, the shortlisted candidates will be ranked based on their performance in the interview to help in the hiring process.

After completion of the structured interviews, the hiring plan for job vacancies at ColonialWebb will involve conducting psychological and other customized assessments, which help in hiring the right candidate up front (Warner, 2015). The customized assessments that will be utilized by this firm include conducting a candidate’s background check, job knowledge and ability tests, and personality/behavioral tests. According to Chisholm (2011), these assessment tools play a crucial role in hiring the right people up front, which is the first step towards job retention. However, the findings of these assessments will not be used as the only definitive criteria in hiring decisions, but will help in the overall evaluation of the candidate’s characteristics, which will be the premise for hiring decisions.

Upon identification and hiring of the most suitable candidate for the job, the next aspect of the firm’s HR plan is socialization. Socialization of hired candidates will involve conducting induction programs/orientation, which will help new employees familiarize themselves with the company and the working environment. The company will also capitalize on its existing friendly working environment to enhance close working relationships between existing and new employees as part of enhancing socialization.

References
Chisholm, K. (2011, November 2). How to Recruit Good Employees to Your Construction Business. Retrieved October 13, 2017, from http://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/topics/management/construction-workforce-management/how-recruit-good-employees-your-construction
ColonialWebb. (2017). About Us. Retrieved October 13, 2017, from http://colonialwebb.com/about
Economy Watch. (2010, June 29). Construction Industry. Retrieved October 13, 2017, from http://www.economywatch.com/world-industries/construction
Our Career Pages. (2017). ColonialWebb Contractors: Helper – Construction. Retrieved October 13, 2017, from http://jobs.ourcareerpages.com/job/230661~Primary~1357990?source=Indeed
Pillai, R.M.S. (2015, March 2). Global Construction Labor Skill Shortages. Retrieved October 13, 2017, from http://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/management/workforce-management/march-2015-global-construction-labor-skill-shortages
Warner, P.E. (2015). Attract, Hire and Retain: Modern Recruitment Challenges and Strategies for the Construction Industry. Retrieved October 13, 2017, from https://www.coaa.org/Documents/About-COAA/Workforce-Shortage/Attract-Hire-Retain-(Warner,-FMI).aspx


Appendix A – ColonialWebb Helper Online Job Posting
Colonialwebb Contractors
Helper - Construction

Richmond, VA   23228
     
 
 
     
Helper - Construction
ColonialWebb is seeking Sheet Metal, Plumbing, and Pipefitting Helpers for commercial construction projects in Central Virginia: Richmond and Charlottesville. 
Helpers assist Mechanics with fabrication, assembly, installation, and repairs of sheet metal, plumbing, and piping systems. As our Helper, not only will you learn the plumbing, pipefitting, and sheet metal trade from experienced mechanics but you will be eligible to apply for our Apprenticeship program!
Start your construction career off on the right foot by working for one of the largest mechanical contractors in the Mid-Atlantic while having an opportunity to pursue your HVAC or Plumbing license. ColonialWebb is growing, and we need talented individuals like you to help us keep up with demand, join our team and invest in your future!
What you will do:
· Assist plumbing mechanics and pipefitters with layout, fabrication, assembly, installation, maintenance and repairs of pipes, fittings, fixtures of heating /water/ drainage systems, piping, piping systems, and equipment for steam, hot water, heating,
· cooling, lubricating, and industrial processing systems per specifications and codes.
· Assist sheet metal mechanics with fabrication, assembly, installation, and repairs of sheet metal products and equipment such as ductwork, plenums, fire dampers, and diffusers.
· Load and unload construction materials from trucks into buildings.
· Furnish experienced craft workers with materials, tools, equipment, and supplies.
· Assist in lifting, positioning, and securing of materials and devices during installation.
· May perform minor maintenance or cleaning of mechanic’s tools and equipment.
· Cleans work area and restocks supplies and materials as necessary.
· Maintain a clean and safe work area (including company vehicle).
· Works safely, encourages others to do so, and complies with applicable health and safety-related rules, regulations, and procedures.
· Perform other duties as directed by craft person supervisor.
· Represent ColonialWebb in a professional manner at all times.
What we are looking for:
· Knowledge of sheet metal, plumbing, or piping industry or willingness to learn.
· Knowledge of basic construction/shop math (addition, subtraction, division, fraction, and multiplication).
· Ability to work within precise limits or standards of accuracy.
· Ability to work skillfully and safely with hands.
· Maintain a positive attitude and willing to work in a team environment.
· Ability to communicate effectively and deal diplomatically with coworkers and other tradespeople.
· Ability to work a flexible schedule including unscheduled overtime (nights and weekends).
What we will offer you:
· Top Competitive wages!
· Opportunities for career growth, training, and development.
· 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
· Medical, dental, vision, and Rx drug insurance.
· Life and accidental death insurance.
· Short and Long-Term Disability insurance.
· Paid holidays, Personal leave, and Bereavement Leave.
· Tuition Reimbursement.
· Apprenticeship Program.
· Service lead and Employee referral incentives.
· Scholarship program for employees’ children.
· Discounts at major cell phone and auto companies.
Who we are:
ColonialWebb is a Mid-Atlantic leader of superior engineering, construction, installation and service of mechanical systems. For over 40 years we have provided practical and innovative mechanical solutions. As a Comfort Systems USA company, we are strengthened by a nationwide network of mechanical contractors and prepared to build, service, or retrofit any commercial or industrial mechanical, HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, water solution, or process piping system.
How to apply:
Apply online at www.ColonialWebb.com/careers. EOE M/W/Disability/Vets