The year is almost over and the skilled workforce gap continues to widen. All industries and work fields have been hit by this labor shortage problem but there is no question that the construction sector is one the most affected.
Contractors from all corners of the country understand this challenge and are giving way to new alternatives to address the causes that are making potential construction employees shy away from the open positions currently available in the industry.
Various firms report that among the biggest problems they have to face is the fact that many workers have reached retirement age. Additionally, the younger generation doesn’t seem to be interested in the construction field and prefers to opt for other types of jobs such as warehousing or transportation.
Another factor that has contributed to this issue is the lack of foreign talent. The construction sector has largely relied on skilled immigrants for generations, and during the pandemic the number of work permits issued for foreign labor decreased significantly, deepening the crisis in the already troubled firms even further.
What measures are being taken to tackle this labor shortage problem?
In an attempt to try to mitigate the severity of these problems, several initiatives should be considered and put forward as soon as possible, so they can gradually provide definite solutions for both employers and potential employees. Among these initiatives we can mention:
- Providing easy access to professional training programs: a great number of candidates wanting to fill open positions in the construction sector are unfit for the job. This is primarily due to the lack of skills they possess to perform the required tasks by the employer.
Supporting programs that attract people interested in the field is an extraordinary initiative that could allow contractors to explain the benefits of the industry in a debt-free career.
- Retaining existing talent: to boost the retention of existing talent, companies must pay attention to the requirements of employees that go beyond wages.
A lot of employees report feeling unsatisfied in the workplace, even when salaries have been increasing in the past years. Getting in direct contact with them could enhance the communication between employer-employee in hopes of finding solutions for both parties without leaving specific demands unattended.
- Broadening the workforce pool: since innovation is always necessary to keep up with modern trends, the application of technology and effective techniques to reach people from all walks of life that might require a job can help companies to boost their recruitment process.
The key is to explain clearly what is being sought in order to avoid unqualified candidates.
The Be Pro Be Proud project
With the Be Pro Be Proud project, we partner with local high schools to bring information to students related to debt-free careers and how they can be a great opportunity for development.
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