The work is there. The workers aren’t. That’s the findings reported by KWCH-12/CBS anchor Lily Wu. When she spoke to Jeremy Hill, director of Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR), he confirmed that the construction industry is looking for people to hire, but they’re not finding enough of them.
“The issue within the construction market is where do they find labor and talent to do the work,” Hill says. “What’s holding us back from meeting that demand is getting that skilled labor.”
A Problem with a Solution
AGC of Kansas Board Member and Chairman of the Build Up Kansas program, Chad Mohr (Star Lumber, Wichita, KS), says that AGC of Kansas and the construction industry are doing their part to address the workforce challenge. The organization created the Build Up Kansas campaign to promote construction as a viable and rewarding professional career choice.
The campaign website serves as a motivator and a resource, outlining various paths a prospect might take – from going to work right out of high school to going to college then launching your career. The jobs available offer many perks, including good pay, variety and the ability to use your hands and be outside.
There are desk jobs in construction, too, but for those who want a more physical and active position, construction could be the solution. Also, the jobs are there. With the world emerging from the constraints of a pandemic, pent-up demand promises to rev the economy. Construction is a big part of that.
Opportunity Ahead
Mohr says that in March 2021, 80 percent of contractors and suppliers’ projects moved forward and that as consumer confidence grows, it will energize construction.
“We are very hopeful and optimistic,” Mohr says. “We’re going to see some really good things come back for our industry.”
AGC of Kansas is recognized as the “Chamber of Commerce for the Kansas Construction Industry” representing 325 Kansas commercial, industrial and utility construction firms and their 9,000 employees. www.agcks.org.
