Closing the gap: How to address a skills gap in your maintenance team

What is a skills gap?

A skills gap is a mismatch between the skills required for a particular job and your workforce's current skills. When there's a skills gap, your employees don't have the skills and knowledge to do their jobs or meet customer demands.

A skills gap may involve a lack of technical skills, such as proficiency in specific software. It can also include soft skills such as communication, problem-solving or critical thinking. Additionally, the skills gap can be industry-specific, arising from technological advancements, changes in market demands, or evolving job requirements.

What are the consequences of a skills gap?

Skills gaps can make it challenging for your team to perform tasks, affecting the success of your operations. Here's how a skills gap can impact your business:

Breakdowns and asset failure: Assets may break down or fail if your team doesn't have the expertise to repair and maintain them.

Reduced productivity: When your employees don't have the right skills, it'll take them longer to complete tasks.

Increase in workplace injuries: Technicians who don't have the skills to use your equipment may injure themselves.

Reduced employee satisfaction: If your workers can't perform their tasks, they may feel unfulfilled. Low employee satisfaction may lead to more workers leaving your company, making your skills gap a bigger problem.

What are the benefits of tackling skills gaps?

Bridging skills gaps can help you reach your goals and improve productivity. Let's take a closer look at the benefits:

Increase productivity: If your technicians have the right skills, they can work faster and increase their output. Skilled workers don't have to stop to ask for advice or questions, helping to keep productivity on track.

Reduce the risk of injuries: Employees who know how to use tools and equipment are less likely to injure themselves, helping you keep employees safe.

Increase asset uptime: With the skills and knowledge to maintain and repair equipment, you can keep assets in good condition and increase uptime.

Improve your reputation: With a team of skilled technicians, you can build a reputation as a reliable business that offers quality service. A good reputation can help you attract clients and experienced employees.

A step-by-step guide to bridging a skills gap

If you're facing a skills gap but need help solving the problem, follow these steps to close the gap:

Assess the skills gap

Start by assessing your maintenance team's existing skills and identifying the areas where the skills gap exists. Determine the skills and knowledge they need to perform their tasks and compare them with their current capabilities.

Invest in training

Once you've identified the skills and knowledge your team's missing, look for training programmes to invest in to bridge the skills gap. Identify training opportunities, both internal and external, that align with the skills needed. It's crucial not to make training a one-off experience. Provide opportunities for ongoing professional development to prevent skills gaps in the future.

Start a mentorship programme

Introduce a mentorship programme where you pair experienced technicians with less-experienced team members. Skilled workers can provide guidance, support and share their knowledge. Mentoring allows mentors to not only provide technical skills training but to help mentees develop soft skills too.

Embrace technology and automation

Technology and automation tools can help you address your skills gap. You can use a solution like Asset Management Software to reduce your reliance on manual labour. You can automate tasks your technicians don’t know how to do so they can focus on jobs they can do. You can also use technology to support your team. With Asset Management Software, your workers can access job information on-site via a mobile app. For example, they can access digital job cards and locate the assets they need to repair. They can also upload photos of their work and attach checklists or other documents.

Review performance and provide feedback

Assess each employee's performance to determine the effectiveness of your training programmes. Use your assessment to provide constructive feedback and to identify areas of improvement. Ongoing feedback keeps skills development on track.

Recruit new employees

If you can't close the skills gap, consider hiring extra staff. Look for candidates with the skills and qualifications you need to close the gap. And to attract skilled professionals, offer competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth. If you need help with recruitment, consider partnering with a recruitment agency with the resources to help you find suitable candidates.

Foster a culture of continuous learning

Cultivating a culture of continuous learning shows employees that you believe they're a worthwhile investment. Besides providing training, encourage your team to stay updated with industry trends. Reward and recognise employees who pursue self-improvement to inspire everyone to do the same.

Are you looking for a tool you can use to support your maintenance staff? Try our Asset Management Software for free to see if our software is the right solution for you and your team.

Sign up for your 14-day free trial, or contact us to book an online demo.