The construction industry is facing a critical challenge: a shortage of skilled workers. The problem isn’t new, but it’s becoming more pressing as demand for infrastructure and development grows. Programs like the Adult Construction Training Network (ACTN) aim to tackle this issue by offering pathways into the industry for individuals of all backgrounds. and ACTN Executive Director Aimee Conrad-Hill believes collaboration is key to solving this nationwide problem.
WHY THE WORKER SHORTAGE IS A MAJOR CONCERN
“We’re all in the same sinking ship, and we all need to start pitching our buckets to bail out the water if we want to make any progress,” Conrad-Hill said. It’s a call to action for the entire industry to come together: public and private sectors, nonprofits, schools and local governments must collaborate to address this issue holistically.
ACTN’s approach starts with creating strong connections between employers, schools and community organizations to raise awareness about the variety of roles available in construction. The program is designed to connect potential workers with local employers through hands-on training and job placement opportunities.
WHY NOW?
The need to bring more workers into the industry is greater than ever. With many current workers aging out and younger generations not always considering construction as a viable career, the industry is at risk of not meeting the demand for new projects. Conrad-Hill explained that while many think construction is limited to physically demanding jobs like building houses, the reality is much broader. From project management and architecture to technology and skilled trades, there’s a place for nearly everyone.
ACTN addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of the industry. The program partners with schools to raise awareness among K-12 students, offering career fairs and quizzes that help young people explore construction as a potential career. This early outreach is essential to filling long-term job gaps. By showing students that construction isn’t just about manual labor but also involves advanced technology, leadership roles and project management, ACTN aims to attract a more diverse group of future workers.
At the same time, the adult training programs ACTN offers help to immediately place individuals in construction jobs. Conrad-Hill shared that their two-week or longer programs give participants essential certifications such as OSHA 10 and NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) credentials. These certifications not only prepare new workers to start their careers but also make them stand out to employers.
REACHING NON-TRADITIONAL WORKERS
“Many of the people we work with have never been encouraged to pursue a career in construction, and our job is to show them that it’s an industry where they can succeed,” Conrad-Hill said. ACTN’s boot camp-style training programs are designed to quickly skill up participants, offering them certifications that make them competitive on the job market in a short period.
To address some of the barriers that these individuals face, ACTN also provides "navigators" who help participants with essential soft skills and barrier removal. Navigators assist with everything from providing legal help referrals to resolving transportation issues, thereby helping trainees overcome hurdles that might otherwise prevent them from succeeding in the workforce.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY
One of the reasons the construction industry is struggling with workforce shortages is that it hasn’t historically done enough to recruit diverse groups. Construction jobs have long been perceived as male-dominated, and often, individuals are introduced to the industry only through family members who already work in it. Conrad-Hill explained that this creates a self-selection issue, where the same types of workers continue to fill the roles.
Many of the people we work with have never been encouraged to pursue a career in construction, and our job is to show them that it’s an industry where they can succeed.
Aimee Conrad-Hill
ACTN Executive Director
ACTN seeks to change that by working to introduce a wider variety of people to the construction industry. The BY Construction Programs focus on brining in women, minorities and people from underrepresented groups. The goal is to raise awareness and provide opportunities for everyone, showing that construction can be a rewarding and lucrative career for all.
WHAT CAN CONTRACTORS DO TO ATTRACT WORKERS?
For contractors who are also struggling to find skilled workers, there are several steps they can take to make their companies more appealing to potential employees. Conrad-Hill emphasized that companies need to focus on creating inclusive environments where all workers feel welcomed and valued.
One simple but important step is to ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) fits everyone. Many women who enter the construction workforce find that the available gear is not designed for them, making them feel like they don’t belong. Creating an inclusive environment also means offering proper facilities, like separate changing areas for men and women, so that everyone feels comfortable.
Another key factor is career development. Employees want to know that they have a future with the company, so contractors should have open conversations with their workers about their career goals. Offering opportunities for growth, whether through additional training or leadership roles, can help retain workers in the long term.
Additionally, contractors can engage with local schools and community centers to build relationships with potential future workers. Networking with students and attending career fairs or hosting job shadowing events can help build a pipeline of talent for the future.
LOOKING AHEAD
Whether it’s through programs like ACTN or other initiatives, the goal should be to create an industry that welcomes everyone and provides opportunities for all types of workers. By continuing to invest in workforce development and create inclusive environments, the construction industry can ensure that it has the skilled workforce it needs for years to come. Addressing the construction worker shortage is going to take a sustained, coordinated effort from all parts of the industry. Conrad-Hill believes that with the right focus and collaboration, the workforce gaps can be filled—but it will take time. “My hope is yes, we can fix this, but it’s going to take everyone working together,” she said.
Tips for Attracting Workers to the Construction Industry
- Engage with Local Schools and Community Centers
Build relationships with local high schools, trade schools and community centers. Offer job shadowing, internships or apprenticeships to introduce students and job seekers to the construction industry. Attend career fairs and send employee ambassadors to represent your company and the construction field. - Showcase Diverse Career Options
Promote the wide range of opportunities available in construction beyond manual labor, such as technology roles (e.g., drone operators, VR training specialists) or management positions. Tailor messaging to appeal to various demographics, including women, minorities and those with no prior construction experience. - Recruit Through Non-Traditional Channels
Partner with non-profits, correctional facilities and community organizations to recruit workers from non-traditional backgrounds. Offer short-term, intensive training programs (e.g., two-week boot camps) that provide industry certifications like OSHA 10 and NCCER Core, making them job-ready quickly. - Offer Clear Career Pathways
Have regular one-on-one conversations with employees about their career goals. Provide opportunities for skill development, such as leadership training or certifications, to help them move up in the company. Highlight specific roles, like foreman or project manager, and outline a clear path to those positions. - Address Key Barriers Early
Assist workers with common barriers like lack of transportation, legal challenges or childcare needs. Work with local organizations to help potential hires resolve these issues, making your company more attractive by showing you care about their personal stability and success.
Photo By ACTN
