The construction sector is confronting one of its largest labor shortages on record despite widespread efforts to recruit and train skilled workers. Of all hourly open positions, pipelaying jobs were the most difficult to staff, and among salaried positions, managers/supervisors and estimating personnel were largely absent in 2022, Construction Dive reports.
Unfortunately, the hardest positions to fill are, in many cases, the most vital on jobsites. Between 79% and 89% of contractors reported trouble filling open positions for carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and project managers despite a growing need for relevant experience throughout 2022.
“There was a point in time where he who had the people hoped he got the work,” said Greg Sizemore, vice president of workforce development, safety, health and environmental for Associated Builders and Contractors. “Now it’s he who has the work hopes he can find the people.”
Sizemore said having a secure workforce plays an important role in knowing if a contractor can deliver a project. The work is out there, he said, but contractors may not have the confidence to chase it and win it if they don’t think they can find the staff.
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