2 Million Workers Short by 2017
The construction industry is facing a skilled worker shortage of 2 million by 2017, according to the spring Construction Labor Market Analyzer Report.
Industrial contractors in the oil and gas industry will be particularly as new technologies and rapid expansion will put a high demand on skilled trades like welding and pipefitting – especially in the recently discovered shale fields of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the big picture:
- Certain economic factors indicate the construction industry is turning around, which means more work.
- One sixth of the construction workforce is expected to retire over the next decade.
- Recent economic stresses have caused many workers to leave the industry
Together, these factors combine to create a serious shortage – one that we have to address as an industry.
Contributor since July 2013
Kinsey is a contributing writer to workforceunderconstruction.com.
