State’s future depends on construction workers
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 is now law and will provide an estimated $3.725 billion to New Mexico for highway improvements, bridge replacement and repairs, expanding connections to high-speed internet, improvements in water and wastewater systems, building energy infrastructure and more.
As of now, we don’t have enough skilled construction workers to build these projects.
New Mexico’s construction employment has decreased steadily over the last decade and is now about 11 percent below its peak in 2006. From February 2020 to October 2021, our state ranked 38th in the nation in terms of construction employment growth.
Construction firms are struggling to find qualified workers as they continue to be impacted by volatility in materials costs, project delays and supply chain disruptions that are part of today’s pandemic reality.
Nationwide, experts are forecasting a 1 million-person shortage in the construction industry by 2023, and that about 29 percent of the workforce will retire by 2026.
That is why Associated General Contractors, New Mexico Chapter (AGC NM) and Associated Contractors of New Mexico (ACONM) have launched a campaign called “Let’s Get New Mexico Working” to grow the state’s construction workforce.
Both of our organizations have promoted careers in construction for decades. In 2010, we founded ACE Leadership High School, a free public charter school for grades 9-12. ACE provides hands-on education through daytime and nighttime programs aimed at producing job-ready graduates. More information is available at aceleadership.org.
We also offer multi-trade apprenticeship programs to prepare adults and students for a career in construction. Information is available by calling 505842-1462.
As part of this campaign we are also providing:
◆ A résumé and job board website: agc-nm.org/resume_job_board.php, where anyone can post their résumé for free, see jobs advertised by members in the Southwestern U.S. and seek out career coaching, assistance with writing a résumé, reference testing and a career learning center.
◆ Social media: A Facebook page — facebook.com/letsgetNMworking — and an Instagram account – instagram. com/letsgetnmworking — that will feature testimonials from a wide variety of New Mexicans in the construction industry.
A career in construction offers many benefits. Young adults can begin work right after high school and receive on-the-job training. Workers displaced by the pandemic can change careers. Construction companies offer full benefits and the opportunity to advance rapidly. Even entry-level construction jobs pay above minimum wage. For those who want to go to college, a degree in construction management can provide a lucrative, exciting career.
In response to the pandemic, both AGC NM and ACONM have strengthened not only our own programs, but also our support for career technical education programs throughout the state.
We need our state Legislature to do the same. The fact is, only 1 in 3 jobs requires a college degree, yet the federal government invests one dollar into career technical training for every six dollars it puts into college preparatory programs. More funding to support training for our vital construction workforce is urgently needed.
Now that President Joe Biden has signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 into law, we are ready to begin the hard but necessary work of rebuilding our state’s infrastructure while we also begin to build rewarding careers for a new generation of construction professionals.
If you or someone you know is searching for a career, consider a career in construction. There has never been a better time to do so.
For more information, visit our website at agc-nm.org or call 505-842-1462.
Clinton Beall is president of the board of directors of Associated General Contractors, New Mexico Chapter, and president/owner of B&D Industries Inc. James Fields is president of the board of directors of Associated Contractors of New Mexico and is a superintendent at James Hamilton Construction.