The Associated Builders and Contractors released a statement in the month of February, indicating that the construction sector is expected to need to hire more than 546,000 workers. The industry faces a lot of challenges at the moment that are related to waning interest, an aging population, and competition from other sectors like technology and trucking. Plus, the under representation of women in the workforce, with only 10% of American construction workers being women, is also a concern that shouldn’t be ignored.
Immediate Actions to Attract and Retain Talent
If you really want your construction business to be successful in finding talented workers and retaining them, there are few things that you can do.
Emphasize a Sense of Purpose
Millennials and Gen Z employees seek a sense of purpose in their work. Companies should highlight their contributions to sustainable design, development, and construction, as well as environmentally friendly practices to align with the values of the younger workforce. So, for example, if you’re working with heavy equipment that is sustainable, you can attract workers who are interested in green solutions.
Make the Onboarding Experience Better
You can utilize technology and culture integration to make the hiring and onboarding process more engaging and efficient. Assign mentors or buddies to help new hires navigate internal processes and create a productive and exciting first-day experience.
Leverage Technology for Productivity
Invest in productivity tools and technology to boost efficiency, automate processes, and reduce resource consumption. As digital natives, Millennials and Gen Z are drawn to companies that embrace technological advancements.
Strategies for Talent Development and Diversity
If you want to bridge the talent gap and promote diversity, you should consider taking the following intermediate actions.
Encourage Internships and Apprenticeships
Partner with universities and technical schools to offer internships and apprenticeships related to the field. This can help by providing pathways for individuals to gain skills and qualify for diverse construction roles.
Prioritize Diversity and Accessibility
You can actually improve the access to skilled trades by creating various career paths and apprenticeship programs that accommodate people that are from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Long Term Solutions to Foster Interest in Skilled Trades
For the construction industry it is really important to find a way to secure a sustainable workforce that will work long term and provide support. There are certain steps that you can take to ensure a future like that for the construction industry.
Promote Skilled Trades to Younger Generations
It is important to encourage young children to consider careers in skilled trades by raising awareness and showcasing its benefits. These benefits can include job security, financial advantages, and the integration of modern technologies in construction which make the jobs more secure.
Increase Public Understanding
Address the awareness gap among high school students by collaborating with guidance counselors and educators to highlight the cutting-edge technologies and high demand for skilled trades jobs. People will be more likely to consider working in the industry if they understand how much they will be in demand if they choose to work in this sector.