With 2021 officially behind us and with the world around us changing by the minute, many are wondering what the skilled trade industry will bring us in 2022. Even with the US getting back into a work routine, the pandemic labor shortages are still at the forefront of everyone's mind - wrecking havoc on project timelines and plans.
The current labor shortage can be attributed to multiple factors including the lack of trained workers, the rise in unemployment numbers, and the fact that many skilled trades workers were laid off as a result of companies closing their doors for a short period of time. As the industry becomes adjusted to the new reality of living with the ebbs and flows of Covid, and as the US economy attempts to normalize as well, it is crucial that the industry begins to consider how to re-staff the workforce in 2022. Below are my key takeaways as I consider what this new year will look like for our industry:
1. Technology Will Lead the Way
The architecture, engineering, and construction industry (AEC) is not a sector known to adopt new technologies quickly. When change does come, it moves at a glacial pace.
Learning a skilled trade takes plenty of hands-on training and years of experience to master your chosen trade but the training can be unsage and expensive when on a jobsite. With virtual reality, workers can train in a simulated, life-like environment and construction equipment training simulators are becoming more prevalent and accepted in the construction industry. VR simulators allow vocational and trade school students to get familiar with their tools and equipment without the dangers associated with real equipment.
2. Unemployed Americans are Looking for Stable Jobs
While the pandemic has been an unsettling time for most, the skilled trades industry has proven to be one of the most stable and steady parts of the workforce. People looking to find jobs in these skilled trades can expect great opportunities and hard to find stability. The jobs that many individuals will transition to following the pandemic include roles like these. Many people in industries more impacted by layoffs, like restaurant and retail, are seeking a hands-on job similar to the one they had before the pandemic hit.
3. The Skilled Labor Shortage will Continue to be a Challenge
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we're going to need more than four million skilled laborers to replace the nearly eight million lost from the labor force during the pandemic. The industry is going to be challenged filling those positions, due to the fact that the skills needed are in high demand. The pandemic has not only created a huge labor shortage, but many baby boomers who have left the industry have also chosen not to return and have opted for early retirement rather than returning to the workplace. Still others are reluctant to return to work for health reasons, especially if they have contact with others or if they are working in a job that requires face-to-face contact.
4. Companies will Continue to Focus on Attracting a Younger Workforce
The trade education pipeline is still abundant with talented skilled trades graduates. The challenge will continue to be reaching talent exiting the school system, and more importantly establishing your own programs and educational partnerships. Consider establishing an in-house apprenticeship program or partner with nearby high schools and colleges with Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings. Better yet, offer both training tracks, because one can be a better fit than others depending upon the life circumstances of students.
Apprenticeships and Career and Technical Education programs are in the midst of a massive resurgence, spurred by the critical skills shortages. Chances are good that there are local programs—offered through schools or government initiatives—where your company can offer expertise and support. If there aren’t existing programs, you can help create one from the ground up.
5. Skilled Trade Jobs Could Solve Labor Shortage
There are many unfilled jobs in the U.S. today. Home improvement projects and a competitive housing market have driven the increase in demand for skilled workers. Filling these available jobs is the first step but the deeper answer lies in training and retaining talent once they have been hired leading to longer standing employment and a true new workforce to replace the mass amount of workers that have retired from the skilled trade industry.
Regardless of what's on the 2022 horizon, one thing is for sure: things will evolve and change and the ever-resilient construction industry will continue to pave the way to the future.
Brittany Bainum - Founder, Tradeworthy Jobs
With more than 15 years in the construction industry serving in a variety of HR leadership roles, and a rooted understanding of the challenges connecting construction employers to potential employees, Brittany launched Tradeworthy Jobs--an app-based platform created exclusively for listing construction positions. The Tradeworthy Jobs team works hand-in-hand with high school guidance counselors across the country, bridging the gap between construction employers and candidates.
