Struggling to Find Skilled Welders in Devon
Discussion
Dynion Araf Uchaf said:
is welding difficult then?
for £13 an hour, it's a bit of a noddy skill?
surely it's no harder to weld something magnificent, so why would it be £30 an hour for welding the forth road bridge?
It can be both.for £13 an hour, it's a bit of a noddy skill?
surely it's no harder to weld something magnificent, so why would it be £30 an hour for welding the forth road bridge?
If I asked you to weld a handle onto a frying pan 100 times a day.... (hypothetical example), I could teach anyone how to do this in less than an hour.
BGARK said:
I appreciate the dialogue surrounding the starting wage at our company. Compensation is a complex issue, and I'd like to take this opportunity to clarify our stance and philosophy.
Firstly, our starting wage is just that—a starting point. We designed it to be a platform for those who are willing to learn, show a positive attitude, and grow with us. Our approach to compensation is flexible, rewarding those who add exceptional value to our operations.
It's also worth noting that we are not solely a welding company. We operate CNC machining centres and engage in various other engineering processes. We are in the business of continually adapting and re-inventing ourselves, designing new products and finding innovative solutions to complex challenges.
In fact, our export business is growing. This is a positive story. We are on a journey to create a company that not only thrives in today's market but sets the standard for future manufacturing environments. The future may look different—it might involve fewer people earning higher wages and working alongside cobots or automated welding stations, for example—but it's a future we're excited about.
As for expertise, we welcome anyone who believes they can bring something extraordinary to the table. If you think you understand the bigger picture and can contribute to our collective goals, then please, send me a business proposal and name your wage requirements. Perhaps you deserve that extra compensation; who knows?
For some personal context, I started this business in a shed with my dad 20 years ago. I come from a council house in a s
tty part of the UK. We moved across the country, and 12 people took that leap of faith with us. They didn't do this solely for the wages. There's more to life. We have a strong, happy community here, and our team enjoys a clean, safe work environment. And we've also built a great zombie apocalypse team!
My son would potentially be interestedFirstly, our starting wage is just that—a starting point. We designed it to be a platform for those who are willing to learn, show a positive attitude, and grow with us. Our approach to compensation is flexible, rewarding those who add exceptional value to our operations.
It's also worth noting that we are not solely a welding company. We operate CNC machining centres and engage in various other engineering processes. We are in the business of continually adapting and re-inventing ourselves, designing new products and finding innovative solutions to complex challenges.
In fact, our export business is growing. This is a positive story. We are on a journey to create a company that not only thrives in today's market but sets the standard for future manufacturing environments. The future may look different—it might involve fewer people earning higher wages and working alongside cobots or automated welding stations, for example—but it's a future we're excited about.
As for expertise, we welcome anyone who believes they can bring something extraordinary to the table. If you think you understand the bigger picture and can contribute to our collective goals, then please, send me a business proposal and name your wage requirements. Perhaps you deserve that extra compensation; who knows?
For some personal context, I started this business in a shed with my dad 20 years ago. I come from a council house in a s
tty part of the UK. We moved across the country, and 12 people took that leap of faith with us. They didn't do this solely for the wages. There's more to life. We have a strong, happy community here, and our team enjoys a clean, safe work environment. And we've also built a great zombie apocalypse team!
BGARK said:
.
Firstly, our starting wage is just that—a starting point. We designed it to be a platform for those who are willing to learn, show a positive attitude, and grow with us. Our approach to compensation is flexible, rewarding those who add exceptional value to our operations.
You're going to have to push that really hard with firm commitments, because it sounds like a basic salary + "commission" which isn't normal in skilled trade roles.Firstly, our starting wage is just that—a starting point. We designed it to be a platform for those who are willing to learn, show a positive attitude, and grow with us. Our approach to compensation is flexible, rewarding those who add exceptional value to our operations.
Is there a bonus structure? How often are pay reviews? Can you provide an example of recent bonus awards and rises?
Those are all rhetorical in this context, but if you want to sell the idea then you really have to sell it.
BGARK said:
.
As for expertise, we welcome anyone who believes they can bring something extraordinary to the table. If you think you understand the bigger picture and can contribute to our collective goals, then please, send me a business proposal and name your wage requirements. Perhaps you deserve that extra compensation; who knows?
I'm not sure why you think extraordinary would apply for a less than ordinary pay? How do you prove to them that there are rewards to be had and it's not an empty promise?As for expertise, we welcome anyone who believes they can bring something extraordinary to the table. If you think you understand the bigger picture and can contribute to our collective goals, then please, send me a business proposal and name your wage requirements. Perhaps you deserve that extra compensation; who knows?
I have to be honest, the prospect of moving across the county to get a job paying £13 an hour with the promise that it might increase if you feel like it doesn't have a massive amount of appeal.
If you are trying to recruit people from outside Devon to the area because you can't find locals to do the work, then they will want more than a promise of "jam tomorrow" if they are going to drag a family along with them
If you are trying to recruit people from outside Devon to the area because you can't find locals to do the work, then they will want more than a promise of "jam tomorrow" if they are going to drag a family along with them
From Humble Beginnings to Continuous Growth
Twenty years ago, we set our foundation in a small shed, wrenches in hand and dreams aplenty. It was my dad and me, navigating a path through a complex world of engineering. Our starting wage back then was what we could afford, a humble sum but a starting point, nonetheless. Fast forward to today, and we've built an environment where a starting wage is not a lifelong sentence but an invitation to climb the ladder.
Beyond Welding: A Diverse Ecosystem
While welding was our cornerstone, it was never our boundary. We ventured into CNC machining, product design, and automation. And why limit ourselves? Diversity is not just our strength; it's our survival mechanism in a rapidly evolving market.
The Global Footprint
What began as a local enterprise has crossed borders, shipping expertly crafted products to global clients. Our exports are on the rise, a testimony to our commitment to quality, agility, and forward-thinking. This isn't just a bullet point in our annual report; it's a promise for a sustainable future.
Visualizing the Workplace of Tomorrow
Let's paint a picture: Imagine fewer people but higher wages, the room filled with the humming sound of machinery and the dexterous moves of cobots. Automated welding stations replace manual ones, not to eliminate jobs but to create new, higher-skilled ones. That's the future we're steering towards, a vision embellished with technology and efficiency.
An Open Invitation to Talent
We don't keep the doors closed to fresh perspectives. If you feel you can bring something extraordinary to our table, send us a proposal. Let's put a figure to your worth. The right talent deserves the right compensation, no debate on that.
A Life Beyond Wages
Money isn't the end game; it's part of a larger equation that includes job satisfaction, growth, and quality of life. We are more than a paycheck factory; we are a community. We've cultivated an environment that’s not just about earning but also about learning and growing. Oh, and did I mention we have a great zombie apocalypse team as well?
AI's Role in our Dialogue
This response might come as a surprise, but it's penned with the assistance of AI. Technology is among the tools making us more efficient, streamlining our operations, and allowing us to focus on innovation. So, take that as you will.
Twenty years ago, we set our foundation in a small shed, wrenches in hand and dreams aplenty. It was my dad and me, navigating a path through a complex world of engineering. Our starting wage back then was what we could afford, a humble sum but a starting point, nonetheless. Fast forward to today, and we've built an environment where a starting wage is not a lifelong sentence but an invitation to climb the ladder.
Beyond Welding: A Diverse Ecosystem
While welding was our cornerstone, it was never our boundary. We ventured into CNC machining, product design, and automation. And why limit ourselves? Diversity is not just our strength; it's our survival mechanism in a rapidly evolving market.
The Global Footprint
What began as a local enterprise has crossed borders, shipping expertly crafted products to global clients. Our exports are on the rise, a testimony to our commitment to quality, agility, and forward-thinking. This isn't just a bullet point in our annual report; it's a promise for a sustainable future.
Visualizing the Workplace of Tomorrow
Let's paint a picture: Imagine fewer people but higher wages, the room filled with the humming sound of machinery and the dexterous moves of cobots. Automated welding stations replace manual ones, not to eliminate jobs but to create new, higher-skilled ones. That's the future we're steering towards, a vision embellished with technology and efficiency.
An Open Invitation to Talent
We don't keep the doors closed to fresh perspectives. If you feel you can bring something extraordinary to our table, send us a proposal. Let's put a figure to your worth. The right talent deserves the right compensation, no debate on that.
