It is no secret that the U.S. is suffering from a post-pandemic labor shortage. The commercial construction industry was already suffering labor losses prior to Covid-19 and is finding it even more difficult now to attract skilled and general labor.
There are many factors contributing to the construction labor shortages today including the smaller Generation X population, the negative perception of the construction industry, and the push by the U.S. educational system to steer young people toward college rather than into trade schools. These factors combined are predicted to result in a sobering shortage of 1 million craft professionals in the construction industry by 2023 (BYF.org). This problem is further compounded by the retiring Baby Boom Generation, who make up approximately 41 percent of the U.S. construction workforce including management positions. By 2031, this generation will be retired which will have a major impact on the construction industry according to the National Center for Construction Education and Research.