School’s out for the summer—and chances are, employees are out on vacation, too. “Summer School” is never fun. But sign, graphics and visual communications companies that use the summer to assess current and future hiring needs can find themselves set for the busy fall season.

Some tips:

•Think strategically about the next generation of workers. Who will be retiring and who is on board to replace them? ISA’s Sign Manufacturing Day is designed to help recruit entry level workers by bringing high school, technical and community college students in for tours. A free webinar will feature experts who have participated in previous years. They’ll offer insight and tips for success. The webinar is at 2 p.m. (ET) Wednesday, June 14. Register here.

•Test for proficiency. The ISA Skills Assessment with Digital Badge can provide insight into what an employee knows in any one of 15 key areas in the sign, graphics and visual communications industry. This also can be used as part of the hiring process to determine what a potential employee knows before they land the job.

•Who is ready to move up? This can be challenging to determine whether the person who excels at their job has the needed skills for the new task. ISA offers a number of specific courses in design, fabrication, installation, project management and sales. Boost employees’ skills with a training plan.

•Seek out new candidates. Post jobs on the ISA Job Board to find qualified candidates anywhere. Or, post resumes there if you’re seeking work.

To address more needs when it comes to hiring, training or recruiting, visit ISA’s Career Center.