Workforce

This study identified the human dimensions (personality, emotional intelligence, and behavioral traits) of key job roles within SMACNA contractors. We also learned a lot about the top 10% of performers among Project Managers and Field Leaders. Understanding our most talented people helps us select and prepare the next generation of leaders. Even if you don’t …

Continue reading “Human Dimensions Assessment of Top-Performing Personnel Within Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors”

Succession planning is important and most construction companies have a succession plan and process for the executive team. However, field leader succession planning has not been given the same level of focus. This is an urgent topic, as the leadership in the field are the closest touchpoint to customers and are a driver of the …

Continue reading “Succession planning for construction leaders: Best Practices and Examples”

The construction workforce is in the middle of a significant demographic shift. Yet few contractors seem prepared for the transition ahead. This poses great risks, chief among them the viability of the industry. The New Horizons Foundation, in partnership with FMI, conducted a survey and interviews exploring how construction-related firms are preparing for the generational …

Continue reading “Engaging a Workforce in Transition – Keeping Skilled Labor”

Research shows that using personality and aptitude assessments can markedly reduce the variability (and uncertainty) in hiring and promotion decisions compared with relying on resumes and interviews alone. The New Horizons Foundation partnered with lead researchers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the University of Kansas to understand how personality and aptitude …

Continue reading “White Paper: Tools for the Hiring, Promotion, and Talent Development of Sheet Metal and Mechanical Contractor Personnel”

The Just-in-Time Training (JITT) report examines in detail the concept and application of Just-in-Time Training. The report: Defines just-in-time training and when to use it; Identifies  the need for JITT in the construction industry; Looks at who is using JITT now using current examples; Examines current and future training needs for HVAC/sheet metal contractors; Presents …

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The New Horizons Foundation, in conjunction with FMI Corporation, a respected construction industry consulting and research firm, sponsored a study that focused on comparing operating costs of union and nonunion contractors. The study concluded that cost differences in total costs, labor costs, fabricated ductwork, and crew mix contributed to the operating cost differences between union …

Continue reading “A Comparison of Operation Cost Factors: Union Versus Nonunion HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors”