Best way to find/ hire good fabrication help

[Bradley D]

What is the best way to find/hire good help. Thanks! I'm sure there is not just one way but looking for new ideas.

 

[Kev-O-Rama]

Citing my own experiences, Bradley, I've found that hiring those who have tangible, analog artistic skills tend to have a better eye for detail, which is great for fabrication and installation - especially if they have decent analytical skills. Of course, you'll have to remind them when to "let things go" and when to "pay attention to details", as artists can easily get bogged down with minutiae. How you find those artists? Maybe seek out job placement reps for art schools, technical schools, even universities and see if they will put the word out that you're hiring. If they're also graphic designers, then bonus!

 

[Bradley D]

Citing my own experiences, Bradley, I've found that hiring those who have tangible, analog artistic skills tend to have a better eye for detail, which is great for fabrication and installation - especially if they have decent analytical skills. Of course, you'll have to remind them when to "let things go" and when to "pay attention to details", as artists can easily get bogged down with minutiae. How you find those artists? Maybe seek out job placement reps for art schools, technical schools, even universities and see if they will put the word out that you're hiring. If they're also graphic designers, then bonus!

Thanks for your input. I've had several people recommend technical schools so I will look into that.

 

[JBurton]

Find a guy who used to repair semi trucks, lots of welding, painting, etc. Then pay them what a body shop would be paying them. We spoke with a guy at a technical school about recruiting, he said if we weren't going to pay a certified welder rate (20-30/hr), we wouldn't get any interested candidates. I lucked out with a guy that used to repair and repaint semi trucks for peterbilt.
I've also picked up several guys in a christian based recovery program, they live on a campus and get rides in if they don't have licenses. They've been the most polite, punctual, and soberist folks I've had the pleasure of working with. I've also had guys fall off that wagon, and you can't change the locks fast enough.
Indeed is great, especially if you include a pay range, say 15-25 based on experience.

 

[VizualVoice]

Here's an unusual resource - technical theatre folks, especially if they've ever built scenery. They excel at unusual projects, often have a very diverse skillset, and are quickly adaptable to new processes. Plus they understand when the "30 foot rule" is good enough or when the details actually matter.