Finding and keeping skilled employees in the AEC sector is tougher than ever. Employers face a shortage of skilled labour, rising competition for top talent, and pressure to deliver projects faster. So, how do you get good employees, and more importantly, how do you make sure they stay?
This blog explores both sides of the equation: what to look for when hiring talent, and the strategies you can use to keep them engaged once they’re on board.
What Really Drives Job Satisfaction
When it comes to job satisfaction, financial rewards may be lower on the list than most people think. Gone are the days when employees put up with less-than-ideal situations and environments; there are just so many more opportunities for them elsewhere.
Being happy at work often depends more on intangibles such as feeling part of a team, being valued and appreciated, and having access to training and skill development. In fact, these factors consistently outrank money when employees are polled about job satisfaction. A survey by LinkedIn found that “94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career”, and 87% of millennials believe the availability of development opportunities is important in a job.
What to Look for When Hiring in Construction
- A track record in site management, estimating, or surveying, with proven ability to manage budgets and adapt to changing site conditions.
- Strong coordination skills are essential for collaborating with engineers, architects, and contractors.
- A mindset for safety and reliability, vital in fast-paced commercial and civil projects.
- Clear communication can make or break delivery on-site.
The strongest construction hires are those who combine hands-on expertise with leadership and reliability, qualities that help projects run smoothly and teams stay engaged.
What to Look for When Hiring an Architect
- The ability to interpret client briefs and translate them into buildable, compliant designs.
- Experience as an architectural technician or designer across different project types.
- Collaboration skills are crucial as architects often sit at the crossroads of clients, engineers, and contractors.
- Awareness of sustainable design trends and future-proofing techniques.
The best architects aren’t just designers; they’re collaborators who understand the bigger picture and bring long-term value to your projects.
What to Look for When Hiring an Architect
- The ability to interpret client briefs and translate them into buildable, compliant designs.
- Experience as an architectural technician or designer across different project types.
- Collaboration skills are crucial as architects often sit at the crossroads of clients, engineers, and contractors.
- Awareness of sustainable design trends and future-proofing techniques.
The best architects aren’t just designers; they’re collaborators who understand the bigger picture and bring long-term value to your projects.
What to Look for When Hiring an Engineer
- Expertise matched to your discipline, civil, structural, or building services engineering.
- Analytical skills and accuracy under pressure.
- Adaptability and curiosity, great engineers don’t just calculate, they innovate.
- Strong communication skills for working seamlessly with architects and construction managers.
- Commitment to growth, candidates working toward certifications (like CPEng) often bring long-term value.
- The best architects aren’t just designers; they’re collaborators who understand the bigger picture and bring long-term value to your projects.
Engineers who pair technical excellence with adaptability and teamwork become the backbone of successful projects and long-term retention.
Building Teams That Last
Finding good employees is only half the battle; keeping them is what sets successful businesses apart. In AEC sectors, the key lies in hiring for both skill and cultural fit, then building an environment where people feel valued, supported, and able to grow.
Struggling to find or keep the right talent? Get in touch with Grada Recruitment, we specialise in helping AEC firms secure skilled professionals who stay.
