Workforce Development Findings: Understanding the Opportunities in Construction
As many of us know, the construction industry across Oregon struggles to recruit and retain the next generation of skilled workers. In a 2019 survey, 87 percent of contractors reported having a difficult time filling some or all of their skilled worker positions, and 67 percent expect it to remain difficult to hire skilled workers for at least the next 12 months. In the same survey, 83 percent of Associated General Contractors Oregon-Columbia Chapter (AGC) members rated the skill level of skilled workers in the current pipeline as “fair” or “poor.”
To advance the industry’s efforts to recruit and retain talent while overcoming marketplace challenges, the AGC enlisted Quinn Thomas’s expertise in integrated marketing communications to bring forward a comprehensive communications program. To inform the campaign, Quinn Thomas worked with AGC’s members and industry partners to establish a deep understanding of its audiences, communications channels, and existing programs, along with reviewing recent industry research.
This report summarizes findings from more than 125 local construction companies and industry partners and serves as the foundation for the communications program. At this point, Quinn Thomas is in the process of building communications program, and will deliver a presentation cover program elements at AGC’s Construction Workforce Coalition meeting on September 16.
The full report can be found here.
Planning for Careers in Construction Month is currently underway. The goal is to have virtual events each week during the month of October. These include company site visits, apprenticeship and apprentice panels, and a community college visit. A dedicated web page has been created on Build-Oregon to consolidate information about each event. The page will be updated as event details are confirmed.Careers in Construction Month (CICM) is a national initiative held in October and led by National Center for Construction Education and Research’s (NCCER) Build Your Future (BYF) Campaign. The goal of CICM is to raise awareness about construction careers and inspire the next generation of skilled trade workers. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Aaron Bouchane.