The labor shortage in the construction industry is not really a secret and with such a competitive labor market, employers need to strive to be the best contractor in order to attract new hires. Despite all the ongoing materials supply and labor shortage related issues, the construction industry is thriving in the U.S and this growth is only expected to grow with the passing of the additional infrastructure funding legislation. According to the forecast of dodge data and analytics construction industry will see an overall growth of around 32 % in the next five years.
Challenges that the Industry Might Face
If the industry is expected to have a double-digit expansion in the next five years, then there are a few challenges that the industry leaders should be prepared to face. The ongoing materials supply chain issues might worsen but the biggest problem that the industry would have to face is the shortage of skilled labor. It will be quite challenging for contractors to find workers in such a situation.
How to Tackle these Challenges?
Recent surveys suggest that more and more people are now considering other ways to achieve professional success than a college education. In order to build a career, students are now more willing to opt for getting on the job training and learning new trade skills. This might prove to be helpful in the next few years. And by spreading awareness about the construction industry among youngsters you might be able to motivate more people to consider a career in the industry. Contractors, suppliers, and cat construction equipment dealers all need to make an effort to encourage younger generations to consider a career in construction.
How to Attract the Next Generation Workforce?
Even if more young adults are considering learning trade skills and apprenticeship programs it is still quite challenging to convince them to consider a career in construction. You should build a positive reputation for your organization and market it as a great place to work. Nowadays, workers look for more than just financial gain when they are choosing a workplace. Employees want to work for an organization that values their contributions and has a positive and safe work environment. You need to reinforce the availability of high paying jobs with career advancement opportunities in the industry in order to attract the next-generation workforce and make the industry seem more desirable.