In a press conference held during the International Builders Show in Orlando, Fla., in February, Ed Brady, CEO of the Home Builders Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based construction training nonprofit, said a “long-term structural crisis” within the building industry is preventing it from adequately attracting and retaining workers, according to constructiondive.com.
Brady said higher compensation is not the only thing potential workers seek.
“Beyond better paychecks, people are looking for the best overall workplace environment when they choose what careers to pursue,” he said. “Today’s workers want greater respect, stability and opportunity.”
HBI’s Construction Labor Market Report, which is based on data and research from the National Association of Home Builders, estimates the residential construction industry will need to train and place 2.2 million new workers during the next three years to meet the present demand for new housing in the U.S.
During the press conference, Brady listed five key hiring and training strategies for the homebuilding industry.
- Recruit more women.
- Train and place more minority, lower-income and second-chance workers.
- Provide education and training for veterans and transitioning military.
- Develop national immigration policies that support workforce growth.
- Change entrenched and misguided perceptions of careers in construction.
A recent study by the Washington, D.C.-based Building Talent Foundation shows why tradespeople stay on the job and why they leave.
The top reason survey respondents gave for staying in their jobs was they had opportunities for career advancement, training and learning new skills. The next most cited reason was their boss treating them well and feeling valued and respected at work. The top reason people wanted to leave their jobs was a lack of career advancement, training and development.
NRCA offers resources to help contractors with worker recruitment, including its workforce recruitment webpage and Careers in Roofing website.
