A 2024 study conducted by Associated Builders and Contractors reports the construction industry needs an additional 501,000 workers to meet market demand, and an Associated General Contractors of America survey reports 85% of construction firms say they have open positions they are actively trying to fill, according to Construction Executive.
Various factors have contributed to the labor shortage as projects of a larger scale continue to increase, skilled workers are retiring and interest rates for projects and supplies remain high. As a result, companies are looking to students to help address the issue.
Although young people are becoming more interested in the construction industry, companies are trying to find ways to introduce students to construction careers and educate them regarding the benefits of working in the industry.
In a Construction Executive article, Skanska USA Building suggests construction companies implement the following initiatives.
- Discovery days. These designated days give students the opportunity to experience real-world applications of construction skills. Hosting students from nearby school districts, neighboring colleges and trade schools can help companies find local talent. You also can take students to active job sites and provide safety orientations.
- Start speaking. During student-focused events, host a panel for students to engage with industry experts via an interactive question-and-answer session. Include leaders and employees from different segments of the company so you can demonstrate the numerous career paths construction offers. You also can share success stories, getting students’ attention by showcasing employees with unique career trajectories and highlighting the potential for success. Be sure to introduce employees from various backgrounds who have excelled in the industry.
- Career fairs. Connect with schools to host trade-focused career fairs where students can interact with industry professionals. Set up a booth and provide information about internship or apprenticeship programs, job opportunities and potential career paths. Develop networking sessions that allow students to speak one-one-one with industry professionals so they can ask questions, exchange contact information and seek advice.
- Job shadowing. Allow students to shadow on a job site for a day, observe daily tasks and ask questions so they can get an up-close look at the realities of the industry.
