The Houston Report
Companies and industry groups across the country are looking at innovative ways to bring needed workers into the construction sector.
A November 2018 report from ConstructionDive.com examined some of the methods being used to combat the labor shortage, including the efforts of UpSkill Houston. An estimated 80% of U.S. construction firms report difficultly in finding qualified hourly craft labor, according to a survey from the Associated General Contractors of America.
Now a growing number of groups nationwide are taking active steps to educate students, teachers and parents about the value of construction careers, as well as working with legislators to get more funding to bring awareness and programs back in to schools, the report said.
UpSkill Chair Dan Gilbane of Gilbane Building Co. told the publication that while Houston’s economy is buzzing and new jobs are being created, filling those positions with qualified talent remains a challenge. “That's not unique to just Houston or construction. It's present in all industries today. AGC's study is a great reminder we need to double down efforts to solve the technical skills gap."
Gilbane said initiatives like UpSkill provide the leadership and collaborative platform to engage policymakers, companies and potential workers to meet changing demands.
"We have to treat workforce development as an investment in people that will ensure competitiveness of companies and the region," Gilbane told the publication. "Providing clear career paths for people is a key part of that."
Read the full report from ConstructionDive.com.
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