Finding skilled workers who can understand complex computer systems isn’t easy — and the construction industry is seeking professionals who can step up to the plate.
October is Careers in Construction Month, and there’s no better time to examine the construction industry’s current labor situation. While still moving forward and hoping for a positive outcome, the harrowing labor shortage within the industry continues, causing discomfort for many as new positions and careers appear with no one to fill them.
The rise of technology in today’s world has had a significant impact on almost every market, and the construction industry is no stranger to this trend. Contractors are continuing to utilize levels of advanced technology not seen before, resulting in a push toward an imminently more digital world.
René Morkos, founder of ALICE Technologies, knows a thing or two about the emergence of technology in the construction industry, and in a new Forbes report, he stated that there’s a “demand for a new kind of construction worker, one with a comprehensive understanding of emerging technologies as well as the built environment.”
Morkos breaks down the types of technology utilized in construction and how these advancements are moving the industry forward.
Citing construction management software such as Procore, the ALICE’s founder notes that these programs “increase productivity, improve site and safety conditions, and reduce the cost and timeline of construction.”
Software systems like these offer pre-construction, project management, and financial services, among others.
“The modernization of construction processes will require a workforce ready to integrate their tech-focused knowledge and skill sets with industry strategy. This pivot places Gen Z and millennials in an advantageous position when competing for careers within the construction industry.”
– René Morkos (for Forbes)
Individuals willing to fill tech-based positions may not be too few and far between
Morkos claims that the industry should be prepared for an influx of technology-based jobs in need of employees, but that it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s very possible for employers to push through the shortage, acknowledging the important factors of a business that attract skilled workers.
Levelset’s Tara Callinan examined the many ways construction technology can drive the industry and impact a contractor’s ability to get paid.
“Without the right field coordination tools, productivity will flatline and projects will get delayed. Communication, coordination, and collaboration will deteriorate, and stakeholder relationships will suffer,” Callinan said.
Many professionals not interested in the physical trade could be drawn to the technologically advanced aspects of the industry and the opportunities that may help them grow their careers. And targeting a new group of people who may be eager to take on a tech position in construction might aid in the labor crisis.
As the Forbes report noted, “The modernization of construction processes will require a workforce ready to integrate their tech-focused knowledge and skill sets with industry strategy. This pivot places Gen Z and millennials in an advantageous position when competing for careers within the construction industry.”
Widening the scope of skills required for construction careers could invite a new crowd of professionals
It’s not yet clear how these new technology-based jobs will affect the construction industry, but there are pros and cons to modernization.
There are a variety of ways business owners can maintain good workers, such as offering competitive compensation and benefits, keeping current employees satisfied, and being open to the idea of technological advancements. It may be important to inspire those interested in tech positions through social media, a vehicle that can aid with exposure and seems to be growing by the second.
Related: Construction Pros Share 3 Key Ways Employers Can Gain & Retain Quality Workers