S12 E2: Smells Like Money Podcast: Overcoming Staffing Challenges: Contractor Insights for Hiring, Training and Retaining Great Talent

In this episode, recorded live at the Reline America Annual Conference, host Suzan Chin-Taylor talks with industry leaders Howard Meyers (ABEL RECON), Ryann Montijo (Ellison Mills), and Shane Harris (East Coast Infrastructures). They explore effective strategies for attracting, training, and retaining skilled talent in the wastewater and infrastructure industries, highlighting the value of blue-collar trades and the role of innovation in workforce development.

Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor | Guest: Howard Meyers, Ryan Montijo, Shane Harris

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Key Discussion Points:

Addressing the Skilled Labor Shortage
The panel emphasizes the challenges posed by a shrinking talent pool in blue-collar trades. A key factor is the societal stigma that prioritizes college degrees over trade careers, despite these roles offering stability and high earning potential. To address this, the panel encourages breaking down these misconceptions by promoting the value of trade work in schools and communities.

Engaging Youth and Building Industry Awareness
Recruiting young talent is essential, and companies like East Coast Infrastructures actively reach out through events like career days to engage students. Shane shares examples of interactive, hands-on experiences, such as demonstrating advanced tools like robotic cutters, which help showcase the modern, tech-driven side of trades. This engagement, he notes, helps draw young people into the industry by showing the possibilities within these careers.

Integrating Technology in Skilled Trades
As the industry becomes more tech-centric, panelists discussed the importance of adapting to digital tools and robotics to attract the next generation of workers. Ryan explains how integrating advanced technology aligns with young workers’ digital backgrounds, making trade careers more appealing and relevant.

Creating Advancement Opportunities and Mentorship
Panelists stress that providing structured career paths, mentorship programs, and recognition for achievement are key to retaining skilled workers. Companies that are committed to fostering employee growth through certification programs, leadership development, and mentorship, build loyalty and job satisfaction. They view these efforts as essential for both personal fulfillment and professional development in the trades.

Supporting Work-Life Balance
With roles that often require travel, work-life balance can be a challenge. Companies aim to address this by hiring adaptable individuals willing to travel, while offering benefits that support family time, such as paid events that include employees’ families.

Structured Training Programs
Training is multifaceted, beginning with initial safety and skills training, then advancing through mentorship and technical certifications. These programs ensure employees are equipped for success, allowing them to specialize in areas like CCTV, robotics, and CDL operations. Additionally, some companies implement leadership training programs that focus on both technical and managerial skills, preparing employees for supervisory roles.

Conclusion:

This episode of The Doo Doo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast spotlights how industry leaders are addressing workforce challenges in skilled trades, especially in wastewater and infrastructure. By breaking stigmas, engaging youth through technology, and offering career paths with solid mentorship and training, they’re creating a stronger, more resilient workforce. As these industries evolve, they’re proving that skilled trade careers are essential, fulfilling, and technologically advanced—a compelling choice for a new generation of workers ready to make their mark.

Contact Information:

Howard Meyers
Executive Vice President, ABEL RECON
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-myers-42500917
Website: abelrecon.com
Email: hmyers@abelrecon.com

Shane Harris
VP Operations at East Coast Infrastructure
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-harris-5788ba10/
Website: eastcoastinfrastructure.com
Email: shaneh@eastcoastinfrastructure.com

Ryan Montijo
Co-Owner of Ellison-Mills
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-montijo-eit-a1710aa4
Website: ellison-mills.com
Email: ryanmontijo@hotmail.com

Final Thoughts:

This episode underscores the importance of proactive approaches to workforce development in the wastewater and infrastructure sectors. By embracing new technologies, shifting perceptions about trade work, and nurturing talent through structured training and career advancement opportunities, leaders are setting the stage for a more sustainable, engaged workforce. These strategies don’t just address immediate labor shortages; they lay the foundation for long-term success, helping both the industry and its professionals thrive.

Memorable Quotes:

~ On Changing Perceptions of Trade Work: “Trade skills are vital to society. We need to reshape how people view blue-collar work.” – Shane Harris

~ On Youth Recruitment: “High-tech tools and robotics catch young people’s interest—trades aren’t just shovels anymore.” – Ryan Montejo

Takeaways for Industry Professionals:

This episode sheds light on practical, effective ways to attract and retain talent in the wastewater and infrastructure sectors. By embracing modern tools, offering clear career paths, and supporting employees’ growth and well-being, companies can create a sustainable workforce ready to meet the industry’s future needs.

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I hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.

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Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast:

Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/

Email: raven@creativeraven.com

Telephone: +1 760-217-8010

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