To better address construction industry labor shortages, companies have identified a need to build better recruiting programs, aimed at targeting the younger generations. Given the industry’s aging workforce, the importance of recruiting and retaining the next generation of construction workers is extremely critical—without them, shortages will only continue to grow.
One key to garnering interest in the industry is creating leadership programs and community partnerships with high schools and colleges that can provide students with internships, mentorships and job shadowing opportunities. In developing early relationships, students can learn about construction work firsthand from industry members, building professional relationships. Construction companies can also benefit, as they have the opportunity to train qualified workers and identify candidates for future positions. Recruitment programs help to create a more positive perception of the construction industry, showing students that construction can offer a career path with longevity and good pay, where people can work with their hands and have the satisfaction of completing a project.
Callahan Construction Managers (Callahan) recognizes the importance of building towards the future and has implemented a community outreach program that creates partnerships with local vocational high schools and colleges, giving students the opportunity to participate in job shadowing and onsite tours for hands-on learning experiences. Students not only learn about day-to-day operations of the construction industry, but the program also helps them to connect their academic frameworks to the real world. Students experience the various stages and phases of construction first-hand over the course of the school year.
Construction site visits provide students with an introduction and general overview of the project they are visiting, as well as a lesson about the various scopes of work occurring onsite by subcontractors. Students also receive a safety briefing and general training from a safety officer, teaching them the importance of safety culture on a construction site. It is a chance to learn about career options in safety in the industry.
Callahan also hosts a Women in the Trades Summit with Quincy High School Career and Technical Education. The half-day summit provides an opportunity for female students enrolled in non-traditional career programs, their teachers, and guidance counselors to learn first-hand about opportunities for women in the skilled trades, along with personal insights from women actively working in these fields.
Through a partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT), students from WIT’s Construction Management Club toured the Hilton Garden Inn construction site located in Brookline, Massachusetts. During the visit, students were provided with an overview of the project and details of its unique challenges. Students were then guided through an intimate tour of the construction site.
The tour was co-led by a WIT construction management student, who is currently a co-op on the project.
The students witnessed crews installing elevators and drywall and pouring concrete stairs. Students also learned how Callahan is using technology to complete the project. Project officials explained how the 3D coordination model is being used and integrated with other building systems.
“Callahan is committed to providing educational opportunities for students in the trades,” says Patrick Callahan, president of Callahan Construction Managers. “These students are the future of our industry, and it’s important we provide learning opportunities as construction continues to see major labor shortages. We hope our tours inspire students interested in construction management.”
Expanding recruiting efforts is vital for reaching prospective students. Career fairs and social media are a few other tools that can aid in getting the word out that construction can be a lucrative career. The earlier companies can engage students in the industry, the easier it will be to incorporate students into the workforce. Competitive benefits and pay, a strong safety culture, and clear opportunities for advancement are other great ways to attract talent.
If construction companies are to succeed, they need to be vigilant in seeking out and recruiting top, future talent. Investing in the communities where they work and focusing on the next generation is critical for the future of the industry.
