Associated Builders and Contractors reported the construction industry needs to attract an estimated 349,000 net new workers in 2026 and another 456,000 in 2027 to meet demand for construction services. If the demand is not met, the industry could see significant consequences, according to Construction Executive.
“We risk operational disruptions that will ripple through the entire economy, affecting everything from construction timelines to energy costs to building safety,” said Dr. Paul Morgan, JLL’s global COO for real estate management services. “The window to act is now, before the gap becomes insurmountable.”
Upskilling can potentially help companies train their workforces to be better prepared and more productive with less. Construction Executive shares the following areas where upskilling could have the most positive effect.
- Digital delivery. Workers should know how to use the latest digital systems and tools in the office and in the field. Johnny Clemmons, global vice president, industry head and former chief engineer for SAP America said: “When workers regularly use digitized workflows across the various steps and stages of a project, not only does that project tend to run more efficiently from a labor standpoint, it also tends to yield better overall outcomes for the customer and firm alike—quality, timeline, cost control, profitability, etc.”
- Agentic AI. Artificial intelligence agents can perform many tasks to support workers in the field and office. Productivity can improve when workers use agents embedded within their workflows.
- Physical AI. Workers should know how to use tools such as AI-powered robots and drones, which can collect real-time information during projects and potentially save time and money.
- Safety in high-complexity environments. According to Clemmons: “In the AI boom, projects involving data centers, energized electrical systems and the like require specific safety and compliance training for dynamic risk assessments, near-miss reporting, digital work permits and other tasks that require a strong working knowledge of environment, health and safety management systems.”
- Subcontractors. Addressing the supply of qualified labor also includes workers employed by the subcontractors your company uses regularly. Encourage subcontractors to upskill their employees in specific areas so they can build those useful skill sets.
