Beyond the Booth: Top Talent Concerns and Strategies from HR Professionals at WI SHRM 2024
By Sara Mackey, Marketing Communications Specialist
As a returning exhibitor representing the Wisconsin Technical College System at the statewide SHRM Conference in October, I have the pleasure of engaging with a diverse group of visitors—from HR professionals to college staff and trustees (shout out to the NWTC Board Trustee who stopped by, along with many staff from the colleges!). While the conference boasts exceptional programming, our booth allows us to converse with HR practitioners, highlight career opportunities within Wisconsin Technical Colleges and showcase our business services and graduates' success.
Beyond the Booth at WISHRM 2024
Our goal at the Conference is to draw attention to the 16 colleges comprising a top-tier educational system that annually equips thousands of graduates with career-ready skills and offers tailored workforce solutions across the state.
Given the challenges highlighted by the National Association of Manufacturers—77% of manufacturers struggle with worker retention—it's clear that addressing talent gaps is crucial. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics supports this urgency, forecasting significant growth in skilled trades through 2032.
Key concerns from HR discussions at the conference include:
- Limited interest and candidates for skilled positions
- Perception of jobs as lacking advancement potential
- Insufficient talent pipelines
- Lack of candidate awareness about job opportunities
- Misunderstandings about job roles
- Absence of a centralized platform for job postings
Strategies to Address Hiring Challenges:
- Promote Career Pathways
Highlight roles as career starters with advancement prospects, showcasing earning potential and leadership paths. Offer tuition reimbursement to demonstrate a commitment to employee growth.
- Focus on Transferable Skills
Illustrate how skills can transition across healthcare, manufacturing, and tech industries.
- Build Educational Partnerships
Collaborate with high schools and technical colleges to create apprenticeships and earn- and-learn programs.
- Sponsor Skills Development
Host labs, workshops, or boot camps to elevate your employer brand and engage potential candidates.
- Create Engaging Content
Partner with educational institutions to produce videos that depict company culture and work life.
- Leverage Employee Ambassadors
Involve your team in recruitment through outreach, social media, and referral programs, offering incentives for successful hires.
- Expand Candidate Pools
Target underrepresented groups, hosting inclusive events and establishing affinity groups to enhance retention.
- Centralize Job Posting
Utilize platforms like Handshake for job listing, tapping into a vast network of technical college students and graduates.
For tailored assistance in implementing these strategies, connect with your local technical college's business services team via the Wisconsin Technical College System. They offer expert guidance to address your unique needs and enhance your talent acquisition efforts.
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