The gap has been steadily widening between the construction industry and the skilled workers needed to meet a growing business demand nationwide.
According to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), over half a million more trained employees are needed to fill the need in the industry by the end of 2024. While labor reports showed a gradual decline in the number of construction job openings in the first two quarters of the year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed that by the end of June, nearly 300,000 jobs in the field remained unfilled.
Local industry experts cite a rapidly retiring workforce and a dwindling interest in the industry as leading factors in the decline. The result is trade partners who become stretched too thin and projects missing projected deadlines.
To help close the gap in Indiana, where the construction industry contributed nearly $21 billion to the state’s economy last year, those closest to the industry are taking action to find solutions and working to build a robust, sustainable talent pipeline.
Organization Youth Outreach
With the success of the construction landscape in Indiana hinging on the fulfillment of thousands of jobs, advocates for the industry have flipped the script on traditional workforce practices – if they aren’t coming for the industry, bring the industry to them.
The Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) has placed a sharp focus on engagement to attract new talent to the construction industry.
“Our initiatives target various groups to cultivate interest and provide practical exposure to the skilled trades,” said Kevin Comerford, director of professional development for CAF.
In addition to offering programming like safety training and professional development, CAF has established strong relationships with high schools, career and technical centers and higher learning institutions where they can reach future workforce members and promote the benefits of the industry. The organization’s outreach also includes the We Build Northwest Indiana website, where those interested in a construction job can find additional resources about the industry.
CAF’s programs also include two annual “Hands-on Construction and Skilled Trades Day” events in Porter and Lake counties and construction trade union initiatives, Comerford said.
Indiana Careers in Construction Association (ICCA) is comprised of members from several building trades and their contractors who offer over 60 construction apprenticeship training locations in the state. In an effort to further their mission of recruiting, training and placing skilled workers with construction jobs, ICCA has established the Built To Succeed, a collaborative initiative between the Indiana High School Athletic Association (HSAA) and construction entities to attract workers to the industry.
“In 2023, Built to Succeed outreach staff was on site at 73 events to meet with students, share the benefits of careers in construction, and help them identify pathways to apprenticeship programs,” said Lynn Busby, director of community outreach for ICCA.
Legislative Involvement
In May 2023, Indiana legislators passed House Bill 1002, which in part focuses on career alternatives to college as a post-secondary option. The act establishes the Career Scholarship Account (CSA) program, a state-funded annual scholarship of $5,000 to eligible high school students in grades 10, 11 and 12. Students can use the scholarships for internships, apprenticeships, applied learning experiences, and credential attainment experiences.
The mission behind the program is to help students earn credentials before they graduate high school. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the Commission for Higher Education (CHE) are responsible for designating and approving new coursework, apprenticeships, and related programs.
Tech for a New Generation
Innovative technology has the potential to elevate every industry, including construction where leveraging the use of things like high-tech building information modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence and virtual reality simulators has already driven businesses forward. It is that kind of forward momentum, Busby said, that draws new interest and excitement into the field.
“Individuals embarking on careers in any industry are looking for employers that are on the leading edge of technology,” said Busby of ICCA. “Our industry finds technology solutions such as BIM and new project management software often create cost savings and scheduling efficiencies, and we are excited about the advancements that can be made through artificial intelligence in the coming years.”
Making a Difference
The combined efforts of advocate organizations, employers and trade unions are making a difference, Busby noted. Since 2013, she said Indiana’s union construction industry has increased in apprenticeship intake by 78%.
“This provides a promising outlook for bringing the construction workforce up to where it needs to be to ensure the industry in Indiana is operating at optimal levels,” she said. “It takes everyone working together to achieve this, and we are definitely on the right path and making great gains. It’s exciting to watch employees find a fulfilling career and see construction companies in Indiana thrive.”