The Art of Onboarding: Laying the Groundwork Before Shadowing
Starting a new job in the trades can be pretty nerve-wracking, especially if you’re thrown straight into shadowing a pro without much background. I’ve been there myself, and recently, this topic came up again at a networking event I attended in Tempe, AZ, called BuildHERS. This event was all about supporting women in construction and the trades, and I ended up having a great conversation with a group of talented women about the challenges their companies face when training new workers through shadowing. It was clear that many of us have seen firsthand how good onboarding can make or break someone’s first months on the job.
The Challenges of Jumping Straight into Shadowing
Picture this: you’ve just joined a construction team with little or no experience. Day one, they tell you to shadow a seasoned worker. You’re expected to watch, absorb, and maybe even help out a bit. But if you don’t have any foundation to work from—like a rundown of essential tools, safety basics, or common terms—you might feel lost, unsure of what you’re even looking at. This can be overwhelming and doesn’t set anyone up to succeed.
Why Shadowing Alone Isn’t Enough
Shadowing itself is an incredible way to learn. Seeing how an experienced worker tackles a tricky installation or solves a job-site issue is something you won’t find in a manual. But without some basic knowledge beforehand, shadowing can feel like trying to read a map without knowing what the symbols mean. You see the big picture, but it’s hard to know where to focus.
The Value of a “Primer” Before Shadowing
A better approach? Start with a basic overview—let’s call it a “primer”—before throwing new hires into the mix. This primer should cover things like core responsibilities, essential tools, safety guidelines, and basic industry terms. Think of it as giving someone a toolbox and explaining what each tool does before they watch a pro use it on the job.
Take drywalling, for example. Before shadowing, a new hire should understand the key steps involved, like cutting, taping, and mudding. When they have that groundwork, shadowing becomes more meaningful because they can recognize each part of the process, ask better questions, and remember critical steps more easily.
How Effective Onboarding Improves Productivity and Retention
Research shows that companies with structured onboarding programs can boost new hire productivity by up to 50%. This means that by giving new employees the tools and knowledge they need upfront, they’re much more effective on the job right from the start.
On the other hand, inadequate onboarding can lead to high turnover. Around 64% of employees are more likely to leave a job within the first year if they have a negative onboarding experience. That’s a lot of potential talent lost simply because new hires weren’t given the proper foundation to succeed.
Creating Confident, Engaged New Hires
This two-step approach—starting with a primer and then moving into shadowing—also helps new hires feel more confident and engaged. They’re not just watching and hoping it’ll make sense; they’re actively learning because they know enough to follow along and ask good questions.
Companies that invest in this approach often see quicker learning curves, less turnover, and a more engaged workforce. In the end, this thoughtful onboarding doesn’t just help new hires; it strengthens the whole team by setting everyone up for success.
Ready to Transform Your Onboarding Process?
If you’re looking to create a more effective and scalable onboarding program, we’d love to help. Set up a free consultation with us to explore strategies for building a stronger, more engaged workforce from day one. Let’s work together to set up your team for success. Contact Us Today.
