In the trades, many rely on referrals and word of mouth to find great workers. While traditional job applications typically begin on platforms like Seek, in the construction industry, having a good reputation often bypasses these formalities and takes candidates straight to the interview stage. 

Since construction work requires close collaboration, reliability, and physical capability, being known for your character and work ethic is vital. Simply put, word of mouth is gold. 

The construction industry is a powerhouse for the Australian economy, employing over 1.3 million people—about 9% of the total workforce. The demand for skilled tradespeople is higher than ever, making quality hires crucial to the success of any construction business. 

Hiring the right tradies is key to creating a solid, reliable team. Culturally, it’s a big deal to find someone who fits in, pulls their weight, and is a pleasure to work with. When you’ve got a crew that gets along and supports each other, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success, not just on the job site, but across your entire business.

Building a great construction team isn’t just about finding the right skills; it’s about finding the right people. From tapping into your personal and professional networks to creating a positive work culture, here’s how you can attract and retain the best talent in the trades industry.

1. Use your network

Many trade business owners tap into their networks, using Facebook communities, forums like Reddit, and word-of-mouth referrals as their go-to hiring sources. 

But don’t just limit your search to the usual suspects! Sometimes the best hires are right under your nose. Tap into your personal network—friends, family, and even people you know socially. You’d be surprised how often the ideal candidate comes from someone in your personal circle. It’s not just about their industry experience; it's also about who knows them and can vouch for their character. In this game, reputation and trust are worth their weight in gold.

Here are some other channels you can leverage outside of your personal network:

• Facebook Local Community Pages: Use the search function within local pages to find people offering the trade skills you need. You can often find real-time recommendations and even view their work.
• Ask Your Suppliers: Suppliers often know the best people in town. Feel free to ask for recommendations. They will almost always have valuable insights into who's reputable and reliable.
• Social Media Platforms: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are not just for socialising—they're also great for promoting job listings, networking, and attracting potential candidates.
• Industry Associations and Trade Bodies: Master Builders Australia, Master Plumbers, and the Housing Industry Association (HIA) have talent pools and resources for connecting with qualified tradespeople.

Whether you’re a tradie looking for a job or a trade business owner looking for new crew members, remember that your reputation is everything. If you're known for quality work and reliability, this can quickly open doors and connect you to skilled workers—and vice versa. A positive word from one trusted person can do more than dozens of job ads.

2. Offer competitive pay and benefits

Salary is a major factor for job seekers. To attract the best workers, ensure your compensation packages are in line with or above industry standards. Beyond the paycheck, consider:

• Career Development Opportunities: Providing pathways for training and career progression can set you apart from competitors.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hours are increasingly in demand. Offering schedules that help workers balance personal and professional lives can make your business a preferred choice. For more on this, check out our blog post on work-life balance.

According to Randstad’s 2022 Employer Brand Research, salary is among the top three most important factors when choosing where to work.

3. Create a strong screening process

Do your homework before bringing someone onto your team. Screening candidates ensures that you find workers who are skilled, reliable, and professional.

• Check References: Don’t just take a candidate’s word for it; check their references and speak to past employers. Remember the value of word-of-mouth referrals - they are the bread and butter in the trades.
• Ask for Recommendations: Those with a strong reputation will have people who vouch for them. Look for workers who are proud of their past jobs and willing to showcase their work.

A reputable tradesperson will always stand behind their work and gladly show you examples. If they’re hesitant, that’s a red flag.

4. Retain talent by creating a positive work culture 

It’s not just about finding great workers—it’s about keeping them around. A positive work culture plays a crucial role in retention, which is often overlooked in the construction industry. 

The little things you do to make work enjoyable can make all the difference. For example, some bosses let their crew knock off early on Fridays, giving everyone a chance to start their weekend a bit sooner. You could also plan occasional team BBQs or outings, give shoutouts for hard work, or even organise friendly competitions or challenges on site to keep things fun. 

Work-life balance is the top factor Australian workers consider when choosing a job.

Happy employees are usually ones with a healthy work-life balance. Offering flexible hours or paid training days to help them upskill is another way to show you care. Simple perks like these go a long way in making your crew feel appreciated, creating a more positive vibe, and building loyalty within the team. 

Hiring the best tradies for your team isn’t just about throwing up a job ad—it’s about tapping into your professional and personal networks, offering solid pay and perks, checking references, and creating a work culture people actually want to stick around for. Nail these strategies, and you’ll build a reliable, skilled team that’ll help your business thrive.

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