Why Preboarding is the Secret to Retaining Skilled Tradespeople
New hires in the trades don’t just need a paycheck—they need a reason to stay.
First impressions matter, and a lack of communication between the offer letter and day one can send the wrong message. Without an intentional preboarding and onboarding process, you risk high turnover, wasted training, and disengaged workers who walk off the job before they ever really start.
In this episode, Traci Austin reveals how trade industry leaders can overhaul their onboarding approach to improve retention and team performance. From engaging the entire crew to eliminating first-day roadblocks, Traci shares proven strategies to set new hires up for success and keep them on the team for the long haul.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:
[02:30] Why preboarding is just as important as onboarding for retaining trades employees.
[04:32] How to involve the entire crew in welcoming and integrating new team members.
[07:00] The impact of preboarding on workplace culture and first-day engagement.
[09:30] Strategies to prevent new hires from dropping out before their first day on-site.
[14:36] How to personalize onboarding to improve job satisfaction and retention in the trades.
Quotable Moments:
”There’s a lot of anxiety that goes into first days. When we can lower that and have that person feeling comfortable, they’re more likely to show up to work that first day in a way that’s engaging.” – Traci Austin
“As we welcome a new employee, it’s not just HR that talks to them between the offer letter and onboarding day. It’s the team.” – Traci Austin
“Training is not just about how to do the work, but also the impact of the work to the rest of the organization.” – Traci Austin
Action Steps:
- Implement a structured preboarding process: Ensure communication doesn’t stop after the offer letter is signed.
- Engage the whole crew: Encourage peers and supervisors to reach out before the new hire’s first day.
- Personalize the experience: Use surveys to learn about new employees’ preferences and integrate them into onboarding.
- Eliminate first-day roadblocks: Ensure gear, schedules, and safety training are ready before employees arrive.
- Reinforce company culture early: Highlight values and expectations throughout preboarding and onboarding.
About Traci Austin:
Traci Austin is a certified HR professional and the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting. With over two decades of experience building HR frameworks from the ground up, Traci specializes in helping trade industry leaders align their people strategies with business outcomes. She is passionate about creating workplaces where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to stay long-term. As the host of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci shares actionable insights on retention, leadership, and workforce development tailored to the trades. Her expertise has made her a trusted consultant for businesses looking to strengthen their teams and drive sustainable success.