A Life Beyond Wages
Money isn't the end game; it's part of a larger equation that includes job satisfaction, growth, and quality of life. We are more than a paycheck factory; we are a community. We've cultivated an environment that’s not just about earning but also about learning and growing. Oh, and did I mention we have a great zombie apocalypse team as well?
AI's Role in our Dialogue
This response might come as a surprise, but it's penned with the assistance of AI. Technology is among the tools making us more efficient, streamlining our operations, and allowing us to focus on innovation. So, take that as you will.
BGARK said:
I would gladly coach any youngster willing to learn who could get out of bed in the morning.
You can't get skilled, semi-skilled, or youngsters out of their bed to come work for you. Edited by BGARK on Wednesday 18th October 16:30
On the face of it it looks like the poor wages are an issue, but are you sure something else isn't making you an unattractive employer?
BGARK said:
From Humble Beginnings to Continuous Growth
Twenty years ago, we set our foundation in a small shed, wrenches in hand and dreams aplenty. It was my dad and me, navigating a path through a complex world of engineering. Our starting wage back then was what we could afford, a humble sum but a starting point, nonetheless. Fast forward to today, and we've built an environment where a starting wage is not a lifelong sentence but an invitation to climb the ladder.
Beyond Welding: A Diverse Ecosystem
While welding was our cornerstone, it was never our boundary. We ventured into CNC machining, product design, and automation. And why limit ourselves? Diversity is not just our strength; it's our survival mechanism in a rapidly evolving market.
The Global Footprint
What began as a local enterprise has crossed borders, shipping expertly crafted products to global clients. Our exports are on the rise, a testimony to our commitment to quality, agility, and forward-thinking. This isn't just a bullet point in our annual report; it's a promise for a sustainable future.
Visualizing the Workplace of Tomorrow
Let's paint a picture: Imagine fewer people but higher wages, the room filled with the humming sound of machinery and the dexterous moves of cobots. Automated welding stations replace manual ones, not to eliminate jobs but to create new, higher-skilled ones. That's the future we're steering towards, a vision embellished with technology and efficiency.
An Open Invitation to Talent
We don't keep the doors closed to fresh perspectives. If you feel you can bring something extraordinary to our table, send us a proposal. Let's put a figure to your worth. The right talent deserves the right compensation, no debate on that.
A Life Beyond Wages
Money isn't the end game; it's part of a larger equation that includes job satisfaction, growth, and quality of life. We are more than a paycheck factory; we are a community. We've cultivated an environment that’s not just about earning but also about learning and growing. Oh, and did I mention we have a great zombie apocalypse team as well?
AI's Role in our Dialogue
This response might come as a surprise, but it's penned with the assistance of AI. Technology is among the tools making us more efficient, streamlining our operations, and allowing us to focus on innovation. So, take that as you will.
So out of interest what is your most experienced welder on now?Twenty years ago, we set our foundation in a small shed, wrenches in hand and dreams aplenty. It was my dad and me, navigating a path through a complex world of engineering. Our starting wage back then was what we could afford, a humble sum but a starting point, nonetheless. Fast forward to today, and we've built an environment where a starting wage is not a lifelong sentence but an invitation to climb the ladder.
Beyond Welding: A Diverse Ecosystem
While welding was our cornerstone, it was never our boundary. We ventured into CNC machining, product design, and automation. And why limit ourselves? Diversity is not just our strength; it's our survival mechanism in a rapidly evolving market.
The Global Footprint
What began as a local enterprise has crossed borders, shipping expertly crafted products to global clients. Our exports are on the rise, a testimony to our commitment to quality, agility, and forward-thinking. This isn't just a bullet point in our annual report; it's a promise for a sustainable future.
Visualizing the Workplace of Tomorrow
Let's paint a picture: Imagine fewer people but higher wages, the room filled with the humming sound of machinery and the dexterous moves of cobots. Automated welding stations replace manual ones, not to eliminate jobs but to create new, higher-skilled ones. That's the future we're steering towards, a vision embellished with technology and efficiency.
