Hiring & Training Strategies for Home Improvement Pros
Northern California, like much of the U.S., is feeling the squeeze: an aging workforce is retiring, and fewer young people are entering the trades. Nationally, the industry needs roughly 439,000 more workers this year alone. In California, construction wages are often solid, but labor shortages persist due to limited awareness and low exposure to careers in the trades.
For home improvement businesses, this shortage means slower timelines, higher labor costs, and clients waiting longer for completed projects.
Strategy #1: Tap into Pre-Apprenticeships & Local Training Programs
Consider connecting with pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in your area. Programs like Northern California Construction Training (NCCT) and ABC NorCal are training motivated young adults who are eager to enter the trades - and many of them are looking for their first opportunity.
Partnering with these organizations gives you access to reliable, entry-level talent and helps you shape them into long-term employees who grow with your company.
Strategy #2: Leverage State & Federal Incentives
California has recently expanded funding for workforce development, including tens of millions of dollars in apprenticeship grants and “earn-and-learn” programs. Contractors can benefit through subsidized training costs, wage reimbursement, and access to qualified apprentices.
Take advantage of these programs to reduce the costs of recruiting and onboarding while contributing to the long-term health of the trades.
Strategy #3: Build a Solid In-House Training Program
If you’re not ready to bring in an outside apprentice just yet, start small by building a training program within your company!
Offer regular, short training sessions for new hires on safety, materials, or client interaction.
Pair newer team members with experienced crew leaders.
Create a clear path of progression so employees know what skills to develop and what milestones lead to raises or leadership roles.
An internal training structure not only improves performance, it boosts retention.
Strategy #4: Retain Talent with Benefits & Culture
Attracting workers is only half the battle. Retaining them is where you build long-term strength.
Today’s employees care about more than just pay. They’re looking for:
Consistent schedules with flexibility when needed
Access to benefits like healthcare and PTO
A safe and respectful work environment with fair treatment
A future - clear opportunities to grow their role and income over time
When your company is known as a place people want to work, hiring gets easier—and your projects run smoother.
Strategy #5: Stay Compliant on Public Jobs
If you’re bidding on public projects, make sure you understand the rules around apprentice-to-journeyman ratios and labor requirements. In California, you must request apprentices from an approved program at least 72 hours before work begins.
Staying ahead of these requirements not only protects your business from penalties, it builds trust with clients and public agencies alike.
The Payoff: Better Projects, Lower Risk, Long-Term Growth
When you prioritize workforce development, you gain:
A more reliable team
Faster, higher-quality project delivery
A stronger company culture
Lower turnover and training costs
A reputation as an employer of choice
It’s not just about finding more people—it’s about investing in the right people and keeping them.
Contractor Action Plan
Reach out to local training programs or workforce boards
Apply for grants or apprenticeships that can offset costs
Start a small in-house training path with clear skill milestones
Improve your benefits and culture to retain great talent
Know your compliance requirements on public bids
Final Take
The labor crunch isn’t a dead end—it’s a chance to build something better. By developing your own talent pipeline and investing in people, you create a team that supports your growth for years to come.
Looking for more ways to market your services or attract top-tier clients? Contact NorCalMarketing@TheHomeMag.com or call (866) 934-6115 to get a custom media kit and learn how we help contractors grow.
