Across the nation, demand for skilled tradespeople and management at all levels is at an all-time high. Construction companies are struggling to find qualified workers for their projects. Moreover, the labor shortage is increasing the amount of time it takes to complete projects and limiting the number of projects companies can take on.
The construction industry is one segment of the economy that continues to experience rapid growth in 2020. What’s more, the industry is expected to be among the fastest-growing over the next 12 months. In 2012, Forbes reported that qualified new hires in the skilled trades were the most difficult to find. Now in 2020, the problem persists. In the United States, we’re exasperated by a construction-specific unemployment rate.
A Lack Of Skilled Labor
The Heavy Civil Construction Industry unemployment rate is low — there is a growing lack of skilled labor. Historically, construction firms have used referrals from existing workers to fill job openings. Projects are taking longer due to not having the right talent. In an increasingly competitive hiring environment and shortage of experienced workers, new methods are needed — firms have turned to national recruiting agencies. Nowadays, eligible and qualified talent needs to be found by proven executive search recruiting services.
Recent surveys have shown most heavy civil construction contractors report difficulty finding qualified craft workers as more and more Baby Boomers exit the workforce. The construction industry needs to reach the younger generations to fill the gap. Therefore, many industry stakeholders are reshaping their image into one that’s more creative, innovative, and collaborative in hopes of attracting young and skilled workers.
Magic happens when leaders implement talent optimization strategies. Tackling new hires is a vital first step in forming and shaping an organization’s culture. Since management can’t afford to ignore the team members already in place, it’s wise to take a strategic pause and hire an experienced executive search firm. Creating and maintaining an optimal culture that attracts, rewards, and retains outstanding talent takes time. But the effort is worth the energy — those who choose not to risk being left in the dust.
Why Newport Group?
Leaders of the construction industry can start filling in the talent gap by focusing on the hiring process. Emphasizing behavioral traits and technical skills results in better teams and improved career paths for those coming through the ranks. Behavioral traits impact the way individuals think and work.
At The Newport Group, we’ve worked with organizations serving every application of civil and infrastructure construction — heavy highway contractors, bridge builders, sewer and waterway contractors, geotechnical contractors, paving and grading companies, and marine contractors. We are experts in finding the behavioral and technical skills you need, learn more about our expertise in construction here.
The Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction subsector includes organizations whose primary activity is the construction of entire engineering projects (e.g., dams and highways), and specialty trade contractors, whose main business is the production of specific components for such projects. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance, and repairs. The Newport Group has been providing construction recruiting services for over 25 years.
The Newport Group Solution
The Newport Group is a leading executive recruiting firm with expertise in numerous industry verticals. We deploy proprietary data sets and meticulous processes to identify, recruit, place, and help retain blue-chip talent at leading companies nationwide. Turn the challenges ahead into competitive advantages alongside our help. Roles we’ve placed include CFO, VP of Construction, VP of Operations, CEO, Project Manager, Project Executive.
Our team of recruiters is active in all sectors of real estate development, including production homebuilding, multifamily, commercial, retail, and land. Construction verticals include commercial, civil, utility, pipeline, infrastructure, as well as environmental consulting and remediation. Additional expertise covers IT sectors, including healthcare IT. Ever strategic in our approach, we present talent that aligns with our clients’ strategic objectives. Learn more about us here.
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