Study shows contractors facing labor shortage

Real Estate Weekly, April 14, 2004

A Construction Industry Institute study indicates that 75 percent of contractors are experiencing shortages--and the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the construction industry will need to attract 240,000 workers each year, to replace those leaving the workforce or retiring, while still allowing for industry growth.

The retirement of older workers becomes a greater concern when one considers that today's construction workforce is an aging one. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average construction worker is 47 years old.

The industry needs more people entering the workforce to replenish the ranks--but it also must contend with a distinct marketing challenge.

Careers in construction face negative image perceptions. For example, when rating the 250 best work opportunities, the book "Jobs Rated Almanac" (6th Ed., 2002) ranked construction jobs at relatively low levels--Heating/Refrigeration Mechanic appeared at No. 161, Welder came in at No. 227, and Construction Worker finished at No. 247.

"Many people--particularly younger workers--see skilled labor careers as menial and low-paying," said Steve Lamb, marketing spokesperson for the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) local affiliates and executive vice president of MCA Chicago. "But in fact, careers in skilled labor can be exciting, challenging, high-paying and very rewarding, with plenty of potential for self-employment."

Who will be the builders of tomorrow? This is a question that the MCA is helping to answer through recruitment techniques, apprenticeship programs, and informational campaigns. "We're finding new ways to let men and women know about all the lucrative opportunities available for union-trained workers," said Mr. Lamb. "We're working harder to promote apprenticeship programs, which have launched thousands of promising careers. Union-trained means more skilled and more productive. And when you re in demand as a worker, you're in command of your future."

Department of Labor records from 36 states show that union programs have enrolled 72% of construction apprentices since 1989, and have enrolled almost three times as many minorities and over four times as many women as non-union programs.