Workforce Development
Construction CAREERS W
ith unemployment rates at near-record lows, and a tightening job market where the demand for talent has become increasingly competitive, many construction firms are deeply concerned about the number of job openings that remain unfilled. In the short term, this unmet need continues to create operational difficulties, including schedule delays, decreased productivity, and employee burnout – just to name a few. Experts predict that over the next decade, employers will face more significant structural challenges if they are unable to replace the knowledge and leadership provided by their most experienced employees as they eventually retire. At the same time, there are many people in our community who are looking for good-paying jobs, or who may want to transition to a different profession where they have the potential to earn higher wages and create an upward career track. This can be a significant challenge for many people based on their finances, family obligations, and the rising costs often associated with advanced training, certifications, and educational programs. The American workforce is facing a shortage in vocationally trained workers across all industries. Estimates place the shortage at as many as 2 million workers needed, and indicate this number shows no signs of shrinking in the future. In fact, through attrition, retirement, and the expansion of our economy, this shortage is expected to grow over the next two to three decades and beyond, if our current pace of skilled worker development is not addressed. 42
ROBEX — Quarter 1 • 2020
Construction jobs have long been stereotyped. For instance, good old manual labor, dirt and mandated work attire of boots, jeans, hard hats and possibly flannel shirts come to mind when you think of a standard construction worker. And although the flannel shirts might still be seen on jobsites, some construction workers might swap their denim for a suit and tie and their hardhats for a smart helmet that mines data. Here are five reasons for someone to consider a career in construction: Job stability – no more job hopping Despite the massive labor shortage, construction needs are on the rise around the world. In an article recently published by Investopedia, seven of the 10 fastest-growing industries in the country are related to construction. Salaries are on the rise A large reason many millennials aren’t entering the construction workforce is due to the idea that it involves extremely hard work for very little pay. Contrary to this myth, construction salaries are on the rise. And as a whole, construction salaries are expected to continue to steadily rise in future years. The industry is getting technical Even if construction salaries are appealing, you might be concerned with the tools of the trade. For instance, continued on page 44 www.robex.com
