HOW ARE YOU FINDING RECRUITMENT?
Are dealerships struggling to employ staff nationwide?
by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
 
Steve Gibbs

Firstly, thanks to Chris Biddle for holding the fort here last week. Very interesting to read his thoughts on the value ascribed to staff and indeed on the efforts being taken by industry bodies to produce a brochure to promote our sector to those looking to start a career.


Myself and the owner of Service Dealer, Duncan Murray-Clarke, spent a very productive four days travelling around Scotland visiting many dealers last week - and it was this issue of recruitment which kept cropping up wherever we went. Well, that and the upcoming GDPR regulations (which we will cover in detail in the May/June edition of Service Dealer magazine, ahead of the May 28th deadline).


Recruitment however was certainly the hot topic of discussion. It seems as though it truly is a pressing issue for dealers of all sizes. We met many people last week who are currently experiencing great difficulties in the finding and retaining of the right staff. And I'm sure it's not just a problem peculiar to Scotland.


Of course different areas of the country will always have their own particular reasons as to why recruitment may prove problematic in that locality. One dealer in Aberdeenshire for example, was explaining to us how the North East of Scotland traditionally was very lucky to have great employment within the oil industry, that paid great wages, at a very young age. However, as with all good things, it inevitably came to an end.


The reality has kicked in now, it was explained to us, with great job losses and reduction in wages expected. However in some cases, people find it hard to change their lifestyle and therefore think that they can demand the same wages in other industries.


So, this affects dealers in that area now when they are looking to employ. They may think that have found the ideal candidate, but because these ex-oil workers have become so reliant on their previous exorbitant wages, this industry cannot fulfil their requirements.


And of course there are likely to be areas around the UK with their own stories not dissimilar to this, which affect how they can recruit locally.


However, the problem for dealers in finding staff appears to be much greater than a single circumstance. I guess, as has perennially been an issue for this sector, it may come down to the perception of what the industry is and what it can offer?


But what can be done to alter this perception? And whose responsibility is that? Should it be the trade associations taking charge to make sure the industry is sold in a manor appealing to those looking to start or change a career? Is it the manufacturers? Dealers themselves? The educational establishment?


Surely at the moment dealers are involved in some of the most cutting edge technologies out there what with robotics, battery power and precision farming. It's an exciting time to be involved. But out on the ground, dealers are struggling to convince people there is a rewarding career to be had.


So what are your experiences of recruiting? Are you finding it tough? What sort of situations have you gone through recently when you needed to employ?


And thinking about the bigger picture, what do you think could be done to make recruiting for your dealership a smoother process in the future? And whose responsibility is that?


Equally have you enjoyed any real success stories in recent times? Do you have any advice to pass on to other dealers for how they might go about attracting fresh blood into the workplace?


Please leave your comments below. It would be great to hear the thoughts from as many of our readers as possible. We’ll look to compile your responses in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine.

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In this issue
EDITOR'S BLOG
HOW ARE YOU FINDING RECRUITMENT?
NEWS
SCAM WARNING AS TOOL SHARPENERS RETURN
DEERE TOP THE (OLD) CHARTS ONCE AGAIN
ETESIA UK ANNOUNCED AS A GOLD SPONSOR
NEW HOLLAND ANNOUNCE NEW DEALER
CHARTERHOUSE STRENGTHEN IN NORTH WALES
NEW OPICO GRASSLAND DEALER APPOINTED
APPRENTICE-BUILT LOADALL RAISES FUNDS FOR CHARITIES
BRIGGS & STRATTON SHOW NEW RANGE
POLARIS CONTINUE RACING SPONSORSHIP
BARRUS CONTINUE TO SUPPORT WILLIAM FOX-PITT
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