Skilled Trade Shortage in the Construction Industry

The construction industry plays an essential role in the expansion and evolution of economies across the globe. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople in the industry. Anirban Basu, the Chief Economist of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), noted that the scarcity of qualified workers poses an urgent issue within the construction industry. Over the past decade, the number of entry-level construction laborers has seen a staggering increase of 72.8%. More than 40% of today’s industry workforce growth is attributed to low-skilled construction laborers. (Associated Builders and Contractors) The shortage of skilled tradespeople poses challenges for construction companies, affects project timelines, and impacts overall productivity. In this post, DDB Contracting explores the reasons behind the skilled tradesperson shortage in the United States and discusses potential solutions to address this issue.

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The Growing Demand for Skilled Tradesmen

The demand for skilled tradesmen in the construction industry is on the rise. With urbanization, population growth, and infrastructure development, there is a constant need for skilled tradespeople such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and woodworkers. These tradespeople bring their expertise to each project, which ranges from hotel renovations to large-scale infrastructure builds.

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Factors Contributing to the Skilled Trade Shortage

Several major factors have contributed to the shortage of skilled tradesmen in the construction industry, including:

• Lack of Interest: In recent years, there has been a decline in the number of individuals choosing skilled trades as a career path. Younger generations often prefer pursuing white-collar jobs, resulting in a smaller pool of workers entering the construction industry.
• Aging Workforce: Many skilled tradesmen are reaching retirement age, and there is a lack of new talent to fill their positions. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the industry’s average age of retirement is 61, and more than 1 in 5 construction workers are currently older than 55,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. (Associated Builders and Contractors)
• Lack of Training Opportunities: The availability of quality training programs for skilled tradesmen is limited. This hinders the development of new talent and prevents individuals from acquiring the necessary skills for these roles.

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Impact on the Construction Industry

The shortage of skilled tradesmen has significant implications for the construction industry, including:

• Delays and Increased Costs: A lack of skilled tradesmen leads to reduced productivity on construction sites, leading to delays and increased costs. The absence of skilled workers affects the efficiency and quality of work, leading to subpar outcomes.
• Safety Concerns: Skilled tradesmen play a crucial role in ensuring safety standards are met on construction sites. The shortage of skilled workers can compromise safety practices and increase the risk of accidents and injuries. (Associated Builders and Contractors)

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Addressing the Skilled Tradesperson Shortage at DDB Contracting?

To address the skilled trade shortage in the construction industry, DDB has implemented enhanced training programs for all field staff members, with a focus on providing a culture of learning, a variety of skill development opportunities, recognition of personal success, and individual career advancement.

To learn more about the recent technical skill development of DDB’s employees, read our recent Facebook post about our field staff’s participation in the Wood Touch-Up & Repair Workshop hosted by Mohawk, a leader in commercial finishing products, furniture, and cabinets.

Construction Workforce Shortage Tops Half a Million in 2023, Says ABC, www.abc.org/News-Media/News-Releases/entryid/19777/construction-workforce-shortage-tops-half-a-million-in-2023-says-abc. Accessed 6 July 2023.

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About DDB Contracting?

DDB Contracting is a full-service, national, self-performing commercial general contractor founded in 1987. Today, DDB has a completed project list totaling more than fifteen million square feet, serving the hospitality, law, medical, and retail sectors of the construction industry. At DDB, we strive to bring an unparalleled, concierge level of customer service to each project, consistently going beyond the build for the success of our clients and their businesses. Want to better understand what our expertise can do for your next project? Learn more about us at DDBContracting.com or connect with us through our Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter accounts.