Majority of Signmakers Lean on Part-Time Staff, for One Reason or Another

QUESTION:

Do you hire part-time employees?

Yes: 59%

We have a younger employee who comes in to help clean and get an introduction to the industry before he is available to work full time after graduation. — Sean Hughes, Signarama Clinton Township, Clinton Township, MI
We have found some great employees who do not have the ability to work full time because of family or other needs. — Stephen Russ, Ortwein Sign, Chattanooga, TN
PT as needed; it’s a win-win. — Rob Skelton, Fantastic Signs, New Smyrna Beach, FL
Great way to get some of the busy work done. — Spencer Coleman, Wasatch Back Signarama, Heber City, UT
Engage younger workers to consider the industry. Tap into folks who are only available X hours per day. — Patrick Bush, VisComm, Cleveland, OH
I will take any help I can get. — Ben Phillips, Phillips Signs, Seaford, DE

No: 41%

We have tried that but they have not been quality help because they knew they weren’t staying. — Nonnie Luther, Cadillac Sign Co., Norwood, NC
We’re a two-woman shop. I haven’t hired any part-timers because I really don’t have time to train someone. Plus, there are so many jobs available and nobody wants to work. — Lannette Ring, Signs & Designs by AFS, Colfax, WA
Training is too intense. — Geoff Orlick, Quality Designs Ltd., Campbell River, BC, Canada
Haven’t needed to but may be trying in the future as we get busier. — Corrie Lebens, Crown Signs Systems Inc., Mount Vernon, NY

QUESTION:

What are your thoughts about a “student-apprenticeship program” at your sign company?

We already have one or something like it.
8%
Love the idea, actively developing one.
8%
Like the idea, looking into it more.
39%
Not something that would work for us.
29%
Other (have done off and on in past, don’t have budget)
16%

QUESTION:

How many college or high school students are you hiring as summer help?

None
61%
1
25%
2-4
14%
5 or more
0%

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