How Construction Is Handling the Labour Shortage

The construction industry is facing a severe shortage of skilled workers due to an ageing population and low entry levels into the field. Furthermore, the demand for professionals has never been greater given population growth, increased infrastructure maintenance requirements, and new builds.

One factor contributing to the worker shortage is the ageing population of construction workers, as more experienced personnel retire and not enough young people enter the industry. Other potential reasons could include negative perceptions surrounding job conditions like hazardous or “dirty” working environments, no advancement opportunities and low pay rates.

According to statistics from the National Association of Home Builders, there will be an estimated shortage of 900,000 construction workers worldwide by 2028. Despite projections from the Bureau of Labour Statistics that employment in this industry will grow faster than average across all occupations by 10% between 2020-2030 – still leaves far fewer individuals than necessary to fill these roles.

To address and bridge this gap, initiatives must be made to reduce the stigma surrounding construction jobs and provide incentives like higher wages or opportunities for advancement so more people are encouraged to pursue them. If action isn’t taken quickly enough, the shortage could have serious repercussions for both national economies and companies in the industry.