News Summary
The construction industry faces a workforce crisis with over 40% of employees expected to retire by 2031, while only 3% of young people show interest in construction careers. Interns like Owen Ramsey at Taylor Morrison are gaining valuable training to fill this gap. To combat the shortage, initiatives like Lowe’s Foundation’s Gable Grants are fostering pathways for trades education. Addressing this issue is essential for the industry’s future and the broader economy.
Mooresville – The construction industry is facing a significant workforce crisis as over 40% of its current employees are projected to retire by 2031. Alarmingly, only 3% of young people express any interest in embarking on a career in construction, according to a report from the Building Talent Foundation. This concerning trend raises critical implications for the future of the construction sector, necessitating immediate attention to attract a new generation of workers.
One individual actively addressing this challenge is Owen Ramsey, a construction management major at Purdue University. He is currently interning with homebuilder Taylor Morrison in Mooresville, where he began his internship in June with limited knowledge of the construction process. Since then, Ramsey has rapidly gained valuable hands-on experience, acquiring skills that span the entire journey—from pouring concrete slabs to handing keys to new homeowners.
Gary Guess, a Senior Superintendent at Taylor Morrison, underscores the importance of hands-on training in attracting young individuals to the industry. He highlights a common disinterest in labor-intensive jobs among today’s youth and emphasizes the need to engage them early through practical exposure to construction work. As the baby boomer generation nears retirement, the industry faces an escalating talent shortage, prompting the urgency to recruit and retain young workers.
Research from ADP confirms that many millennials and members of Generation Z prefer occupations that do not involve manual labor, further complicating the issue of workforce sustainability in the construction field. Ramsey’s background in a family connected to the construction industry sparked his interest in this career path, demonstrating how personal connections can influence professional choices. He is among 60 interns nationwide with Taylor Morrison, aimed at fostering a pipeline of talent for the future.
Efforts are underway to tackle the looming shortage of skilled trades workers. The Lowe’s Foundation has launched 12 new Gable Grants directed at community colleges to build pathways for aspiring trades professionals, intending to train approximately 50,000 individuals in a five-year span. Since its inception in 2023, the Gable Grants initiative has allocated $43 million across 28 states to support trades education.
Highlighting the impact of the Gable Grants, Ivy Tech Community College plans to introduce a Building and Property Maintenance Technician program and enhance existing HVAC training. Other grant recipients, including Blue Ridge Community College and Palm Beach State College, are set to expand and introduce trades programs tailored to meet the evolving demands of the workforce.
Moreover, in a move to bolster local job growth and business investment, the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation Foundation has received a $750,000 grant designated for the extension of Herring Industrial Boulevard within Mooresville Business Park East. This infrastructure improvement will foster the development of 1,200 acres that currently houses 24 companies employing approximately 4,000 individuals.
The National Association of Homebuilders has estimated that the labor gap in the skilled trades results in an annual economic loss of about $10 billion in the housing sector. Therefore, addressing the workforce crisis in construction is crucial not only for the industry’s viability but also for the broader economy and community development efforts.
As the sector navigates this pressing challenge, it is essential to cultivate interest among young people in construction careers, ensure robust training opportunities, and create supportive pathways that connect education with real-world job prospects. The future of construction hinges on the successful recruitment and preparation of the next generation of skilled workers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Immigration Raid at Loxley Elementary School Site
Union Workers Rally for Construction Safety Improvements
Noose Found at Construction Site of New Nissan Stadium
Additional Resources
- WRTV: Internship Programs Aim to Bridge the Gap
- Wikipedia: Construction Industry
- Charlotte Observer: Real Estate News
- Google Search: Construction Workforce Shortage
- Woodworking Network: Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants
- Google Scholar: Workforce Development in Construction
- WCNC: Unfinished Homes Disrupt Plans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Industry Workforce
- Iredell Free News: 750K Grant for Road Improvements
- Google News: Construction Internships
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
