The general uplift in the economy, and the improvement in trading conditions likely to benefit plant and machinery distributors as momentum in the construction and infrastructural development sectors gathers pace, are factors that could pose difficulties for those seeking to recruit experienced staff, one leading distributor has warned.
Michael McHale, managing director of Komatsu, Metso, Merlo and Zetor distributors, McHale Plant Sales – whose own company is currently seeking to fill a number of senior sales positions – cautions that a return to growth could lead to a dearth of top-class people.
To this end, McHale has put forward the idea that an industry-wide programme that would have the focus of communicating the career opportunities and attractions of work in the plant and construction sector to a wider audience of young professionals is one that could pay dividends down the line.
“In its simplest form, this may be a booklet, DVD, YouTube video, online website or suchlike in which the various skill requirements would be communicated to those who might otherwise overlook the career challenges and opportunities to be found in our industry,” McHale said.
“To add weight to the initiative, the industry might also consider mounting a special exhibition unit at industry events or giving talks to industry-related bodies and student groups or by supporting special features and supplements dedicated to the careers available in the construction plant and civil works sectors,” McHale said.
Noting that it is in the best long-term interests of distributors, however large or small, to have stable and effective representation in sales, parts and technical support, McHale adds that “career training and development is but another important aspect that an industry-exclusive and fully-functioning representative body, dedicated solely to representing the affairs of our industry, could provide”.
Predicting industry-wide growth this year in the order of 10%, McHale has plans to appoint a Sales Manager for their Metso crushing equipment and two Area Sales Managers for all of their four product lines.
