Just about every job is different now than it was ten years ago. New technology has made some jobs obsolete, some jobs exist now that didn’t ten years ago and other jobs are being morphed and changed every day.
When one thinks of construction, they may simply think of hard-working individuals sweating away outside, as the sun beats down on their neck. Everyone has a tool belt fitted with the most basic tools as walls are raised, concrete is poured and pipes are installed.
Even though the basic idea of the construction industry is staying the same, the construction industry is an ever-changing industry that will certainly have a new face in a decade.
The Industry is Experiencing Negative Growth
The construction industry, as a whole, is set to experience a labor shortage over the next decade. The shortage isn’t a surprise to many, but is set to have dire consequences over the next few years. Some estimates say that around 200,000 jobs are left unfilled each year, meaning longer projects and higher wait times.
So, what are companies doing to combat this impending labor shortage? Many are turning to higher and more competitive wages in order to retain workers. Others are offering more benefits for potential and current workers in an attempt to maintain the status quo. So, if you’re looking at getting into construction, now may be a good time for a career change. There will certainly be plenty of work!
More Women are Entering the Field
Construction has long been a male-dominated industry, but more women have started to enter this sector.
The majority of construction jobs filled by women are front-office, while around 15% are actually working in the field. Women are playing a bigger role in sales and management jobs, even though there are few women leaders or mentors in the industry. The labor shortage has opened up the door for women who want to get into construction, in leadership and general field positions.
Technology is Making its Mark
Construction isn’t immune to the effects and wave of technology. Even though nothing ever replaces a solid allen wrench, there are still plenty of ways tech and construction are becoming the perfect match.
Smart helmets help collect data about users, making sure they are working efficiently and not too strenuously. Drones are helping foremen and managers see their projects from unique and different angles. No longer are companies having to rent out helicopters in order to fly over building sites.
Software management systems help companies make sure everything is running smoothly and on-time, not overscheduling workers or having jobs overlap.
Computer programs help speed along offsite construction, meaning projects can be completed faster and more efficiently.
AI is also making its mark, helping workers increase productivity, improve safety and remove risks. Companies use VR training for employees to simulate risk management and safety procedures.
Companies are also choosing long-term rentals for certain equipment, saving money and investing more into other areas.
Salaries Are on the Rise
Even with a labor shortage, companies are doing all they can to retain and attract workers. One of these ways is increasing salaries for construction jobs and those with more specific trades.
Plumbers, electricians and roofers can all earn close to $100,000 per year in certain communities while having no shortage of work. On-site workers are also seeing their wages increase.
Upper management positions have plenty of salary growth, encouraging those who stay within the same company. Construction is a job that many can enter in at almost any age with high earning potential.
Going Green
Just with technology, you’d be hard-pressed to find places that are not putting an emphasis on going green and doing their part to preserve the environment.
Companies are looking to complete projects in environmentally friendly ways while making the most of their resources at-hand. Construction is a huge contributor to greenhouse gases, but people are always needing new buildings or renovations. With making buildings more reliable and sustainable, companies can lower their emissions while making longer-lasting buildings.
Materials are also part of the movement, as people are researching on how to make sustainable materials using recycled goods. It is a trend that will certainly continue into the future.
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