The Hardest Construction Jobs to Fill In 2023 Are Also the Most Vital
ldeakins
Fri, 01/13/2023 – 09:45
Contractors are having the most difficulty filling open positions that require leadership or experience in the trades, according to a recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America
The construction sector is confronting one of its largest labor shortages on record despite widespread efforts to recruit and train skilled workers. Of all hourly open positions, pipelaying jobs were the most difficult to staff, and among salaried positions, managers/supervisors and estimating personnel were largely absent in 2022, Construction Dive reports.
Unfortunately, the hardest positions to fill are, in many cases, the most vital on jobsites. Between 79% and 89% of contractors reported trouble filling open positions for carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and project managers despite a growing need for relevant experience throughout 2022.
“There was a point in time where he who had the people hoped he got the work,” said Greg Sizemore, vice president of workforce development, safety, health and environmental for Associated Builders and Contractors. “Now it’s he who has the work hopes he can find the people.”
Sizemore said having a secure workforce plays an important role in knowing if a contractor can deliver a project. The work is out there, he said, but contractors may not have the confidence to chase it and win it if they don’t think they can find the staff.
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[…] is available, but the workers are not. ABC workforce development VP Greg Sizemore says effective project delivery requires having a secure workforce. Many contractors may avoid available work because they aren’t sure they can get enough […]