An Open Invitation to Talent
We don't keep the doors closed to fresh perspectives. If you feel you can bring something extraordinary to our table, send us a proposal. Let's put a figure to your worth. The right talent deserves the right compensation, no debate on that.
A Life Beyond Wages
Money isn't the end game; it's part of a larger equation that includes job satisfaction, growth, and quality of life. We are more than a paycheck factory; we are a community. We've cultivated an environment that’s not just about earning but also about learning and growing. Oh, and did I mention we have a great zombie apocalypse team as well?
AI's Role in our Dialogue
This response might come as a surprise, but it's penned with the assistance of AI. Technology is among the tools making us more efficient, streamlining our operations, and allowing us to focus on innovation. So, take that as you will.
Not meaning to make this sound like an echo chamber, but £13/hr in 2023 isn't really cutting it- Aldi offer £11.40 going up to £12.30/hr just for a basic role, and some warehouse jobs will be higher still (without nights and overtime).
It might work in Middlesborough or the Valleys, but not in Devon. I hear what you're saying about it being the "start", but I'd still be wondering (if I was a potential applicant) if I want to bring skills and experience for £26k, especially considering current cost of living issues. I think someone in that position would be wanting a minimum of £30k really. ONS stats say the average UK salary is about £32k, so you'd hope a good welder would be making that!
That is a good point above- what do your most skilled/best paid welders make?
It might work in Middlesborough or the Valleys, but not in Devon. I hear what you're saying about it being the "start", but I'd still be wondering (if I was a potential applicant) if I want to bring skills and experience for £26k, especially considering current cost of living issues. I think someone in that position would be wanting a minimum of £30k really. ONS stats say the average UK salary is about £32k, so you'd hope a good welder would be making that!
That is a good point above- what do your most skilled/best paid welders make?
BGARK said:
From Humble Beginnings to Continuous Growth
Twenty years ago, we set our foundation in a small shed, wrenches in hand and dreams aplenty. It was my dad and me, navigating a path through a complex world of engineering. Our starting wage back then was what we could afford, a humble sum but a starting point, nonetheless. Fast forward to today, and we've built an environment where a starting wage is not a lifelong sentence but an invitation to climb the ladder.
Beyond Welding: A Diverse Ecosystem
While welding was our cornerstone, it was never our boundary. We ventured into CNC machining, product design, and automation. And why limit ourselves? Diversity is not just our strength; it's our survival mechanism in a rapidly evolving market.
The Global Footprint
What began as a local enterprise has crossed borders, shipping expertly crafted products to global clients. Our exports are on the rise, a testimony to our commitment to quality, agility, and forward-thinking. This isn't just a bullet point in our annual report; it's a promise for a sustainable future.
Visualizing the Workplace of Tomorrow
Let's paint a picture: Imagine fewer people but higher wages, the room filled with the humming sound of machinery and the dexterous moves of cobots. Automated welding stations replace manual ones, not to eliminate jobs but to create new, higher-skilled ones. That's the future we're steering towards, a vision embellished with technology and efficiency.
An Open Invitation to Talent
We don't keep the doors closed to fresh perspectives. If you feel you can bring something extraordinary to our table, send us a proposal. Let's put a figure to your worth. The right talent deserves the right compensation, no debate on that.
A Life Beyond Wages
Money isn't the end game; it's part of a larger equation that includes job satisfaction, growth, and quality of life. We are more than a paycheck factory; we are a community. We've cultivated an environment that’s not just about earning but also about learning and growing. Oh, and did I mention we have a great zombie apocalypse team as well?
AI's Role in our Dialogue
This response might come as a surprise, but it's penned with the assistance of AI. Technology is among the tools making us more efficient, streamlining our operations, and allowing us to focus on innovation. So, take that as you will.
Did AI write this?Twenty years ago, we set our foundation in a small shed, wrenches in hand and dreams aplenty. It was my dad and me, navigating a path through a complex world of engineering. Our starting wage back then was what we could afford, a humble sum but a starting point, nonetheless. Fast forward to today, and we've built an environment where a starting wage is not a lifelong sentence but an invitation to climb the ladder.
Beyond Welding: A Diverse Ecosystem
While welding was our cornerstone, it was never our boundary. We ventured into CNC machining, product design, and automation. And why limit ourselves? Diversity is not just our strength; it's our survival mechanism in a rapidly evolving market.
