The world of EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects is a complex one, rife with challenges but also brimming with opportunity. McKinsey & Company estimates that $130 trillion will be spent in the coming decades to decarbonize the global economy and renew critical infrastructure. These mammoth project undertakings, often valued at over $1 billion, demand a unique approach to staffing to ensure successful execution. On average, these projects exceed their budget and timeline by 30 to 45%, according to McKinsey.
EPC projects are complex and require the management of several partner organizations and resources. The complexity and challenges of these mega projects can often lead to cost and schedule overruns. Challenges from cash flow, to supply chain delays, to compliance and regulations issues, to labor shortages can arise during these project lifecycles.
The EPC Project Roller Coaster
EPC projects are notorious for their fluctuating workloads. The initial stages focus on design and engineering, requiring a different specialized company and skill set than the later construction and commissioning phases. Traditionally, companies have struggled to maintain a steady stream of qualified personnel throughout the project lifecycle, making labor shortages one of the biggest problems in the construction industry and EPC projects. Staffing struggles often lead to inefficiencies, delays, and potentially project and timeline overruns or project failure.
Shortage of Skilled Labor
The shortage of a skilled workforce poses a significant challenge in the construction industry today, exacerbated by a declining interest among young individuals and an aging workforce nearing retirement. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a staggering 501,000 additional workers are needed in the U.S. in 2024 alone to meet labor demands. This shortage transcends borders and continents. While some efforts have been made to address this issue on a larger scale, EPC contractors can also take steps to alleviate its impact within their own operations.
Bridging the Gap: Mentorship and Staffing Solutions
The skilled labor shortage demands creative solutions. Two powerful approaches to consider are mentorship programs and partnering with a construction staffing agency.
Mentorship: Investing in the Future
Mentorship programs act as a powerful incubator for your future workforce. They provide inexperienced students and recent college graduates with invaluable hands-on experience and guidance.
Imagine a recent engineering graduate paired with a seasoned project manager. The graduate gains practical knowledge about project timelines, budgeting, and navigating complex client relationships. They learn not just from textbooks, but from the real-world expertise of a mentor who has been in the trenches. This not only accelerates their skill development, but also fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment to your company.
The benefits extend far beyond the mentee’s. Existing skilled workers can benefit too, as mentors refine their leadership abilities and stay current with industry trends. This two-pronged approach expands your talent pool by creating a pipeline of qualified future employees.
Staffing Agencies: Accessing Expertise When You Need It
A specialized industrial construction staffing agency can provide the right people for the job. They handle the heavy lifting of recruitment and pre-screening, saving you valuable time and resources. This allows you to access a wider pool of qualified workers exactly when you need them, creating a flexible workforce and ensuring your projects have the expertise needed to succeed.
A qualified construction staffing agency can provide support to create a strategic staffing plan for your project, supplying both skilled craftworkers and consultant support for contractors of mega EPC projects.
Creating a Flexible Workforce
By combining mentorship programs with staffing agencies, you can build a workforce that adapts to your project needs. Mentorship fosters a pipeline of talent, ensuring a steady stream of qualified workers for future projects. Meanwhile, staffing agencies provide immediate access to skilled professionals to tackle demanding projects or staff fluctuations. This combined approach creates a dynamic workforce that can scale up or down based on project demands, enabling you to take on more opportunities and meet client deadlines consistently.
By leveraging a construction staffing agency and integrating contingent employees into your workforce, EPC companies and partner companies can enjoy a number of benefits, including:
- Rapid Deployment: When faced with unexpected project surges or tight deadlines, staffing agencies can quickly identify and deploy qualified workers, minimizing delays and keeping your project on track.
- Reduced Costs: Staffing agencies can help EPC companies and contractors avoid the high costs associated with recruiting, training, and maintaining a permanent workforce. In addition, you only pay for the labor you need, eliminating the overhead costs associated with full-time employees during project lulls.
- Specialized Skills: Staffing agencies have access to a wider range of specialized skills than you might be able to find on your own. Need a welder certified in a specific technique, or an engineer with experience in a particular niche? A staffing agency can connect you with the right person for the job.
- Increased Efficiency: With the right people in place at the right time, EPC projects can experience improved efficiency and productivity.
- Reduced Risk: Staffing agencies can help mitigate project risk by providing qualified and experienced personnel who are familiar with project requirements. In addition, some staffing companies are the Employer of Record (EOR) for employees placed, also reducing risk to companies who hire contingent employees.
Unlocking Success Through Strategic Staffing with a Construction Staffing Agency
Mega EPC projects require meticulous planning, flawless execution, and a highly skilled workforce. Staffing agencies, like APS Solutions, offer a solution to overcome labor shortages and fluctuating workloads often associated with these projects. We provide rapid access to qualified, experienced personnel, reduce costs, and ensure access to specialized skills.
With over 25 years of experience, APS Solutions supports companies in navigating the complexities of EPC staffing. We deliver the perfect match for project needs, from skilled craftspeople to expert consultants, across power, energy, process plants, and heavy industrial sectors. Safety is paramount, and all our employees undergo rigorous screening.
Safety First, Success Always
At APS, safety is our top priority. We hold NCCER accreditation, and all our employees are OSHA trained for the highest safety standards on your project site. Our dedicated employee care team fosters a positive employee relationships, minimizing turnover and keeping your project running smoothly.
We understand the importance of workforce continuity, providing reliable labor solutions across the U.S., its territories, and internationally. From skilled craftworkers to technical specialists, site administrators, and project management personnel, we cater to your specific needs throughout all project phases.
Whether you require long-term or short-term staffing, our meticulous screening process ensures only the highest-quality personnel join your team. Partner with APS Solutions, and transform your EPC project vision into a resounding success.
Get started today with APS Solutions
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