The post Construction Worker Shortage: How Will it Affect The Construction Industry? appeared first on UK Construction Blog.

There’s a growing problem in the construction industry: construction worker shortage.

There aren’t enough skilled workers to do all the construction jobs out there. This means building projects, like new homes or schools, are taking a lot longer to finish. And when things take longer, they usually cost more money, too.

This shortage isn’t just a problem for people in the construction business—it affects all of us. When it costs more to build things, those costs can trickle down to you and me.

For example, if it costs more to build houses, the prices of homes might go up. If a new store costs more to build, the things we buy there might get more expensive, too.

But, there are ways to fix this problem. In this article, we’re going to talk about some cool ideas to help get more skilled workers into construction.

We’ll look at how some companies are already finding success with these ideas.

Our goal: to help make sure there are enough workers to keep building all the important stuff we need, like homes, schools, and parks.

Let’s get started.

Understanding the Construction Worker Shortage

As we said earlier, the construction industry is facing a big problem: not enough workers.

Imagine every construction site needs 100 workers, but they can only find 70. That’s a big gap.

According to NPR, the number of people actively applying for construction jobs between 2019 and 2020 online fell by about 40%.

So, why aren’t there enough workers? There are a few big reasons:

• Aging Workforce: Many skilled workers are getting older and retiring—there’s a big hole left behind that’s hard to fill.
• Young People Aren’t as Interested: A lot of kids and teens today aren’t thinking about construction as a career.
• Immigration Policies: In some places, rules about who can come to work from other countries are very strict. This can make it hard for the construction industry to find enough workers, especially for jobs that require special skills.

When there aren’t enough workers, it affects everything in construction:

• Short-Term: Right away, projects take longer and cost more.
• Long-Term: Over time, if we don’t fix this, it might get even harder to build new things or fix old ones. This could mean fewer new homes, schools, or parks. It might even make it more expensive to live in or move to certain places because commercial construction costs so much.

In summary, the shortage of construction workers is a big deal. It’s making it harder and more expensive to build and fix things we need. But by understanding the problem, we can start finding ways to solve it.

Strategies to Attract Young Talent

One of the main ways we can resolve the construction worker shortage issue is by finding ways to make the construction industry appealing to young talents.

And in this section, that’s what we’ll talk about.

The construction industry is coming up with cool ways to get young people interested in building careers. Here’s how:

Social Media Campaigns

Companies are using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to show off what construction work is really like. They share videos and stories that highlight the cool things construction workers get to build and the technology they use, making it look as exciting as it truly is.

Virtual Reality Experiences

Imagine putting on a VR headset and stepping into a construction site without leaving your classroom. Some companies are doing just that, letting young people experience building in virtual reality. This way, they can see the fun and challenge of construction work up close.

School Partnerships

Construction companies and organizations are teaming up with schools to introduce students to construction careers. They might bring in guest speakers, offer tours of construction sites, or provide hands-on workshops where students can try out skills like bricklaying or carpentry.

College Programs

Some colleges are working with the construction industry to create special programs that teach students everything they need to know to start a career in construction, from technical skills to the business side of things.

Apprenticeships

These programs combine classroom learning with real work on construction sites. Apprentices get to learn a trade by working alongside experienced workers, and they even get paid while they’re learning.

Internships

Internships give students a taste of what it’s like to work in construction. They might not be as hands-on as apprenticeships, but they’re a great way for students to see the variety of jobs available in the industry and figure out what they’re most interested in.

By using these strategies, the construction industry is working hard to attract young talent and show them that a career in construction can be rewarding, exciting, and full of opportunities.

Enhancing Skills Through Training and Development

In construction, learning never stops. It’s important for workers to keep getting better at their jobs.

Here’s why:

• New Technologies: The world of building is always changing. There are new tools and machines that make work easier and safer. Workers need to learn how to use these to stay on top of their game.
• Better Ways to Build: Sometimes, people figure out smarter or quicker ways to build things. Workers need to learn these new methods to keep projects moving smoothly.

Training programs are super important for teaching these new skills. Sometimes, construction companies team up with the government or other organizations to make these programs even better.

