According to the recent AGC survey, 80% of construction companies are still experiencing difficulty finding qualified workers for their job crews. One specialty contractor was recently quoted as saying that his company was having to “no bid” large jobs because they were unable to find enough skilled workers to staff the job even if they were able to win it. The ramp up to summer work is just beginning.
The labor shortage issue is widespread and as long as the economy and building demand this cycle remains vibrant, the labor shortage will continue. Part of the problem is a generational one. In fact, many of the companies are experiencing what it is like to hire millennials, those “workers” who were 25-37 years old last year. The following want ad expresses the frustration that many hiring company executives have developed in their attempts to hire millennials and staff up for pending jobs.
The Want Ad read like this:
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS NEEDED: Lake Fork area. Please do not apply if you oversleep, have court often, do not have a babysitter every day, have to get rides to work later than our workday begins, experience flat tires every week, have to hold on to a cell phone all day, or will become expert at your job with no need to learn or take advice after the first day. Must be able to talk and work at the same time. Must also remember to come back to work after lunch. Should not expect to receive gold stars for being on time. If you qualify, leave name and number at XXX-XXX-XXXX.
I find that ad humorous and in ways a sad commentary on our current workforce. I know that several of you are already thinking, “That’s the template I am going to use for my ad this week.” So, I would say, go ahead and see how many applicants between 25 and 37 years old show up or apply for your crews.
