Solutions to Help Shrink the Skilled Worker Gap

Solutions to Help Shrink the Skilled Worker Gap

Of the numerous challenges construction companies have been facing over the past few years, the workforce shortage has consistently remained at the top of the list. There are a few reasons why.

“We have an aging workforce that is retiring faster than we are getting new workers in,” said Amanda Long, executive vice president of revenue at Industrial Training International (ITI). “It is also difficult to attract those new workers. We have to get young people, as well as those whose jobs have recently been impacted by automation, to see that craft work in the construction industry is a great career.”

Three-Pronged Approach

More effective employee recruiting is just one part of the workforce shortage solution. According to Long, construction firms must also develop more efficient onboarding methods and accelerated learning tools.

There is no one size fits all when it comes to the learning tools either.

“People need different modalities of learning to make sure the skills are known and understood,” Long said. “That’s why we like to focus on a blended learning approach, a combination of instructor-led training, online training and simulatio...