Atlas Tube, a steel tube manufacturer based in Harrow, Ontario, is offering a $10,000 signing bonus to attract skilled trades workers in response to an increasingly competitive labour market.
Intense Competition for Skilled Trades Talent
Andrea Seymour, vice-president of talent strategy at parent company Zekelman Industries, noted that the competition for skilled trades talent has never been more intense. She has been recruiting for about 25 years across manufacturing, construction, and other industrial sectors, and the demand continues to outpace supply.
The signing bonus is aimed at filling hard-to-recruit positions such as millwrights, electricians, and PLC (programmable logic controller) technicians. The company has struggled to find qualified candidates for these roles.
Government Initiatives to Address Shortage
The skilled trades shortage has prompted responses from both provincial and federal governments. Ontario has invested in expanded training facilities and apprenticeship opportunities. The federal government recently announced its $6-billion Team Canada Strong program in its spring economic update, aiming to add 80,000 to 100,000 more Red Seal-certified workers over the next five years.
Factors Behind the Shortage
Several trends compound the issue, including an aging workforce nearing retirement and fewer young workers entering the trades. Increased competition from companies across different industries has also tightened the talent pool. Seymour noted that everyone is trying to hire from the same pool, which is now significantly smaller than in the past.
Atlas Tube's Recruitment Strategy
Zekelman Industries employs about 3,000 people across North America, with Atlas Tube employing 312 workers, approximately 30 of whom are in skilled trades. The signing bonus is currently offered at Atlas Tube to recruit a millwright, an industrial mechanic responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing complex machinery.
While the company is trying to fill five immediate positions, Seymour said the recruitment team is constantly seeking experienced tradespeople. Even without an open position, if they find a person with the right skillset, they will create a spot to bring them on board.
Building Long-Term Careers
A hefty signing bonus may help attract skilled workers, but Seymour emphasized that employers must go further to make positions attractive in today's competitive market. The focus is on building long-term careers through compensation, good culture, training, and growth opportunities. Organizations that invest in these areas will succeed in the current labour market.
