The CONEXPO-CON/AGG Workforce Development summer 2024 series presented a comprehensive look at the construction industry’s evolving landscape and how proactive workforce strategies are pivotal in addressing current and future challenges. The series featured voices from various industry segments, highlighting real-life stories, expert insights and innovative practices that are shaping workforce development. As the construction industry continues to face significant workforce shortages, this series aimed to help bridge the gap by showing the importance of development, recruitment and retainment, and leadership to build a robust and future-ready workforce.
DEVELOPMENT
Fostering employee growth and encouragement of current and future employees is essential for the construction industry’s future.
Abby Fansler, Global Consulting Manager for Caterpillar Safety Services, shared the importance of companies understanding training gaps to improve safety outcomes and increases employee engagement. Fansler showed how investing in safety training has a positive impact on employee morale and retention. When employees feel that their safety is valued, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term. “Leaders have to understand their role in owning and driving safe performance, and relentlessly walk the walk,” Fansler advised.
Social media and technology are critical tools in the modern workforce. EJ Herron, from Dig-It Digital GPS shared how he harnessed the power of social media to not only promote his work but also to inspire others in the construction industry. Herron’s story not only highlights the transformative power of social media but also provides actionable insights for those in the construction industry to get started today. Whether you're a small business owner with just a few employees or a major contractor working on massive infrastructure projects, there's a place for you on social media.
RECRUIT AND RETAIN
Recruitment and retention were key themes, especially as the construction industry faces an aging workforce and a growing need for skilled labor.
The article Preparing the Next Generation: High School Training Programs for the Trades discusses the growing emphasis on vocational and technical education in high schools to address labor shortages in construction and manufacturing. These programs offer hands-on experience, certifications and industry connections, preparing students for immediate employment or further training. For instance, Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center in Everett, Washington, provides training in fields like construction trades and electrical engineering, allowing students to earn high school credit and certifications. The integration of advanced tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D printing, and drone technology ensures students are equipped with modern skills.
The construction industry faces high turnover rates and challenges in retaining skilled workers, making effective onboarding crucial.
Jeani Ringkob, 3rd-geneneration contractor and chief brand and growth strategist for StoryBuilt Growth Strategy and Marketing, shared why recruiting top talent in the construction industry is vital for company growth and success. Ringkob said employers that create effective employee onboarding processes can improve retention by up to 82%. Employee insights can help companies develop better onboarding programs to help hang onto good people. “Today’s workforce has different needs and expectations,” Ringkob noted.
Leadership development was a pivotal topic, highlighting how strong leaders are necessary to guide a modern workforce.
AMC Services shared how proper onboarding sets the stage for long-term employee retention and engagement. “The first year of employment is critical. It’s not just about initial training but ensuring new hires feel part of the team and understand their role within the company,” Agnes Watkinson, Managing Principal at AMC Services explained. This article shows how leveraging technology can streamline the onboarding process and make it more efficient and why onboarding is an opportunity to instill the company’s culture, values and safety in new employees. The overall success of a company is built on an engaged workforce, and that all starts positive and effective onboarding experience.
To further support your efforts in recruiting and retaining skilled labor, we have published a free eBook titled "4 Steps to Hiring and Retaining Good Employees". This comprehensive guide offers proven strategies and tips from industry expert Dr. Larry Kokkelenberg on how to recruit and retain the best skilled labor. Skilled and reliable workers are crucial for the success of your construction business. Without the proper resources to effectively find, hire, and develop the right employees, your company can face project delays, reduced quality of work, and risk your business’s reputation. Our eBook provides the essential tools and knowledge to overcome these challenges and build a strong, dependable workforce.
Click here to receive your free eBook.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership development was as a pivotal topic, highlighting how strong leaders are necessary to guide a modern workforce.
Bart Gragg, creator of Blue Collar University, a training and development organization for managers, discussed seven essential character traits of good managers. Successful construction managers have certain invaluable skills, Gragg said, and understanding the why is a big part of becoming a good manager. “Good managers look for that one thing that’s stopping a person from getting better and growing,” he shared. “Bringing out the best in people involves a combination of observation and listening.”
In the construction industry, diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) is also essential for the long-term viability of companies. Crew Collaborative has developed impactful programs within the construction industry that help to not only create a more inclusive industry – but to find and inspire the future workforce, which is needed in nearly every trade. “Look at your team, look at the community, figure out what you’re missing, and then go engage with those people,” Kristina McMillan, Crew Founder shared. “Nothing is ever going to be more impactful than direct face-to-face interaction with your community.”
LEARN MORE
The stories from seasoned professionals and emerging workers illuminated how targeted strategies can rejuvenate the workforce pipeline. This series showed a need to balance traditional craftsmanship and the integration of technology to attract younger generations. By understanding and taking unified efforts in workforce development, industry growth can be secured for years to come. To read and share the workforce series, click here.
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