Here’s how that works:

• Training Centers: They might practice building things, using new tools, or even learning about safety to make sure everyone stays safe on the job.
• Partnership Programs: Sometimes, companies work with schools or government groups to create training programs. This way, workers can learn the latest skills that are important for today’s construction jobs.

Success Stories

Let’s talk about some really big companies that know how important it is to teach their workers new things.

Bechtel

Bechtel is a huge company that builds all sorts of big stuff like airports and bridges. They have something called Bechtel University. It’s not a real university, but it’s a way they teach their workers all sorts of cool stuff. They learn how to lead teams, manage big projects, and even the latest building techniques.

Skanska

Skanska is another big construction company. They teach their workers how to build in ways that are good for the Earth. This means using less energy and making sure animals and plants are safe. They use new tech tools and make sure everyone knows how to stay safe at work. This way, they build awesome buildings and take care of our world at the same time.

Turner Construction

Turner Construction builds all over the place, even in other countries. They have special classes for their workers called Turner University—so they can learn new things all the time. They talk about how to be good leaders, how to build things really well, and how to make sure nobody gets hurt on the job.

All these companies know that teaching their workers new things helps them build better, become a greater company, and be safer. Plus, it makes the workers happy because they get to learn and do new stuff.

Improving Working Conditions and Perceptions

Making Workplaces Better

Let’s talk about making construction jobs more appealing. First off, safety is key. When workers feel safe, they’re more likely to stick around.

It’s simple: better helmets, gloves, and training can make a big difference. And it’s not just about avoiding injuries; it’s about peace of mind.

Also, competitive wages are one of the major ways we can address construction worker shortages.

But it’s not just about the money. Things like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off can turn a job into a career. Workers are more likely to stay When they see the value in what they’re getting.

It’s Not Just Hammers and Nails

Construction work is not all about lifting heavy stuff and getting dirty.

There’s a lot of cool tech and innovation happening. We’re talking about using drones to map out sites, virtual reality for planning, and so much more.

When people realize construction is about brains as much as brawn, they start to see it in a new light.

Diversity in Hiring

The construction world is for everyone. By welcoming people from different places, we’re getting a mix of ideas and perspectives that make everything we do better.

Whether it’s different cultural backgrounds or different life experiences, everyone brings something unique to the table. And when people feel included, they’re more likely to join and stay in the industry.

Policy and Regulatory Solutions

Visa Programs and Training Incentives

When it comes to tackling worker shortages, smart policies can make a big difference.

For starters, consider visa programs for skilled workers. These programs can invite talents from around the globe, bringing fresh skills and perspectives to local projects.

But it’s not just about getting workers; it’s about training them too. Subsidies and tax breaks for training can be a game-changer.

Imagine if businesses got a helping hand for teaching new skills or upgrading old ones. It’s a win-win: workers get better at their jobs, and companies get a more skilled workforce.

Support for New Construction Methods

Innovation in construction can be a big help, but it needs the right environment to thrive.

Take modular construction, for example. Building parts in a factory and then assembling them on-site can save a lot of time and labor. But for this to really take off, regulations need to be on board.

Supporting these new methods can make building faster, cheaper, and less reliant on a large workforce.

Looking at places doing it right, Saudi Arabia is a standout. With big dreams like the NEOM project, it’s all about building smart, sustainable cities for the future.

Their Vision 2030 is changing the game, moving beyond oil, and diving deep into construction and development. It’s a clear sign of Saudi Arabia’s push to be a top player in the construction world, showing how big plans and investments can really shake things up.

By looking at these examples, we can learn what works and apply those lessons at home.

Whether it’s through encouraging innovation, offering training incentives, or opening doors to global talent, there are many ways policy can build a stronger, more resilient construction industry.

Building a Better Future For Construction

It’s clear that there’s not just one magic solution, but many different ways we can tackle this problem together.

So, what’s next? It’s time for everyone to start putting these ideas into action.

By working together and using both new tech and smart policies, we can build a strong team of construction workers ready for all the projects of the future.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work on building a better, more sustainable future for construction.

BIO

Sam Everett is the Founder of Evolved Agents–a real estate mastermind that helps agents sell more homes using online ads and a virtual assistant. He provides free training through his YouTube channel, TikTok, and Facebook Page.