Recruiting at Trade Schools

Today’s hiring challenges demand a well-rounded approach. By recruiting at trade schools, portable restroom operators can find motivated graduates ready to apply their knowledge. Vocational training programs teach hands-on skills based on best practices and the latest industry insights.

In addition, since most technical institutions focus on job-specific training, reducing your new hire training costs is possible. Learn how to source job candidates from trade schools to increase and improve your workforce.

What is a Trade School?

Trade schools, also known as vocational training programs or technical schools, prepare students for specific job roles, such as CDL (commercial driver’s license) drivers or truck mechanics. The programs focus on relevant job training instead of general education courses typically required for a two-year Associate’s or four-year Bachelor’s degree. A trade school may be a standalone institution like Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) or be part of a community college.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 36% of recent associate’s degree recipients in the United States (ages 20 to 29) completed a vocational program in 2022. Students may participate in paid internships while in school and many secure positions before graduation.

How PROs Benefit from Recruiting at Trade Schools

CDL drivers, truck mechanics, and certified administrative professionals (CAPs) can bring their expertise to your portable restroom company. They’ve worked hard to complete a fast-paced technical program in their chosen field. And new graduates are ready to apply their skills in the workforce.

The advantages of hiring vocational training graduates include:

• Students have hands-on training: Trade schools prioritize real-world experiences, meaning graduates are usually job-ready. They have practical skills from apprenticeships or internships and are ready to hit the ground running.
• They’re familiar with safety policies: Vocational programs emphasize best practices, safety procedures, and industry-specific regulations. As a result, graduates may understand and apply the latest safety guidelines naturally.
• Hiring costs may decrease: Developing a trade school recruitment program can reduce turnover rates, onboarding costs, and training expenses. Most are committed to the industry they are trained in and competent in the sector. Therefore, you can focus on granular training, not basic skills.

Ways to Attract Students and Recent Graduates

With more than 7,000 trade and technical schools in the U.S., most PROs can find a trade school nearby. Likewise, Europe and other countries offer vocational training, and the European Vocational Training Association (EVTA) is an excellent place to start your search. Alternatively, speak with local community colleges, as many offer specialized technical programs or house trade schools within their campus.

After finding a trade school, consider forming an educational partnership that involves:

• Participating as a guest speaker to provide real-life examples of how the skills they’re learning impact the portable restroom business
• Offering paid internships for students, with the possibility of extending them a full-time job upon graduation
• Exhibiting at trade school job fairs to highlight your organization, culture, and benefits while encouraging attendees to sign up for job updates

Leverage Vocational Training Programs to Boost Your Workforce

Portable sanitation jobs are well-suited for trade school graduates. Developing relationships with local institutions can enhance your employee retention and recruiting strategy and is worth considering as part of your long-term plan.

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