Struggling to find the right talent in the construction industry? You’re not alone. In this month’s Monday Market Share, we’re digging into the hiring challenges that construction companies are facing right now and how they can overcome them. We caught up with Christa Jensen, our in-house expert recruiter for the construction sector, to get the scoop on what’s shaping hiring in construction, the hottest roles, and the strategies you need to stay competitive in today’s job market.
In this interview, Christa breaks down what you need to know about hiring in construction:
- What are the most in-demand roles in the construction industry right now, and why?
- What challenges do construction companies face when it comes to finding and retaining skilled workers?
- What advice would you give to companies struggling to fill critical roles in the construction sector?
Keep reading for her expert insights or check out the full video below!
Current Trends for Hiring in Construction
What are the most in-demand roles in the construction industry right now, and why?
“The most in-demand roles in construction reflect the industry's focus on growth, sustainability, and advanced technology integration. What I’m personally seeing in the market is:
The greatest need for Project Managers, especially Senior Project Managers. With the increase in construction projects, experienced project managers are needed to oversee operations, budget management, and stakeholder coordination.
Another role that I’m seeing an increased need for is a Site Manager/Superintendent role: These professionals ensure that work on-site is completed safely, on time, and within scope.
I’m also seeing a great need for Civil Engineers right now. The demand for infrastructure improvements and urban development is driving the need for civil engineers with expertise in sustainable building practices.
At Blue Signal, we specialize in connecting construction companies with top-tier talent to meet their growing needs. Leveraging my industry expertise and network, I recruit skilled professionals for in-demand and specialized roles. As an Executive Recruiter in the construction space, I’m passionate about helping companies build high-performing teams that drive growth, increase revenue, and achieve lasting success.” — Christa Jensen, Sr. Executive Recruiter
Christa highlights the key roles for hiring in construction that are seeing the largest demand: project managers, site managers, and civil engineers. The construction industry has seen significant job growth in key cities, with recent reports showing a 25% increase in construction jobs across major U.S. metro areas. As construction projects grow in complexity and size, the need for skilled professionals to oversee operations and implement sustainable practices continues to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for construction managers is expected to grow by 11% through 2031, making it crucial for companies to focus on construction hiring to fill these critical roles.
Challenges in Hiring and Retaining Talent for Construction
What challenges do construction companies face when it comes to finding and retaining skilled workers?
“Some key challenges that construction companies are experiencing in hiring and retention include:
Labor Shortage: There's an ongoing shortage of skilled labor, particularly in skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and welding. This labor shortage has worsened post-pandemic as experienced workers retire and fewer younger workers enter the industry. This has created a pretty large talent gap.
Competition from Other Industries: Construction companies now face increased competition from other industries (like manufacturing or warehousing), which also need skilled labor. This drives wages higher and makes it harder for smaller firms to compete for talent.
Retention: High turnover rates are driven by tough working conditions, long hours, and job instability during economic downturns.
Workplace Safety and Conditions: Safety concerns and a lack of work-life balance also contribute to the challenge of retaining talent.
In response, I see many companies I work with focus more on upskilling their current workforce and working with search firms, like Blue Signal, to address these shortages. Additionally, increasing wages, offering better benefits, and improving work conditions are strategies being used to attract younger workers back into the Construction industry.” — Christa Jensen, Sr. Executive Recruiter
The ongoing labor shortage for hiring in construction, especially in skilled trades like plumbing and electrical work, poses significant challenges for companies. Over 90% of builders cite labor shortages as a major concern, according to the HBI Construction Labor Market Report. Retention is also a pressing issue, exacerbated by job instability, difficult working conditions, and high turnover rates. Christa suggests companies address these challenges by focusing on upskilling their workforce, improving safety protocols, and offering better work-life balance. As highlighted by BuilderOnline, these strategies, combined with competitive wages and benefits, are key to attracting and retaining top talent in the construction industry.
Strategies for Overcoming Construction Recruitment Challenges
What advice would you give to companies struggling to fill critical roles in the construction sector?
“My advice for companies finding it difficult to fill key positions is:
Continue to upskill your existing workforce. Invest in training programs that enable current employees to take on more advanced roles, so that you can maintain a balance of both tenured and “more green” employees within your organization.
I also highly recommend Flexible Hiring Models. Consider using contractors, freelancers, or part-time workers to fill immediate gaps while developing long-term talent strategies.
One of the most important things you can do is improve company branding. In this day, your company’s digital footprint is everything. If we work together, our award- winning marketing team creates a customized campaign and story board pamphlet for each search that we launch. We highlight your company’s culture, career development opportunities, and commitment to employee well-being to make your organization more attractive to potential hires.
Leverage your personal network for recruitment. Make sure to post open roles on your LinkedIn page and your social media to reach a larger and more diverse talent pool. I also see companies hosting Virtual job fairs and online networking events to increase visibility.
Partner with educational institutions. Collaborating with trade schools, colleges, and vocational programs can help companies create a pipeline of talent by offering internships, scholarships, and mentorships.
If you’ve exhausted all the above options and are still having trouble filling a critical role, Blue Signal is here to help. Contact me to schedule a meeting so we can discuss your options and explore how I can be a valuable resource for your hiring needs.” — Christa Jensen, Sr. Executive Recruiter
Christa provides several strategic solutions to overcome challenges when hiring in construction. She stresses the importance of flexible hiring models like temporary contracts and part-time hires to meet immediate staffing needs while building a long-term talent pipeline. Additionally, she highlights the value of strong employer branding and partnerships with vocational programs to attract skilled talent. Christa encourages companies to work with Blue Signal, where our award-winning team takes a unique approach by customizing recruitment campaigns, focusing on each company's culture and long-term growth goals. Improving workplace conditions and promoting career development opportunities are also key strategies for retaining top construction professionals.
Conclusion
Hiring in the construction industry is becoming increasingly complex, with companies needing to adapt to new technologies, sustainability practices, and an ever-growing talent gap. With insights from experts like Christa Jensen, Blue Signal is ready to assist construction firms in finding the skilled professionals needed to overcome today’s hiring challenges. As the industry continues to evolve, a proactive approach to recruitment is the key to success.
Meet Christa Jensen: Expert in Construction Recruitment
Christa Jensen brings her deep industry expertise to the forefront, helping construction companies navigate the complexities of hiring top talent. Her recruitment strategies are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring that they not only find the right candidates but also build teams that drive long-term success. If you're ready to optimize your recruitment approach, connect with Christa today!
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