According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research, from now through 2018, there will be a need for nearly 60,000 construction workers in Utah for trades ranging from carpenters to concrete finishers to general laborers and those in the construction industry and labor suppliers don’t expect that need to be filled any time soon.

"I think a big part of the problem is a public relations issue. We have not promoted construction as a noble and vibrant career option. There is a status problem around construction work. We haven’t promoted it and now we are paying the price.” said Tom Stechschulte, President and owner of All Trades Staffing Solutions, a major supplier of workers to the Utah construction industry. “There is also a trend away from traditional blue collar work. People would rather work at a call center for eight dollars an hour than in construction for 12 dollars an hour or more. Many younger people, people under 30, don’t want to do construction.”*

Another factor believed to be contributing to the shortage is the rise in manufacturing jobs in Utah, pulling people who might have otherwise worked in construction.

So, what’s to be done?

While agencies like Skill Staff and All Trade Staffing Solutions continue to try and recruit more workers with skills, Scott Parson said he and other members the Associated General Contractors of Utah are working on a plan to reach out to local high schools. “When the recession hit, we all pulled back and no one was out talking to the counselors or kids for five years so it’s no wonder they are not entering the field,” said Parson. “We have operations all over the state and I want to challenge each of my managers to go out to their local high schools and start talking with the guidance counselors and get the word out about the opportunities in construction. College is great but not everyone needs to or wants to go to college.”

For those who are in college, Chris DeHerrera of the Utah Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors says organizations like the ABC continue to provide support in the form of scholarships in the Construction Management Programs at Weber State University and BYU.

UTCLC joins with others in encouraging you seek out a career in construction. We can help you get on the right path with continuing education, test prep, and licensing. With a need for 60k construction workers over the next three years, the jobs are plentiful!