Skilled trades hiring has reached a breaking point.
Contractors across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, construction, and other home services industries are facing the same challenge: they can’t find good people and when they do, they can’t keep them.
But according to Ryan Englin, founder of Core Matters, the problem isn’t a lack of workers. It’s a lack of systems.
In Episode #20 of Home Service Headquarters, Ryan breaks down why skilled trades hiring fails for so many businesses and what contractors must change to compete in today’s labor market.
The Real Problem with Skilled Trades Hiring
Most contractors believe skilled trades hiring is a recruiting issue.
“Post more jobs.”
“Pay more per hour.”
“Use more job boards.”
But Ryan argues that this approach completely misses the mark. “You’re not in the trades business, you’re in the people business.”
Without people, no service business can operate. Yet many owners spend more time optimizing marketing campaigns than building an environment where skilled workers actually want to stay.
Why Skilled Trades Workers Don’t Leave for Money
One of the most surprising insights Ryan shares is this: “Most people don’t leave their jobs for money. They leave to escape pain.”
Changing jobs is stressful. It disrupts family life, benefits, routines, and stability. Workers only take that risk when their current job becomes unbearable.
Common pain points include:
- Poor leadership and unclear expectations
- Chronic overtime and burnout
- Lack of communication and appreciation
- No clear path for growth
When these problems go unaddressed, higher pay elsewhere becomes an exit door, not the original motivator.
Becoming an Employer of Choice in the Skilled Trades
One of the most effective skilled trades hiring strategies Ryan teaches is becoming an employer of choice.
This doesn’t happen by accident.
Business owners must be intentional about:
- Clear roles and job expectations
- Predictable schedules and realistic workloads
- Strong onboarding and training
- Leadership accountability
According to Ryan, “Most companies want the benefits of being an employer of choice but they don’t want to do the work.”
Without this foundation, hiring efforts will always feel reactive and exhausting.
The Cost of Toxic Leadership in Trades Businesses
Ryan also shares a cautionary tale about a leadership team that couldn’t retain workers, not because of the market, but because of their own behavior.
High ego, poor communication, and resistance to change created a culture no skilled trades worker wanted to be part of. The company ultimately shut down.
The takeaway is simple but uncomfortable:
If leadership won’t change, skilled trades hiring won’t improve.
Why Fast Hiring Creates Long-Term Problems
Many contractors hire quickly out of desperation. But speed often comes at the cost of fit.
Ryan encourages businesses to slow down and raise the bar:
- Longer interview processes
- Clear performance standards
- Cultural alignment checks
“If they won’t jump through the hoops, they’re not the right fit.”
This approach may feel counterintuitive during a labor shortage but it’s exactly what builds stable, high-performing teams.
Building a Hiring Bench (So You’re Never Scrambling Again)
One of the most powerful concepts Ryan introduces is passive recruiting, also known as building a hiring bench.
Instead of recruiting only when a position opens, successful companies:
- Continuously talk to potential candidates
- Pre-qualify skilled trades workers
- Maintain relationships over time
When growth happens or someone leaves, there’s no panic. The next hire is already waiting.
Skilled Trades Hiring Is a System, Not a Shortcut
The biggest takeaway from this conversation is that skilled trades hiring is not a one-time fix.
It’s a system built around:
- Leadership
- Culture
- Communication
- Accountability
Contractors who invest in these areas don’t just hire better; they scale with confidence.
Want More?
If you’re constantly struggling with skilled trades hiring, the market isn’t the enemy. The absence of systems is. And once those systems are in place, hiring stops being the bottleneck and starts becoming a competitive advantage.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about the systems to put in place to hire the right people and retain a great team.
Connect With Ryan Englin:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanenglin/
Employer of CHOICE Assessment: https://corematters.com/go/choice/
Core Fit Blueprint Masterclass: https://corematters.com/masterclass/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@corefithiring
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecorematters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecorematters/
