How Industrial Workplace Videos Can Solve Your Skilled Labor Shortage

The demand for skilled labor in the industrial workforce has never been higher. With an aging workforce, a lack of training opportunities, and a stigmatized perception of trade careers, many manufacturers struggle to attract skilled workers. In fact, data suggests that by 2030, there will be 85 million jobs unfilled. With the right recruitment tactics, manufacturers can get the right people in the right seats.

A job description is a standard place to start, but video has the power to bring that text to life. By showcasing employees in action through video, manufacturers can paint an accurate and enticing picture of what it means to work in the trades.

Bringing the Work to Life Through Video

Put yourself in the shoes of someone looking for work. You have your own experience, skill set, and hopes for the kind of company you’ll eventually join. While you could read a job description front to back, it still wouldn’t give you a true sense of what the job is like. Now, consider how video could transform this hiring process.

Video allows companies to capture the essence of these roles, showcase the level of skill required, and give applicants an insider view of the company. It provides a glimpse into the workplace culture and community while also setting clear expectations for the role.

Rather than focusing solely on the end product, industrial workplace videos highlight the process. They bring the work to life through dynamic footage of tasks being completed, collaboration in action, and the pride employees take in their craft. Whether it’s welding, operating machinery, or assembling complex components, showing employees in action helps potential applicants visualize themselves in those roles.

See how Heroic Productions accomplishes that in this About Us video:

Breaking Stereotypes and Shaping Perceptions

Many skilled trade jobs are victims of outdated perceptions. The common belief is that these roles are physically demanding, boring, and offer little room for career growth. While many manufacturing and trade jobs certainly require skill and effort, they also involve problem-solving, innovation, and opportunities for advancement. Well-crafted videos help businesses dismantle these misconceptions and provide an authentic glimpse into the modern trade workplace.

One way video helps combat misconception is through employee testimonials. When companies feature real employees talking about their experiences, they humanize the industry. A skilled employee giving their firsthand account of what drew them to the trade, what they love about their job, and how they’ve grown in their careers can be incredibly persuasive. This kind of storytelling not only helps shift the perception of trade careers but also creates a connection with potential applicants who may have been on the fence about pursuing such a path.

Showcasing Advanced Technology and Innovation

Another outdated understanding prospective employees may have is what manufacturing and skilled labor jobs look like in practice. They may picture dirty, repetitive work, not the modern facilities that actually exist. Many manufacturing companies are now equipped with cutting-edge technology, robotics, and automation that require highly skilled operators. Videos can correct these misconceptions by giving viewers an inside look at the sophisticated tools and machines workers use daily.

Capturing high-quality footage of employees operating interesting machinery, programming automated systems, or using innovative tools can highlight the level of expertise involved in these roles. Drone footage, slow-motion shots, and up-close angles of intricate work can emphasize just how advanced and engaging these careers can be. Not only will it help shape a more accurate perception, but it will also excite and engage prospects.

See how Continental Hydraulics accomplishes that in the following video:

Focusing on the People Behind the Work

While showing the technical aspects of the job is important, showcasing the culture and community within the workplace is equally valuable. Many job seekers aren’t just looking for a paycheck—they want a supportive work environment, opportunities for growth, and a sense of belonging. A great industrial workplace video doesn’t just highlight the job; it highlights the people who make the workplace what it is.

The truth is, skilled labor isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you work with. A sense of teamwork and pride in one’s craft can be powerful motivators for potential applicants who want to be part of something bigger than just a job.

Mangold Horticulture balances the mixture of technical aspects and their unique community in this video:

The “Day-in-the-Life” Approach

The most compelling industrial workplace videos don’t just list job duties; they tell a story. Every skilled worker has a journey—how they got started in the trade, what they’ve learned, and where their career has taken them. Showing these stories in a day-in-the-life style video can be incredibly effective in giving job seekers an accurate picture of what work would actually look like.

A video could follow a single employee through their workday, showing their responsibilities, interactions with colleagues, and the aspects that fulfill them the most. Another approach could be a series of testimonials from employees at different career stages, showcasing the potential for growth and advancement within the company. The more authentic and engaging the narrative, the more likely it is to resonate with viewers.

See how The Goodman Group brings you into Shawn's day-in-the-life in the following video:

Make It Exciting With Anthem Videos

Anthem videos take recruitment storytelling to the next level by creating an emotional connection between job seekers and the workplace. These high-energy, visually compelling videos showcase the broader mission of a company while instilling excitement about what it means to be part of the team.

For industrial workplaces, anthem videos are particularly effective in shifting perceptions about skilled labor. By showcasing innovation, teamwork, and the tangible impact of the work being done, these videos position trade careers as dynamic and rewarding. When job seekers see real employees thriving in their roles, tackling challenges, and taking pride in their craft, it creates a sense of excitement and inspiration that goes beyond a standard job listing.

HEI Civil accomplishes just that through this Anthem Video:

Tell Your Story

Industrial workplace videos have the power to change perceptions, showcase exciting opportunities, and attract the skilled labor workforce that manufacturers so desperately need. By highlighting the hands-on nature of the job, the cutting-edge technology used in the industry, and the stories of the people who make it all happen, these videos can serve as a compelling recruitment tool.

With the right approach, companies can not only fill open positions but also shift the narrative around trade careers. Skilled labor is essential to the economy, and by showing what these careers truly have to offer, businesses can inspire the next generation of workers to step into the field with confidence and enthusiasm.