As the industry’s most experienced members are retiring after a lifelong career in construction, we need talented people to fill the growing need for skilled workers. That’s why we at I Build America – Ohio are on a mission to educate Ohioans on the opportunities available in this industry.
According to Associated Builders Contractors (ABC), construction spending will continue to grow over the next few years, with the assumption that the impact of COVID-19 will not halt progress. ABC reports that the annual construction spending for 2019 was $1.30 trillion. They predict “3% growth (to $1.34 trillion) for 2020 and 3% growth above the previous year’s construction spending level for 2021 and 2022, to $1.38 trillion and $1.42 trillion, respectively.”
Construction spending may be on the rise, but the workforce growth rate is simply not enough to fill the need. It’s estimated that the construction workforce will grow .5% annually throughout the 2020’s. This slow growth, combined with the 600,000+ jobs lost since the Great Recession, has left quite a void.
We are confident that there are Ohioans fit for a career in construction. There are plenty of talented individuals with untapped potential working in uninspiring careers, thanks to a false belief that construction simply isn’t for them. Our blog is filled with informative posts that break down various positions in the industry. Each includes facts on future job outlook and the necessary steps to take to get there. If you’ve been following along, you know there are a range of skills that suit certain positions. But what skills best serve the majority of positions in the construction industry? These top 3 traits are what construction firms across the state are actively searching for:
- Physical Health
You probably guessed this would top the list. This is the most expected attribute to land a position in the construction industry. Both physical power and endurance are critical for the more hands-on skilled trades. Even if you have dreams of becoming a foreman or CEO of a construction firm, hands-on labor is an important first step to learn the ropes before you lead.
- Collaborative Communication
Construction is a team effort. There is not one project that is completed alone. In order to get the job done right – and on time – excellent communication and a collaborative spirit is critical. Communication takes all forms on and off the jobsite, from digital to verbal. No matter if you are born a natural communicator or take the time to hone your communication skills, collaborative communication will serve you well.
- An Eagerness to Learn
One of the most thrilling parts of working in the construction industry is the fact that it never stays the same. Technology is always advancing and techniques are continuously being perfected. Staying up-to-date on the most recent innovations and operations is an important part of ensuring career success. Individuals with an innate curiosity and desire to learn, especially outside of traditional classroom settings, will thrive in the construction industry.
If these attributes sound like you or someone you know, contact us. We are here to help fill the labor gap with talented, motivated people fit for a lifelong career in construction.
