According to recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics findings, over 2.5 million construction workers are over the age of 55. Associated Builders and Contractors reports that one in five workers will exit the industry in the next few years. With that projected loss of industry expertise looming, leaders are left with the question: How can the industry fill the knowledge gaps with nearly half of its experienced workers retiring?
The construction industry landscape relies on the future of skilled tradespeople. However, the outlook of the construction industry also depends on those who hold years of industry expertise to pass along this information in preparation for their departure from the field. The balance between trade knowledge and the efficiencies of today’s technology is not just important; it is critical to ensuring the success of the industry. The construction industry should focus its efforts on recruiting younger generations through mentorship programs, promote cross-functional and development training, and embrace technology to improve safety standards, process efficiencies and communication amongst trades.
START THEM YOUNG
Mentorship programs are a key step to engaging younger generations’ interest in the skilled trades. Companies looking to impact the community and share their knowledge with the up-and-coming workforce should collaborate with local high schools to implement various trade programs. These programs are beneficial as they encourage young adults and provide hands-on experiences to pique their interest and prepare them for construction careers.
Skanska USA, for example, provides experiences including internships and days of discovery. Both programs allow students pursuing an education in construction, engineering and skilled trades to have a first-hand look at Skanska’s projects and onsite operations, providing them with an experience that goes much deeper than typical classroom curriculum. These programs can be invaluable to students, allowing them to ask questions, test new technology and build necessary career skills. Mentorship programs are essential for sustaining the flow of skilled workers in the industry, enabling students to see the potential paths within the field but also enable businesses to engage in early talent recruiting.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Seasoned experts have a wealth of knowledge that has been invaluable in skilled trades for decades, even amid recent technological developments. Transfer of that knowledge is critical in bridging the gap between older and younger generations. Newer workers can take advantage of their early years in the construction workforce to learn from every level of labor within the field. Something that may seem second-nature to those with years of experience, such as hazard identification or understanding load-bearing principles, can serve as a valuable teaching moment for those new to the job.
Look for employees who show enthusiasm and ambition. Those who are open to innovation and eager to learn make ideal candidates for cross-functional training and career-development programs. Similarly, investing time in employees to acquire and understand new technology is a great way to invest in the company’s future. By supporting top talent through training programs and certifications, their specialized skills can be further developed, ensuring they are well-prepared to step into roles vacated by retiring workers.
THE TECH OF IT ALL
Construction technology continues to revolutionize the industry and create advancements in all field sectors, including safety, process efficiencies and trade communication. Regardless of experience, it is important to embrace technology while coupling it with the expertise of skilled tradesmen.
Collaborating with technology is a balancing act that allows trades to eliminate tedious tasks so workers can focus on bigger pieces of the project. Technology can be used and embraced in various ways, including making decisions based on how they will impact other trades, using drones for site surveys and improving workflows to ensure the job is completed on time and within budget. Technology can help increase the number of skilled trades workers by encouraging a new audience of innovative thinkers who are excited to improve building efforts and positively impact their communities.
As one generation of leaders prepares to hang up their tool belts, they should consider what fundamental pieces of the industry need to be passed along to future construction innovators. The construction industry stands at a pivotal crossroads where the integration of traditional trade knowledge and modern technological advancements is essential for future success. By fostering mentorship programs, providing robust training and development opportunities and embracing cutting-edge technology, contractors can ensure that the invaluable expertise of retiring workers is not lost. These efforts can bridge the generational gap, attract innovative thinkers to the construction field and build a resilient workforce poised to enhance building efforts and positively impact communities for years to come.
