In the business world, the old motto, “Do it right the first time,” is often cited.
This is especially true in construction, as project owners increase their bottom line when the work is performed right the first time – no matter the size of the project.
Advertisements for construction materials generally promote newer, better products that take less time to install. This has been the case for a long time, and as technological advances continue, this message will only increase. Better technology/material is good, but it can often desensitize the application/installment process and lead decision-makers to believe that workers do not need specialty training to perform work.
The resounding fact is that materials need to be installed correctly by highly trained professionals. Only then will new technology work as designed. Furthermore, if someone is not properly trained to install the materials, this work could void any product warranty.
In the construction industry, the mantra of doing it right the first time is not just a saying, it is a necessity. Proper training is the key to ensuring that every task is completed to the highest standard, minimizing the risk of errors and maximizing project success.
Using poorly trained crews can lead to significant additional expenses, even on small projects. The consequences of shoddy work can range from costly corrections to complete project reconstruction. Moreover, the safety of the project and the lifespan of materials and facilities can be compromised when construction crews are not adequately trained.
By investing in the training of construction professionals, project owners can ensure that the work is done right the first time. This not only saves money in the long run by avoiding costly rework but also extends the lifespan of the project, maximizing its return on investment.
Doing it right the first time means the work is finished on schedule, within budget and performed safely (no accidents or injuries). Decision makers face significant pressure to ensure any construction project is finished on time. The longer a line or plant is down, the less profit a company can make. Accidents, injuries, or worse, can only lead to costly project delays, negatively impacting the bottom line.
The results speak for themselves. An improperly trained construction crew or one with little to no training will waste materials, produce low-quality work, exceed budgets, and finish its work well after the scheduled deadlines.
Well-trained crews do not commonly encounter these issues. They display quality craftsmanship, work efficiently, and meet budgets and timelines.
Through proper training, tradespeople learn to think for themselves and solve problems. They will not need to stop work and ask a supervisor how to do a particular task. If the supervisor is not around, an untrained crew might stop working until they can speak to a supervisor, which leads to lost time and money.
A construction project built right the first time will benefit everyone – workers, companies, customers and owners.
In the construction world, there is no technological substitution for workforce training, which is the best way to ensure tradespeople do it right the first time.
The success of construction projects is not based on good luck. Instead, success is the connection between preparation and opportunity. Training provides the preparation needed when numerous choices arise on the jobsite.
The mental preparation of the workforce should never be overlooked, but unfortunately, this is a common occurrence.
Top construction companies are well-structured, organized and incorporate training models throughout their business culture. It is not cumbersome but a part of their business model. These companies strongly believe worker training applies not only to the workforce in the field but also to the personnel in the office. They understand that having to redo work will cost them time and money.
Adding training into a company’s culture should not be viewed as a chore, but as a business investment. Providing employees with the proper education to perform their work efficiently is not an expense, as it will help the bottom line.
For those who have experienced the financial and emotional toll of a jobsite accident or injury, the value of job site safety is undeniable. A safe work site is not the result of an occasional safety meeting, but a daily commitment to safety. Instead of viewing safety training as a chore, consider it a tool to create a safety culture.
It is not a coincidence that a safe work site is a productive work site. Construction workers who are adequately trained in their specific craft are prepared for the continual challenges they face daily. By working safely, properly performing a dangerous task or using other craft-specific training, workers ensure a safe, productive and uninterrupted jobsite.
Companies looking to positively affect their bottom line should hire construction personnel who think more than five minutes ahead of the work they are currently performing. The investment to use a trained and educated construction workforce will reduce injuries and increase performance.
Once the importance and value of training are understood, it is imperative to ensure the training can create the desired outcome.
Too often, when people think of training, they picture a room full of people watching a PowerPoint presentation, where everyone absorbs all of the information. While this type of training is easy to develop, it is ineffective.
Proper education involves thought and a process of realizing how people are receiving the necessary skills or knowledge. Digital presentations have a valuable place, but so does the blending of hands-on skill development, mentoring, non-criticizing critiquing and post-task evaluation. Interestingly, post-task evaluation, learning from mistakes, is still the most impactful learning experience one can have. Do not be afraid to blend in some creative activities, which, at times, could even be fun.
All these true learning elements are part of a well-established apprenticeship program. The success of any company or business, even construction, is a result of the effort and monetary investment that results in a better product for the customer through training.
It is worth a project owner's time to review the profile of any construction company they are considering hiring, including their commitment to training and their safety and performance records.
A quality construction company puts tremendous effort and money into its training culture for the benefit of itself, its employees, and its customers. Construction firms that value training are more than happy to discuss it. This extends to potential certifications that might be required to perform the work.
Contact the LMCT to learn how a properly trained mechanical insulation/firestop contractor can benefit your company.