There’s now an app to fill your trade jobs gap. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones hears from the developers of a new digital recruitment platform.
If a homeowner is looking for a builder there are now any number of web-based find a tradesperson and lead generation services that they can consult. The contractor in need of reliable subbies, however, is not so blessed, nor indeed are the tradespeople who suddenly find themselves with a short-term gap in their work schedule. A new digital network is seeking to redress that balance and it’s been developed by an individual with an acute understanding of the challenges of recruitment in construction. The Trade Jobs App brings contractors, sub-contractors and tradespeople together, with an ambition to improve the management of on-site labour in the process.
Clive Wheeler’s extensive experience in the sector amounts to over 40 years, and his time at the coalface had included founding a company that provided carpentry sub-contractors to some of the industry largest housebuilders. “Whilst we had a successful business it was always a struggle to maintain a steady workforce,” explains the 65-year-old. “Site agents would often tell us they needed another couple of guys for the next day and, whilst you do your best, and phone around to the people on your books, that’s not exactly ideal – or achievable. By the same token there were periods when we had too many tradespeople looking for work, and you’re frantically trying to find them suitable roles.”
It was from these dilemmas that the Trade Jobs App would emerge as a solution. “I actually had the idea around ten years ago,” Clive reveals, “but didn’t really know how to make it a reality, until a chance meeting with the organisation who would go on to develop the app for us.” Like so many of the companies in the building industry that this new network serves Trade Jobs is itself a family affair, with Clive’s daughter, Gemma Wheeler, coming on board in a Director Operations role. “Apps are very technical,” admits Clive, “and it’s taken about a year to build before the launch in March 2022. That’s where Gemma’s IT skills have been invaluable.”
So, just how does it work? A trade user registers with the site, providing contact details, availability and CSCS qualifications. Once that’s complete, they’re ready to go, as Gemma explains: “If, for instance, you’re a carpenter and you want to view jobs in your area, it’s a simple of matter entering your individual trade skill, postcode and how far you’re willing to travel. That will then generate a list of jobs – it really is that straightforward.”
Online network
Currently free to use, serving both sides of the recruitment equation is the guiding principle of this online platform, as Gemma reveals: “Essentially, a contractor who’s short of work can post an advert, whilst also search for labour with immediately availability, and contact them directly. Every tradesman will be able to tell you about the calls they’ve had on a Friday afternoon where they’re told that the job they thought they were going to next week has suddenly been postponed. If they’re registered with our app, they can then potentially plug that gap very easily, as well as receiving notifications when new and relevant jobs are posted.”
Clive, Gemma and the team will be continually analysing user interaction in order to introduce additional functionality. In the future, user profiles could include a CV, for example, or testimonials and references from previous employers, as well as information on more specialist skills. “Our plan is to respond to our users and react to what they want,” Clive continues. “As we all know even some of the smaller contractors can have several jobs on the go at any one time and the app can help manage workloads across them all, ensuring you have labour when and where you need it. The technology can be used to fill unexpected staff shortages, or for the recruitment of longer-term workers. We now have 36 different trades listed on the site and that’s growing all the time.”
“It’s a network that can be quickly and easily accessed anywhere from your phone,” concludes Clive, “with the capacity to provide several options, and bring tradespeople and contractors together. Instead of a construction company laboriously contacting multiple individuals or agencies themselves our facility saves time because everything is brought together in one place.”
The app is available for download on Google Play and App Store. For further information on the Trade Jobs App visit https://tradejobs.app/
