Relatively few candidates looking for work in the construction industry have the necessary skills to do the job well, according to a survey of construction industry managers by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk.
It’s a frustrating and business-impacting situation for many of the 1,400 U.S. construction firms that responded to a questionnaire in July and August. About 85% of survey respondents said they are trying to fill openings, but the going is rough.
Supply chain issues and workforce challenges are ongoing concerns. A whopping 68% of respondents said that applicants lack the skills needed to work in construction. Some 61% reported project delays due to labor shortages, and 65% reported delays because of supply challenges. Higher costs caused half the respondents to cancel, postpone, or scale back projects.
In response to the skills shortage, firms are investing more in internal training, with 41% boosting spending in this area. One-quarter of respondents say they are using video training, and 14% have turned to augmented and virtual reality technology for training.
There is some optimism reflected in the survey. A sizeable minority of construction firms responding to the survey are hopeful that new technology will improve the workforce skills outlook. About 41% of respondents said that AI and robotics in the next five years will improve the quality of construction jobs and make workers safer and more productive.
Related Stories
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: The next frontier of post-occupancy evaluations
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), ZGF Architects’ Chris Chatto outlines methods for conducting meaningful, holistic evaluations from design to occupancy.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
Contractors | May 5, 2018
Manual data entry still hampers jobsite construction
A new survey also finds managers and executives collecting and managing their work information on multiple platforms.
Contractors | May 3, 2018
The U.S. construction pipeline showed healthy growth in the first quarter
We expect the Pipeline to continue its modest growth through 2018.
Contractors | Apr 30, 2018
Following—and forecasting—the money: Financial modeling for project managers
To wait until there’s a problem affecting design and construction before consulting with a PM wastes valuable time when a project is at its most vulnerable point.
Contractors | Apr 26, 2018
At Boston University’s dental school, ‘under construction’ won’t mean ‘closed for business’
A major renovation and addition are scheduled to minimize operational disruption.
Contractors | Apr 20, 2018
Construction employment rises in 38 states and D.C. from March 2017 to March 2018
California and West Virginia have biggest job gains for the year, North Dakota has largest decline; Texas and Alaska have largest monthly pickup, New York and Hawaii have largest monthly drops.
Contractors | Apr 13, 2018
Clayco to open new office in Greenville, South Carolina
The office will be located in the One building at 2 West Washington Street.
Contractors | Apr 9, 2018
Tech Report 5.0: Smart(er) Jobsites
Real-time construction analysis, just-in-time materials delivery, digital production planning systems—these are just a few of the novel approaches construction firms are implementing to take control of their jobsites.
Market Data | Apr 2, 2018
Construction spending in February inches up from January
Association officials urge federal, state and local officials to work quickly to put recently enacted funding increases to work to improve aging and over-burdened infrastructure, offset public-sector spending drops.