While the demand for construction workers is growing across the country, employers are having a tough time filling roles. According to The Associated General Contractors, 70 percent of construction firms are struggling to hire new, qualified workers.
The National Association of Home Builders states that the median age of a construction worker in the United States is 42. As these workers age, they may feel the need to take a step back from on-site jobs and focus more on contracting and other managerial duties, leaving room for millennials to pursue careers in the construction field.
However, many millennials are hesitant to take up construction jobs due to the belief that the work is too laborious or doesn’t pay well. As an employer, it’s important to counter these perceptions with well-thought-out construction recruitment ideas so you can build a strong and reliable workforce.
Why Are Millennials Not Interested in Working in Construction?
There are many construction myths that are deterring potential workers from applying for jobs.
When developing recruiting ideas for the construction industry to find the best employees, you need to refute these myths and create well-regarded opportunities for potential employees.
It’s believed that working in construction means hard, long working hours with no flexibility and low pay. It’s your job to educate the public about the various personal and professional opportunities available in the construction field. Take a look at these common myths that society believes and learn how they’re just not true.
Manual Labor Is Looked Down On
A common misconception about construction jobs is the job itself. It’s falsely believed that all construction workers make no money and simply lay bricks or use wrecking balls. The truth is that construction takes a lot of creativity and teamwork.
Working in construction involves engaging in captivating, technology-driven projects. In the modern world, there’s a growing demand for customized jobs for homes, offices, industrial, or commercial buildings. Clients are now seeking out construction companies that are proficient in using advanced technology during their projects, offering a blend of innovation and hands-on involvement that challenges traditional perceptions.
They Don’t Realize It Pays Well
Contrary to the myth, construction workers earn competitive salaries, and the numbers speak for themselves. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for construction workers was $46,350 as of the most recent data. That’s well above the nation’s median level.
Additionally, due to labor shortages in the construction industry, the need for workers is on the rise, opening doors for career growth and stability. This increased demand can lead to a number of opportunities for skill development and advancement within the field, making it an ideal time to embark on a construction career.
They Think College Is the Only Option
Many individuals believe that going to college is the sole pathway to a successful career. While higher education is valuable, it’s crucial to recognize that there are alternative routes to a fulfilling and prosperous profession. Society’s emphasis on college often overshadows the significance of trade schools, where practical skills and hands-on training are prioritized.
Now more than ever, the construction industry is actively seeking skilled workers, and attending a trade school can be a strategic move. By exploring alternative educational avenues, individuals can position themselves for success in construction careers.
Employers, too, can benefit by incorporating innovative construction recruiting ideas to attract and retain skilled talent from diverse educational backgrounds.
They Sense a Lack of Flexibility
Younger generations value jobs that provide flexibility in scheduling. Since working in construction doesn’t offer remote work, many millennials can be turned away from pursuing a career in this field.
To attract talent from this generation, consider providing appealing benefits to employees as a recruitment strategy. Offering perks like paid time off, sick leave, and medical benefits can make your construction company more enticing. Additionally, as more millennials are becoming parents, providing paid paternity and maternity leave is crucial to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
There Is a Lack of Gender Diversity in the Industry
Traditionally seen as a male-dominated field, construction might discourage Millennial-aged women interested in joining due to the lack of gender diversity. If you’re a construction company, your job postings must be inclusive, reflecting your commitment to diversity.
Ensuring the inclusion of millennial workers is crucial for the construction industry’s growth. Finding the right professionals for your team can be challenging, but placement firms can help you discover and guide suitable talent throughout the hiring process.
What Can the Construction Industry Do to Change Things?
If you’re looking for reliable recruitment ideas for the construction industry, start showing the benefits of working as a construction worker. From highlighting the earning potential to debunking myths that are strongly associated with the industry, you need to make life as a construction worker as appealing to millennials as possible.
Better Relate to the Millennial Generation
To attract a younger generation of construction workers, it’s vital to market the industry to them at a younger age. By being able to learn about anything in the palm of their hands, introducing construction jobs and their possibilities at a younger age will help these young professionals gain more insight.
Additionally, incorporating technology-driven educational tools and virtual experiences can make learning about construction more engaging for young minds. Collaborations with schools and community organizations to organize interactive workshops, site visits, and mentorship programs can further demystify the construction industry for the younger generation.
Work to Educate the Public and Bust Construction Myths
With all the myths that are linked with the construction industry, it’s important to alleviate these misconceptions and highlight the benefits instead. By showing case studies or real-life examples of success in the industry, you may be able to attract employees who originally dismissed the idea of working in construction.
Embracing technology advancements within the construction industry can also help debunk the disbelief that these jobs are outdated or lack innovation. Demonstrating how these tools and practices are integrated into the industry dispels myths and presents construction as a sustainable career choice.
Utilize Recruiters to Find the Best Talent of the Generation
Teaming up with a construction recruitment firm is one of the best ways to find the right applicants during your selection process. Our construction jobs recruiters at Austin Nichols Technical Search are here to help you market your company and hire top talent.
Take a look at our construction jobs and learn how we can help your company grow. Contact us today or call us at (816) 471-5575 to speak to our experienced recruiters.