The Global Footprint
What began as a local enterprise has crossed borders, shipping expertly crafted products to global clients. Our exports are on the rise, a testimony to our commitment to quality, agility, and forward-thinking. This isn't just a bullet point in our annual report; it's a promise for a sustainable future.
Visualizing the Workplace of Tomorrow
Let's paint a picture: Imagine fewer people but higher wages, the room filled with the humming sound of machinery and the dexterous moves of cobots. Automated welding stations replace manual ones, not to eliminate jobs but to create new, higher-skilled ones. That's the future we're steering towards, a vision embellished with technology and efficiency.
An Open Invitation to Talent
We don't keep the doors closed to fresh perspectives. If you feel you can bring something extraordinary to our table, send us a proposal. Let's put a figure to your worth. The right talent deserves the right compensation, no debate on that.
A Life Beyond Wages
Money isn't the end game; it's part of a larger equation that includes job satisfaction, growth, and quality of life. We are more than a paycheck factory; we are a community. We've cultivated an environment that’s not just about earning but also about learning and growing. Oh, and did I mention we have a great zombie apocalypse team as well?
AI's Role in our Dialogue
This response might come as a surprise, but it's penned with the assistance of AI. Technology is among the tools making us more efficient, streamlining our operations, and allowing us to focus on innovation. So, take that as you will.
BGARK said:
I appreciate the dialogue surrounding the starting wage at our company. Compensation is a complex issue, and I'd like to take this opportunity to clarify our stance and philosophy.
Firstly, our starting wage is just that—a starting point. We designed it to be a platform for those who are willing to learn, show a positive attitude, and grow with us. Our approach to compensation is flexible, rewarding those who add exceptional value to our operations.
It's also worth noting that we are not solely a welding company. We operate CNC machining centres and engage in various other engineering processes. We are in the business of continually adapting and re-inventing ourselves, designing new products and finding innovative solutions to complex challenges.
In fact, our export business is growing. This is a positive story. We are on a journey to create a company that not only thrives in today's market but sets the standard for future manufacturing environments. The future may look different—it might involve fewer people earning higher wages and working alongside cobots or automated welding stations, for example—but it's a future we're excited about.
As for expertise, we welcome anyone who believes they can bring something extraordinary to the table. If you think you understand the bigger picture and can contribute to our collective goals, then please, send me a business proposal and name your wage requirements. Perhaps you deserve that extra compensation; who knows?
For some personal context, I started this business in a shed with my dad 20 years ago. I come from a council house in a stty part of the UK. We moved across the country, and 12 people took that leap of faith with us. They didn't do this solely for the wages. There's more to life. We have a strong, happy community here, and our team enjoys a clean, safe work environment. And we've also built a great zombie apocalypse team!
That's all very nice, but if you want someone to bring "extraordinary" to you, you need to be offering them something extraordinary too.Firstly, our starting wage is just that—a starting point. We designed it to be a platform for those who are willing to learn, show a positive attitude, and grow with us. Our approach to compensation is flexible, rewarding those who add exceptional value to our operations.
It's also worth noting that we are not solely a welding company. We operate CNC machining centres and engage in various other engineering processes. We are in the business of continually adapting and re-inventing ourselves, designing new products and finding innovative solutions to complex challenges.
In fact, our export business is growing. This is a positive story. We are on a journey to create a company that not only thrives in today's market but sets the standard for future manufacturing environments. The future may look different—it might involve fewer people earning higher wages and working alongside cobots or automated welding stations, for example—but it's a future we're excited about.
As for expertise, we welcome anyone who believes they can bring something extraordinary to the table. If you think you understand the bigger picture and can contribute to our collective goals, then please, send me a business proposal and name your wage requirements. Perhaps you deserve that extra compensation; who knows?
For some personal context, I started this business in a shed with my dad 20 years ago. I come from a council house in a s
tty part of the UK. We moved across the country, and 12 people took that leap of faith with us. They didn't do this solely for the wages. There's more to life. We have a strong, happy community here, and our team enjoys a clean, safe work environment. And we've also built a great zombie apocalypse team!The proof is in the pudding. Your philosophy doesn't attract people. You can't hire. You need to change your offer.
