© Can Stock Photo / kuzmaphoto
By Randi Bakalar
The next generation of construction professionals By / Randi Bakalar
The skilled labor shortage in North America continues to be a significant challenge for the construction industry. While the pandemic delayed many construction projects in 2020, the demand in 2021 is full steam ahead. This strong demand, coupled with older workers retiring, has intensified the labor shortage, creating space for the next generation of construction workers. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and USG Corporation, 91% of contractors who participated in a study reported having a moderate to difficult time hiring skilled workers for vacant positions. In the months following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, business owners reported having an even bigger challenge in filling open positions. In fact, the study reports 39% of those contractors believe hiring will become even more challenging in the months and years to come. To foster the next generation of the construction workforce, organization leaders can help close this gap by recruiting Millennials, born 1981-1996, and Generation Z, born between 1995 and 2010. With the recurring worker shortages in today’s construction environment, consider the following tips to help companies in the skilled trades successfully attract and retain Millennial and Gen Z workers. Partners in Progress » June 2021 » 11
