Create career paths for the next generation

SCREENSHOT: NPMA; PHOTO: ANDREYPOPOV/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

There is no doubt about it: An experienced, well-trained technician can help reduce callbacks. But with the pest control services market forecasted to exceed $22 billion by 2026, and our workforce expected to grow 9 percent over the next decade, workers are in high demand.

Unfortunately, the pool of job seekers pursuing employment in the service industry is limited. The parents, educators and guidance counselors advising the next generation of workers often solely focus on the benefits of a college degree — creating a shortage of quality new recruits entering pest control and compounding hiring challenges.

TAKING ACTION

Last October, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) launched a Workforce Development Initiative to address the increasing challenge of attracting and retaining qualified talent to the industry. The public relations program targets students, parents, educators and current job seekers. Its website, PestControlJobs.com, is dedicated to promoting careers in professional pest management and encouraging job seekers to find employment opportunities on its job board.

As NPMA CEO Dominique Stumpf, CAE, CMP, noted her Association Update in the January issue of Pest Management Professional, pest management companies can get involved in this initiative by posting jobs to the job board or financially supporting the program through our Founder’s, Patron’s or Supplier’s Clubs. As more people learn about the job security, opportunity for advancement, training, benefits and earning potential — and most importantly, the role our industry has in protecting people, food and property from pest-related threats — they will be moved to join us and start a new and rewarding career. And with more high-quality recruits making a career out of pest control, the biggest winners will be your clients.

To learn more about the initiative, and to find out how your company can get involved, please email workforce@pestworld.org.