I'm afraid the "offer them bugger all, but opportunities to prove themselves" approach puts all the risk on their shoulders and none on yours. Why on earth would you expect anyone vaguely useful to be attracted by that?
So here's a slightly different view from all the £13 an hour 'aint enough echo chamber.
Maybe it isn't enough, but maybe people need to take a wider consideration of what's important in life and what isn't. I'm not saying a welding position in Devon is the be all and end all, but there's more than one consideration on work.
I took a decent pay cut to work in a company I liked the look of. Within a few years my salary was higher than previously, and I was travelling the world fixing big machines - a job that I really loved. As I say, sometimes it about more than just a headline figure.
To me the company sounds interesting, and interesting work is sometimes hard to find. And from the writing, it sounds like an open environment for moving into things other than welding if you are so blessed.
And if I really thought that I could offer something a bit special, maybe an application, and a strong haggle on the wages front would produce a sensible outcome.
Work with the OP, or stacking shelves in Lidl. Come on guys, would you really stack shelves?
Anyway, for the record, I'm an engineer, spent 25 years being one, hated 10 of those years, and now a run a workshop fixing cars, and I love it. Make of that what you will (And I can weld).
Maybe it isn't enough, but maybe people need to take a wider consideration of what's important in life and what isn't. I'm not saying a welding position in Devon is the be all and end all, but there's more than one consideration on work.
I took a decent pay cut to work in a company I liked the look of. Within a few years my salary was higher than previously, and I was travelling the world fixing big machines - a job that I really loved. As I say, sometimes it about more than just a headline figure.
To me the company sounds interesting, and interesting work is sometimes hard to find. And from the writing, it sounds like an open environment for moving into things other than welding if you are so blessed.
And if I really thought that I could offer something a bit special, maybe an application, and a strong haggle on the wages front would produce a sensible outcome.
Work with the OP, or stacking shelves in Lidl. Come on guys, would you really stack shelves?
Anyway, for the record, I'm an engineer, spent 25 years being one, hated 10 of those years, and now a run a workshop fixing cars, and I love it. Make of that what you will (And I can weld).
Respectfully both of those longer BGARK posts read like marketing speak, not something to attract decent staff.
Until you are on decent liveable money all that guff about team and 'community' is irrelevant, so they won't give a fk about it. They care about feeding themselves and their loved ones, £13 is wayyy to low to be moving for.
I'd genuinely see if you can retrain any existiqng staff, or take one 5-8 young apprentices, knowing that 80% will be ste.
Until you are on decent liveable money all that guff about team and 'community' is irrelevant, so they won't give a f
k about it. They care about feeding themselves and their loved ones, £13 is wayyy to low to be moving for.I'd genuinely see if you can retrain any existiqng staff, or take one 5-8 young apprentices, knowing that 80% will be s
te.GiantEnemyCrab said:
Respectfully both of those longer BGARK posts read like marketing speak, not something to attract decent staff.
Until you are on decent liveable money all that guff about team and 'community' is irrelevant, so they won't give a fk about it. They care about feeding themselves and their loved ones, £13 is wayyy to low to be moving for.
I'd genuinely see if you can retrain any existiqng staff, or take one 5-8 young apprentices, knowing that 80% will be ste.
This is hard work..Until you are on decent liveable money all that guff about team and 'community' is irrelevant, so they won't give a f
k about it. They care about feeding themselves and their loved ones, £13 is wayyy to low to be moving for.I'd genuinely see if you can retrain any existiqng staff, or take one 5-8 young apprentices, knowing that 80% will be s
te.£13 is the minimum. There is no limit, unlike a large company that have pay scales that never move. After 6 months they could be on £15 it totally depends on the person and what they bring to the table.
If your ambition is solely the next pay check, I don't want them here. Its worked ok so far.
Existing staff have not left and are happy, or they would work elsewhere £50 an hour, maybe?
This is a conversation and I am taking a balanced approach. I agree with a lot of what has been said.
The conclusion is less people on better wages, plus Automation and AI.
Watch this space in a year or 2, is your job genuinely safe or could you be pushing yourself out of the labour market?
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