As a headhunter
In recruitment, RJ places a strategic emphasis on industrial construction, including specialized projects in sectors of oil and gas, power plants, generators, warehouses, chemicals, and equipment installations. Recognizing the special skill set required for these positions, RJ as a headhunter prioritizes individuals with a proven track record of successful outcomes within the industrial construction sector. This targeted approach proves Urian’s commitment to ensuring that the recruited professionals not only possess the required skills but also bring a wealth of industry-specific knowledge to the table.
What companies are looking for in candidates
As construction projects become increasingly sophisticated, companies recognize the value of having a workforce equipped with the right blend of specialized knowledge and technological prowess. Firstly, companies are on the lookout for individuals with specialized skills, particularly those with experience in viaducts, bridges, and the broader built environment.
This is where a headhunter comes in. In his interview, RJ highlights the growing importance of construction technology skills. Companies are now placing a premium on individuals well-versed in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Automation. As construction methodologies evolve, proficiency in these technologies not only enhances efficiency but also aligns with the industry’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
Trends and challenges
What are the current trends and challenges shaping the industry in 2024? For RJ, there’s a continuous upward trajectory in construction, ushering in new projects slated for 2024. Picture this – roads weaving seamlessly, railways expanding their reach, and specialized industrial projects like those in oil and gas shaping the horizon. Moreover, people will witness a wave of technological evolution in construction. Automation is slowly taking center stage, coupled with the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the strategic use of drones for site inspections.
Expected to be one of the fastest growing construction markets, the Philippines and the ASEAN is set to be worth USD800B in the next 15 years – twice more than the US in the same period.1 In another 2023 report on The Philippines Construction Market, the construction industry is expected to grow annually by 7% from 2025-2027. In March 2023, 9 trillion pesos (PHP9T) worth of projects was approved2. The Metro Manila Subway project is the highest valued at PHP488B and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge as the highest value road project at PHP189B.
In the Southeast Asia report by LinkedIn, it is expected to prioritize a candidate’s skills more than their former university or company. Data shows that recruiters are 50% more likely to look for a candidate’s skills rather than years of experience, and 25% more likely than three years ago. Eighty percent of recruiting professionals expect “skills-first” hiring to be a priority in their company for the next 18 months. Yet, amid these optimistic trends, challenges emerge on the construction site. A notable hurdle is the shortage of skilled professionals boasting specialized expertise and hands-on experience.
For example, the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) in 2023 noted that change in the construction industry following the pandemic. There’s a skills mismatch which is needed in the construction sector3, and productivity is lower than in other countries, with a need for training and education4.
This scarcity poses a potential bottleneck for the industry’s growth, requiring a concerted effort from stakeholders to invest in training, development programs, and a thoughtful recruitment strategy. Additionally, there’s the intricate dance with strict government regulations and restrictions. It’s akin to mastering choreography where precision and compliance are the key moves.
“My goal is to grow the industrial construction space in Intro. Let’s connect today and let me help you find the right talents or company for you.”
RJ Urian
On inclusive hiring in the construction industry
Drawing on his observations and experience, RJ notes that the industry is actively using headhunters and recruiting skilled talents without regard to race, gender, or age. This approach is not confined to the Philippines but is a global trend, reflecting a commitment to assessing candidates based on their skills and tenure.
Ultimately, the industry’s adaptation to diversity centers on merit with both expertise and skills which create an inclusive workforce globally. Either way, for RJ, his goal is to grow the construction sector.
RJ Urian
Senior Consultant for Construction
With over 6 years of combined experience in the areas of recruitment, business development, and other aspects of human resources such as training and development, employee engagement, and employee relations, RJ Urian has garnered valuable insights from diverse multinational and start-up organizations in sectors such as United States staffing, engineering and design, information technology, and executive search. RJ is highly skilled in various HR systems, ATS and databases, showcasing a proficiency that contributes significantly to the success of the organizations with which he collaborates.
Reach out to RJ at rj@introrecruitment.asia
References
1 https://www.oxfordeconomics.com/resource/asean-tigers-to-bite-back-in-construction-market-at-a-challenging-2023/
2 https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5767966/the-philippines-construction-market-size
3 https://business.inquirer.net/437279/shortage-of-skilled-workers-still-hounds-govt-infrastructure-plans/ 4 https://www.testgorilla.com/skills-based-hiring/state-of-skills-based-hiring-2023/
