What's Happening?
The facilities management industry is experiencing a significant talent shortage, prompting industry leaders to explore new recruitment strategies. According to a discussion in the Facilities in Focus podcast, hosted by Mackenna Moralez, the industry is considering reaching out to students as early as middle and high school to raise awareness about careers in facilities management. Caroline Horton, who holds a master’s degree in facilities management, emphasized the importance of early outreach to ensure students are aware of the career path. Horton suggests that if students are not informed about facilities management, they cannot consider it as a viable career option. The podcast aims to provide facility managers with innovative ideas for talent development
and to strengthen the pipeline for the next generation of professionals.
Why It's Important?
The shortage of skilled professionals in facilities management poses a challenge for the industry, which is crucial for maintaining and operating buildings efficiently. By targeting younger students, the industry hopes to cultivate interest and awareness early on, potentially leading to a more robust workforce in the future. This approach could help fill the gap in skilled labor and ensure that facilities management continues to evolve with new talent. The initiative also highlights the need for industries to adapt their recruitment strategies to meet changing workforce dynamics and to secure a steady influx of qualified professionals.
What's Next?
The Facilities in Focus podcast plans to continue exploring topics related to safety and security in its upcoming fourth season, with new episodes set to premiere in February. This ongoing dialogue aims to keep industry professionals informed and engaged with current trends and challenges. Additionally, facility managers are encouraged to collaborate with local schools to implement outreach programs that can introduce students to the field of facilities management. These efforts are expected to gradually build a more informed and interested pool of future professionals.
