Nearly Half of US Contractors Believe Training the Next Generation of Workers is the Industry’s Most Critical Need, According to Newly Released DEWALT Powering the Future Survey
A new survey released Oct. 24 from DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand and leader in total job site solutions, found more than half of U.S. contractors (55 percent) feel a lack of skilled workers is a barrier to growing their current business. That number rises to 69 percent among businesses with $10MM plus annual revenue and 64 percent among those with 20 years or more of experience. Looking to the future, 48 percent believe training the next generation of trades professionals is one of the most critical needs for the success of the construction industry in 2023.
“The DEWALT Powering the Future Survey sheds further light on the wide-reaching gap in skilled labor and its continued impact on the residential and commercial construction industries,” said Allison Nicolaidis, President of Power Tools Group at Stanley Black & Decker. “Add to that the overwhelming demand for trades expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the [skilled-labor] gap is quickly becoming the most critical need that will dictate the future success of the field. That’s why DEWALT is committed to putting a heavier spotlight on these challenges and taking a lead role in supporting our industrial and construction partners to overcome them. DEWALT will further its commitment to closing the skills deficit with the launch of the DEWALT Trade Scholarship to support trades education programs for students across the country.”