The Lighting Industry: A Crazy Place to Find Recruits!
In many industries, companies can connect with local universities to help find new recruits, matching their business with a complimentary degree program. But where do companies find good candidates to work in the lighting industry?
Well, that is a loaded question, isn’t it? The lighting industry is so vast and encompasses so many different components that there isn’t a great answer to this question. Having worked in the lighting industry for 20+ years, I have come across such a variety of backgrounds that, even if you hire someone from within the lighting industry to work for your lighting company, there is no guarantee they’ll have exactly the right background for that specific position. Let’s take a look:
Many lighting designers study architecture, interior design, or, potentially lighting design (at a handful of colleges). Others come from theatrical lighting backgrounds, where they may have illuminated concerts and shows. I once knew a lighting designer who had a degree in ocean engineering and marine biology… how he got into lighting is a bit of a mystery.
Product developers for lighting manufacturers may have studied electrical engineering, or quite possibly worked as electricians. But industrial design is another great fit, learning how to develop manufactured products such as hair dryers, blenders, and – yes – luminaires.
Sales people for rep agencies and manufacturers in the lighting industry may have studied any one of the fields listed above, or perhaps have a business degree. And since sales is a transferrable skill, so a great sales person in the lighting industry may have sold cars or office equipment in his or her previous job.
The great news is that the talent pool for the lighting industry is diverse and interesting. The bad news? Well, it can be difficult to get new hires up to speed on industry lingo and fundamentals.
To make your newly hired candidates into successful long-term employees, you’ll need great training. The local IES chapter is a great place to find this, but their fundamentals class is typically only offered once a year. The better solution might be to create your own customized eTraining course to get your employees up to speed faster. eTraining is consistent from one employee to the next, available 24/7/365, doesn’t incur travel costs for the employees or the trainer, and it’s eco-friendly. eTraining, done correctly, is also interactive and fun!
If you’re a company in the lighting industry, consider a custom tailored eTraining to help your new hires acclimate to this interesting and ever-changing field. We can help! www.HCeTrainings.com
