By R.J. Morris, McCarthy vice president talent management
The construction business is booming. But while the pipeline may be filling fast, there’s a growing shortage that threatens the success of these projects: the craft professionals to build them.
The cause of the shortfall is clear: the average age of workers is 50. And as they near retirement, there are fewer people ready to take their place. As a result, unskilled workers are filling the gap, which increases risk in such key areas as safety, productivity and quality. That can lead to more rework and cost.
The consequences resulting from the shortage of craft professionals are not yet felt equally by all general contractors and their customers. But that day is coming. How proactive the building industry is today in creating viable short- and long-term solutions to this industry-wide challenge will determine how well we perform for our customers over the next 10 to 20 years.
Click here to read how McCarthy is being proactive to identify and nurture the craft professionals of tomorrow.