During a construction labor shortage, projects tend to get sidetracked, costs go up and companies often find themselves in the position of having to turn down work, due to a lack of manpower. The labor market is subject to change in any given year, and a recent survey from the Associated General Contractors of America found that 80% of construction firms report having trouble finding skilled labor. Here are a few ways you can keep projects moving forward, even during a shortage.
Invest in Training
Consider offering a cross-training program or providing access to certification programs to help crew members learn multiple skills. This could be as simple as reimbursing crew members for certification courses they complete, or as complex as developing an in-house system to make sure all crew members are trained in the skillsets they’ll need for your projects. And with new construction technologies on the horizon — from drones, to automation — companies that provide training will have an edge in recruiting top candidates.
Create a Pipeline
If you aren’t already connected with trade programs at local high schools and colleges, now’s the time to get involved. Not only can your company provide essential mentorship and work hours to students, but you’ll be establishing a recruitment pipeline for the company. Reach out to program directors or instructors at local trade schools and ask them how to get the ball rolling on an internship or job training program.
Work with a Partner
One of the easiest ways to stay on track during a construction labor shortage is to work with an experienced partner. When construction costs are rising and companies are stretched thin, an established industry partner can step in to fill in gaps and backfill open positions. At FUSED Industries, we have more than 100 skilled workers and project managers who work directly with construction companies to make sure projects stay on target, no matter what’s happening in the labor market.
If you want to find out more, or if you need help managing your construction labor, feel free to reach out! We look forward to hearing from — and working with — you.