Boosting Internal Capacity: How to Solve Labour Shortages?

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Investing in training employees is a valuable solution to labour shortages and can enhance a company’s internal capacity. In today’s post-pandemic business environment, where meeting customer demands and maintaining productivity and efficiency are crucial, labour shortages are a significant issue. Training employees can equip them with the new skills and knowledge to take on activities a company previously subcontracted to increase overall business performance.

An Alberta-based pipe fabrication shop building chrome furnace coils for fired heaters reached out to KASI to train their pipe fitters on how to use Electrical Resistance equipment for controlled welding pre-heats.

“We were able to cut our controlled pre-heat costs by about 65%, and it made us much more competitive in the bidding process.” Said one piping shop supervisor. “Also we didn’t need to work on the subcontractor schedule anymore.”

Employee training can help companies overcome labour shortages in multiple ways. First, it can assist in identifying the skill and knowledge gaps present in the current workforce, leading to the development of training programs to help fill these gaps. This would enable companies to meet their staffing needs and reduce the costs associated with hiring and training new employees. Second, employee training can enhance job satisfaction and loyalty, leading to a reduction in turnover and its associated costs. Finally, training employees can help companies adapt to changing business environments, such as new technologies and market trends.

A SAGD Construction company was tired of being delayed by contractor availability and determined it they needed a Reliable Source to train their pipe fitters how to Cold Cut pipe joints.

“Our subcontractor was always one day away! We had the manpower, the equipment can be rented! We just needed the right people to train our guys!” – Contractor Project Manager

Kasi was chosen by the contractor because they are Backed by Field Experience, and with one day of onsite training, the freshly trained pipe fitters we now getting better production than the subcontractor had previously provided.

To address the challenge of labour shortages and improve internal capacity, there are several ways that companies can train their employees. Using equipment vendors to do On-the-job training, for instance, provides employees with an opportunity to develop new skills while still performing their regular duties, and it can be tailored to the specific needs of the company.

Online training programs are often cost-effective and can be completed at the employee’s convenience. KASI partnered with a company to offer a training program to meet the requirements of ASME PCC-1 Appendix A. The theory parts of the program are available online, while the hands-on competency is done in person with a Bolting Simulator.

“Being able to have our guys complete the theory part online was a huge time saver! Using the Hex Skid to see the real-time impacts of the torque we were applying was a game changer.” – Contractor Site Superintendent

To ensure the success of employee training programs, companies must have a clear plan in place, identify the specific skills and knowledge that need to be developed, set clear goals and objectives, and establish metrics to measure success.

Having Trusted Solutions Providers offer ongoing support and feedback is essential to help employees apply what they have learned and integrate new skills and knowledge into their daily work. Ultimately, companies that invest in employee training are investing in their success, increasing internal capacity, improving job performance, increasing productivity, and staying ahead of the curve in terms of changing business environments.