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Skilled labor are workers who possess abilities, training and safety-minded expertise within their

industry. Many skilled laborers in the construction industry are welders, carpenters, crane

operators, licensed electricians, etc. With the increase in technology and college graduates, there

has been a declined in skilled labor. The main cause of the shortage is lack of training. Many

middle-aged skilled laborers are seeking higher leadership roles. The new, younger workers

entering the industry have a lack of experience. Newly graduated college students are seeking

better career opportunities rather than physical labor. When the economy started improving,

there was an increase in technology. Many new workers wanted employment in a career that

utilized this technology. With college enrollment becoming increasingly higher, many graduates

are choosing other fields to work in and the construction industry is falling behind.

Short term

There are short term ways to combat this issue. Contractors are increasing wages, bonuses,

overtime opportunities and retention rewards for skilled labor. Some are also taking on less

projects because they are not able to perform adequately due to the lack of skilled labor. It is

essential for the general contractor and subcontractors to maintain a healthy relationship to

combat the skilled labor shortage. A strong relationship will result in better quality of work and

more work in the future.

Long term

To fight the skilled labor shortage, it is imperative to start at the student level. By engaging more

high school students, they will learn more about trade schools and technical colleges to teach

them specific skills. Instead of students learning business management skills, they would be

learning hands on skills such as carpentry or welding. The perception of skilled labor in the

industry needs redirecting. Owners and contractors should recognize the unique work of a skilled
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laborer. Skilled laborers help the economy by providing specific skills to contracted work.

Construction companies can perform more projects with the right group of laborers.

Works Cited
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Boudreau, Tom. "Construction Industry Trends: Struggle to Find Skilled Laborers." The

Hartford (2015).