Construction Law

Bridging the Skills Gap Part 4

In this five-part article, we are discussing ways that the construction industry can bridge the skills gap. In the first section, we informed you on how Washington is working on a way to incorporate one million apprenticeship positions into the construction industry. In the second section, we discussed the importance of leadership for federal-funded agencies and businesses to establish these opportunities for our future construction professionals. In the last section, we discussed ways that these industry leaders can educate and train the next generation of workers.

In this section, we will address the importance of recruiting a more diverse class of workers. As Clearwater construction attorneys, we know that as the industry continues to evolve, the people heavily involved in these advancements will need to change as well.

The Perception of the Construction Industry

Perhaps the greatest issue with the skills gap problem is that most Americans under the age of 18 have no interest in joining the industry. For this reason, at least 25 percent of the industry consists of an immigrant workforce. With travel bans and threats of stricter border control looming, the skills gap could potentially experience an even greater rift in the near future. As Clearwater construction lawyers, we know that the solution is simple. Industry leaders need to recruit hundreds of thousands of Americans of both genders to bolster the workforce.

The Lack of Diversity

Aside from foreign workers, there is no denying that a lack of diversity exists in the construction sector. For example, female construction professionals make up less than ten percent of the industry’s workforce. Moreover, according to the Department of Labor, the majority of women in construction claim that they have experienced some form of mistreatment in the workplace. Although you cannot change the culture of the construction industry overnight, it’s important to begin recruiting prospective workers from every type of background and every walk of life. In addition, the construction sector needs to promote a more unbiased work culture.

Changing With the Technology

With new and exciting technologies emerging, advanced equipment, and well-developed building practices, construction projects continue to become more sophisticated and the days of “heavy-lifting” are no longer a mandatory requirement to join the workforce. As we continue to embrace new technologies and adaptations to the construction process, we should also evaluate ways to incorporate women into the workforce and diversify the construction culture as a whole. Regardless of gender, the future of construction needs to have as many talented workers as we can to bridge the skills gap.

For more information on bridging the skills gap, please read the final section here.

If you would like to speak with a Clearwater construction attorney, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.