One of the loudest cries from integrators is “If I could only find good people (aka I need more techs)”. Workloads and new closed projects are backing up, and sources for new technicians are scarce. Helen Heneveld and Paul Starkey, both industry and online training pioneers, agree finding technicians is the #1 problem, and this issue may even be ahead of the supply chain woes that seem to be getting better. 
While there are many fresh sources for high potential candidates, it takes hours of time and commitment to work these channels. And vetting inexperienced workers is hard work. And how do you know if they will work out? And how do new hires get the basic knowledge you need?
The solution: Find high potential candidates outside the industry. HTA believes in this approach and is a sponsor of PrepTECH, a venture by Heneveld and Starkey, with a multi-faceted platform to find, test, deliver the baseline knowledge content, and connect candidates with local integrators in need. More than a job board service, PrepTECH helps promote our industry to the target worker and addresses the problem head-on by offering scholarships to returning veterans, recent graduates of high schools, trade schools and community colleges.
So, when is this happening? How do I get access to candidates? How do I sign on? PrepTECH is proving the system with candidates and integrators in the Dallas Fort Worth marketplace before offering a national presence. PrepTECH inundates job boards and schools through its ad campaigns, reaching thousands of potential candidates. After applying and passing a screening interview, applicants take evaluation testing; logic, motivation, and personality tests, that compares wannabees against profiles of proven technicians’ currently working in the industry (see LINK below for Active Techs).
It is a common truth that science tells the facts and doesn’t lie, and PrepTECH has developed a scientific approach to evaluate and match candidates for success in the industry. PrepTECH requires a specific kind of candidate; one with sharp cognitive skills, properly motivated for the work, and a personality that fits the business dealing with co-workers and respecting the client environment. 
Integrators can become charter participants by signing a Letter of Intent to hold your place in the hiring process. No subscription fees are incurred until you access PrepTECH scholars for review. Contact Paul Starkey, paul@preptech.com or (859) 492-9801, to learn more and sign a non-binding Letter of Intent. Remember, “The early bird gets the worm.” If you are outside of the Dallas / Fort Worth area, PrepTECH will be offering a May 2022 program in Houston, Texas, along with Dade and Broward counties in Florida, and Los Angeles and Orange counties in California. 
PrepTECH graduates will be available for hire starting the end of the year. Integrators can subscribe to have access to graduates; $1,000 for one year. When a PrepTECH graduate is hired, the dealer receives $500 refund against the hiring fee of $2,000 (1/3 of normal placement rates) for the first two hires. Integrators may join the program after the opening period, though PrepTECH keeps a 1.5 ratio of candidates to integrators in each given area and dealers can hire as many people as needed. Each PrepTECH hire is guaranteed to pass the first 90-day period or a no-fee replacement hire from PrepTECH is offered.
As a sponsor of PrepTECH, there is a unique opportunity for HTA members to test their existing technicians as part of the industry baseline. The three tests ($200 value) take about 45 minutes and provide insights on an individual’s strengths and areas for improvement through training, coaching, management, teams and relationships. HTA members will receive the testing feedback on all their participating techs at no cost. Use this LINK for ACTIVE TECHS to take the tests; full names and company email addresses are required.
If you are committed to building a long-term work force, PrepTECH is a great foundation for your company. PrepTECH prepares; PrepTECH connects.
Helen Heneveld broke gender lines as one of the first technicians/business owners in our field and has built a successful online training business. An author of several books that have become go to manuals for learning techs, she has more learning management and tech content experience than anyone in our industry. She is an energetic advocate of expanding our business.
Paul Starkey is a 5-time business starter/restarter with experience in custom integration since he led the buyout of ELAN from Square D 1995. He is a CEPRO Master. Author of Hitting for the Cycle the how to improve your CI business book. He has written over 400 Tuesday Morning Coffees on critical questions for integration company owners. He has raised private equity 3 times, frequently speaks and conducts webinars for our industry. Paul tackles problems most people have failed with or avoid.
Visit PrepTECH by clicking the link above or the icons to the right (or below if you’re on a mobile device).
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