Worker shortage
Nearly 80 percent of firms report a shortage
79% of Florida construction employers say they’re having a hard time filling some or all skilled trade positions.
Seventy-nine percent of Florida construction employers say they’re having a hard time filling “some or all” skilled trade positions, according to a new survey released Wednesday.
The annual survey, which included about 2,500 construction firms, found skilled worker shortages in all regions of the country, said Ken Simonson, chief economist for Associated General Contractors of America. The Arlington, Va.-based organization conducted the survey along with construction software company Autodesk.
Like in Florida, 80 percent of respondents nationwide said they are having difficulty filling hourly skilled work positions. This has raised project costs and delayed work schedules for construction firms, Simonson said.
“Labor shortages are significant and widespread,” he said.
In Florida, workers most in demand are pipe layers, welders, drywall installers, electricians and bricklayers. Other positions sorely needed include iron workers, installers and concrete workers.
The majority of the Florida construction firms surveyed said they are losing their skilled workers to the competition. That’s despite 77 percent saying they’ve increased pay; 43 percent offering hiring signing or referral bonuses; and 37 percent improving employee benefits.
Peter Dyga, president and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors’ East Florida chapter, said construction firms that aren’t paying workers enough or training them in required skills risk losing them to a competitor in the tight labor market.
“Studies show again and again that an employee who is invested in by their employer ends up being more loyal,” said Dyga, whose organization provides construction skills training.
Fifty-six percent of Florida’s construction employers said they are having difficulty hiring salaried workers, including project managers, architects and engineers.
Over the next year, Florida companies say they want to hire for expansions: 82 percent will be seeking hourly skilled trade workers; 71 percent salaried office workers; 70 percent salaried field workers; and 53 percent hourly office
workers.
Sarah Hodges, senior director of the construction business line for California-based Autodesk, said the hiring survey is a “call for action” to improve the construction labor pipeline.
In South Florida, construction worker training is available through Associated Builders & Contractors. For more information on apprenticeships, go to WeTrain.org. Associated Builders said it has open enrollment throughout the year.
Training opportunities also are available through county work force agencies. Those interested should go to CareerSourceBroward.com, CareerSourcePBC.com or Miami-Dade County’s CareerSourceSFL.com.