Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has recently released its 2023 Workforce Survey Analysis. While construction industry labor shortages aren’t new, the analysis highlights significant shortcomings in how the nation approaches preparing workers for construction. And with 85% of firms report having open positions, the need to find qualified craft workers, those workers with specialized skills that perform the bulk of on-site construction work, is more important than ever.
Currently, firms involved in AGC’s analysis say nearly all craft positions are hard to fill during this construction industry labor shortage. The most widely reported difficulty was for installers, with 83% of firms that employ installers (other than for drywall) saying they are hard to find. Close behind were concrete workers and pipelayers (both of which were reported as difficult positions to fill by 82% of firms); carpenters (80%); and cement masons, mechanics, and truck drivers (79%).
AGC has recognized the need to increase skilled workers in construction with its 2022 National Construction Industry Workforce Summit.
AGC is Focused on Building the Next Generation of Workers
Construction workforce development professionals across the country are not only recognizing the need to strengthen the workforce for the future but taking action. In early November 2022, hundreds of professionals involved in construction workforce development from construction firms, AGC of America chapters and construction education and training programs gathered in Phoenix for the second annual National Construction Industry Workforce Summit. Much of the event was organized into topical breakout sessions that allowed participants to share knowledge and generate ideas.
As demonstrated in the 2022 National Construction Industry Workforce Summit Report, the attendees gathered to share experiences and ideas about building the workforce of the future, including how the industry is working with high schools and career and technical education to prime younger people to enter the industry. It also looked at recruiting from diverse and new populations. Topics also included how to effectively manage their current workforce, including training and advancement.
Training Can Help Construction Industry Labor Shortages
One of the biggest concerns about building the construction workforce of the future is the lack of qualified candidates. According to AGC’s 2023 Workforce Survey Analysis, 68% of respondents report that available candidates are not qualified to work in the industry for reasons such as a lack of skills. Building a training and development program within your company could be the answer to building a skilled workforce that can combat construction industry labor shortages. A learning management system can help you put it all together.
An LMS, like Arcoro’s, offers online and virtual-based training as well as aids in practical worksite training like demonstrations and on-the-job training. Plus, an LMS can track training completions and certifications for compliance.
Using an LMS for online training provides benefits for both the employee and the employer. It offers control over the learning processes by allowing employers to assign courses and giving employees options for when and how they complete them.
Course completions are tracked, storing a record as to which employees have completed required trainings, like OSHA certifications. Employers can assign required courses, but employees can choose to take additional courses, essential for upskilling. Putting employees in charge of their own development lets them be proactive about climbing the company ladder and keeping their skills sharp. An employee’s skills go into a searchable database, making it easy for employers to see what skills are at their disposal when bidding on jobs.
Until the skilled talent shortage improves, construction companies will need to rely on digital solutions that can help ensure they have a well-rounded team. A cloud-based solution like Arcoro’s LMS makes it easy to provide and keep track of training completions and certifications for compliance. The Arcoro LMS offers:
- Flexible training methods for online or on-the-job training.
- On-demand system reports along with ad hoc reports that can be scheduled and sent to anyone.
- Social learning and collaboration via work groups.
- Reminders for certification deadlines and expiration dates.
- Multiple options for implementing learning plans and curriculum.
Arcoro’s LMS can help you develop or improve a learning development program that your employees will be excited to take part in.
Schedule a demo to see exactly how it works.
