Supporting Apprentices at FTI: An Inside Look at Workforce Management

Scott Ross is the director of workforce at FTI and successfully leads workforce managers to support apprentices throughout their apprenticeship program. With his help, more apprentices reach their goals of becoming licensed electricians, systems technicians and ICIAN®s, allowing FTI to continue Creating World-Class Opportunities to Succeed.

Can you share your career journey before joining FTI?

I spent eight years in the Navy, where I discovered my passion for leading people. I then worked in the audio/video industry for 23 years, managing the technicians throughout the Midwest. I joined FTI because of its strong culture and merit-based rewards.

Can you share your career journey at FTI?

I started my career at FTI three years ago as a workforce manager supporting Boise, Idaho. After a year, I was promoted to senior workforce manager, supporting our Wisconsin and Arizona markets. In the past year, I became the director, supporting all workforce managers.

What does workforce management at FTI involve?

Workforce management at FTI involves being an advocate for apprentices throughout their journey to become licensed electricians, systems technicians or ICIANs. There are more than a thousand apprentices out of our nearly 4,000 team members at FTI.

What are the unique aspects of workforce management at FTI?

Workforce management at FTI focuses on team member engagement and developing apprentices, which is different from the analytics and staffing focus of workforce management in other organizations.

How does FTI support and advocate for apprentices?

Workforce managers support apprentices by helping them gain experience in different areas, advocating for their placement in new projects, and providing coaching and development to enhance performance.

How do you interact with apprentices?

I support apprentices directly, particularly those in their fourth year, to ensure continuity until they graduate. I also interact with apprentices regularly through site visits, classes and leadership meetings. A workforce manager at FTI can support from 60 to 80 apprentices at any one time.

What does a typical day for a workforce manager look like?

A typical day includes supporting apprentices onsite, visiting classes, attending staffing and planning meetings, and meeting with talent business partners and operational leaders.

What are the top skills needed for workforce management?

The top three skills are being a people person, strong organizational management and being responsive to apprentices’ needs. Workforce managers must handle diverse personalities and environments, as apprentices work in various locations with different cultural and environmental challenges.

What are the career growth opportunities within FTI?

FTI is experiencing exponential growth, providing opportunities for workforce managers to advance to senior positions or transition to other roles within the company.

What advice do you have for aspiring workforce managers?

Take opportunities to lead through influence, develop relationships with the workforce team and consider shadowing a workforce manager to understand the role better.

What do you find most fulfilling about your job?

The most fulfilling aspect of the job for me is conducting site visits and seeing what apprentices are doing in the field. It is rewarding to develop better relationships with apprentices by understanding their day-to-day activities.