Help Wanted

Construction provides a good career job

BY EDWARD J. CAPODANNO AND BRYON SHORT

IT HAS BECOME PAINFULLY OBVIOUS that the world has more diverse needs than colleges are intended to meet and the opportunities to have a fulfilling, exciting, and diverse career are many and varied. We are proud to say a career in construction is one of the smartest and most rewarding career choices a person can make.

For those interested in a profession in construction, they should know they will start making a good income on day one, avoiding student loan debt. Over the course of their career, one can be in the field, an office, working as part of a team, or supervising. They can work for someone else or run their own business. There is so much the construction industry has to offer and everyone with an interest are welcomed and needed.

Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware Chapter (ABC) and the Delaware Contractors Association (DCA), Delaware Chapter of Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) are associations of commercial and industrial contractors in an industry that is the lifeblood of Delaware’s economy and has driven economic growth in the state and nationally over the years. The industry provides a direct pathway to personal prosperity and the ability to earn a high-quality living without the burden of excessive college debt.

Nationally the average age of a construction worker is 47. For every five people leaving the industry, only one is entering. At this rate, and over the next three years, the shortage of new workers could stall Delaware’s economic growth that is now restarting.

As an improving economy—supported by a renewed focus on thoughtful economic development—creates new opportunities in Delaware, the need for vocationally trained and certified, skilled workers becomes even more important.

Let’s take a closer look at the opportunities that are available to new workers entering the industry. It is important to note that the numbers shown below are average annual salaries and do not include overtime, company incentives, or benefits:

• Boilermakers $58,856

• Carpenters $54,157

• Electrician $57,741

• Heavy Equipment Operator $61,091

• HVAC $42,026

• Pipefitter $59,558

• Plumber $51,830

All these opportunities and more are available to Delawareans whether just entering the workforce or making a career change who are willing to make a commitment to the industry. This is truly a pathway to a good life and the opportunity to begin a career without the burden of excessive college debt.

A quick look at industry statistics—updated quarterly—shows that in Delaware alone there are over 15,000 positions awaiting workers representing more than 20trades. The Delaware Department of Labor identified our industry as the third fastest growing job growth industry over the next five years.

ABC, DCA, and our members are committed to developing the construction workforce of tomorrow. And remember, construction is one of the few industries where the vast majority of the work must be performed on-site and cannot be offshored. So, as your student, friend, or family member explores careers that interest them, let them know that through a career in construction, they can make a good living while performing interesting and valuable work. They won’t be disappointed.

Edward J. Capodanno is president of Associated Builders and Contractors.

Bryon Short is executive director of the Delaware Contractors Association.