Growth in the construction industry job market is expected to explode over the next decade. It is estimated that contractors will post 7.5 job openings by 2026.

To meet the uptick in demand for skilled workers, the Associated Builders and Contractors estimate the construction industry needs to add 1.28 million workers to the labor force in 2023.

That could pose a problem for contractors given the lack of skilled workers available. And with 40% of the current workforce expected to retire by 2031, construction companies could be facing a long-term recruitment crisis.

Younger generations hold the key to the rebuilding program the construction industry desperately needs. And one of the ways for contractors to appeal to tech-savvy Millennials and Gen Zers is by promoting cutting-edge technologies construction workers can feel excited about.

Wearables

Consumers are already familiar with wearables such as Fitbit and smart watches. In the construction industry, wearable technologies appeal to tech-minded workers, they also perform a broad range of functions that younger generations care about; namely safety, health and wellbeing, and productivity.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is arguably the technology that excites younger people today more than any other emerging technology that is available for safe use. The more advanced technology gets, the more beneficial it is becoming for pre-construction projects.

Because VR enables designers to create a walkthrough space that replicates the real world, construction companies can use virtual reality in the design process, training new starters, a digital instruction manual that showcases building plans and floor plans, and many other useful functions.

BIM Technology

Similar to VR, Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides the construction industry with a powerful tool the younger generation of workers will find exciting to use.

BIM uses 3D graphics and simulation components that help architects, contractors, and owners to coordinate and visualize building projects in almost life-like reality before a project starts.

3D Printing

3D printing is one of those technologies that will be met with skepticism but at the same time could revolutionize the US construction industry. Using this technology reduces the cost of materials, constructs buildings in far less time than manual labor, and eliminates accidents.

Whilst this exciting and groundbreaking technology promises to be the future of construction, the machines require highly trained operators to program daily schedules. Candidates will ideally need qualifications in fine arts, computer science, and engineering. Top talent will be in short supply but the prospects for qualifies professionals will be too exciting to turn down.

Wrap Up

The construction industry is expected to lose between 14% and 20% of its workforce over the next five years and 40% over the course of the next decade.

An AGC/FMI Risk Study predicts that 88% of engineering and construction companies could face a labor shortage that threatens the future of their business. The time to start building a workforce for the future has to start now.

Cruitfly is a construction staffing company that specializes in sourcing talented individuals for the construction industry nationwide. Moreover, our recruitment process identifies top talent across all generations and can help contractors to recruit the next crop of workers the construction industry will rely on.

With a vetted pool of talented individuals to choose from on-demand, our highly experienced staffing agents can help expedite the recruitment process and provide you with a hassle-free channel to build a workforce for the future.

For more information, get in touch with us today and request an employee.