July 24, 2025

Construction Industry Faces Workforce Crisis

News Summary

The construction sector is predicted to lose over 40% of its workforce by 2031 due to retirements, with only 3% of youth interested in construction careers. Internship programs, like those at Taylor Morrison, aim to bridge the skills gap and encourage young people to enter the workforce. Additionally, grants by the Lowe’s Foundation are designed to support community colleges in training future trades professionals. Infrastructure investments are critical as stakeholders confront the impending labor shortage in the industry.

Mooresville – The construction industry is facing a looming workforce crisis, with projections showing that over 40% of its current workforce is expected to retire by 2031. At the same time, only 3% of young individuals express interest in pursuing careers in construction, according to a report by the Building Talent Foundation. This trend threatens the future of the construction sector, which plays a crucial role in building homes, infrastructure, and communities.

Internship programs like the one offered by homebuilder Taylor Morrison in Mooresville highlight efforts to combat this crisis. Owen Ramsey, a construction management major at Purdue University, began his internship at Taylor Morrison with limited knowledge but has quickly gained practical experience in various construction processes. His hands-on training encompasses everything from pouring foundation slabs to handing over keys to new homeowners, providing a comprehensive understanding of the construction trade.

Gary Guess, a Senior Superintendent at Taylor Morrison, has observed a growing disinterest among youth in hands-on jobs. To address this issue, Taylor Morrison aims to inspire interest in construction careers early on, recognizing that the transition from classroom education to practical application is vital for attracting the younger generation. As many baby boomers approach retirement, there is an urgent need for skilled workers to fill the resulting gaps.

Research from ADP indicates that many millennials and members of Generation Z prefer non-labor jobs, compounding the difficulty of recruiting new workers into the construction field. Despite these challenges, Ramsey’s passion for outdoor work and his family’s history in construction have influenced his decision to pursue this career path. He is among 60 interns nationwide at Taylor Morrison, which is actively working to create a talent pipeline that addresses the industry’s future workforce needs.

To further facilitate the recruitment of young workers, the Lowe’s Foundation announced 12 new Gable Grants aimed at community colleges. These grants are designed to combat the skilled trades worker shortage and build pathways for 50,000 trades professionals over the next five years. The program has already invested $43 million across 28 states since its inception in 2023.

Notable recipients of the Gable Grants include Ivy Tech Community College, which plans to establish a Building and Property Maintenance Technician program and expand its HVAC training offerings. Similarly, Blue Ridge Community College and Palm Beach State College will enhance their trades programs to better meet workforce demands in their communities.

In addition to educational initiatives, the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation Foundation is actively investing in infrastructure improvements. They have received a $750,000 grant for the extension of Herring Industrial Boulevard in the Mooresville Business Park East, which will support local job creation and business investments. This extension is part of a broader development encompassing 1,200 acres, already home to 24 companies that collectively provide around 4,000 jobs.

The National Association of Homebuilders has estimated that the skilled labor gap results in a $10 billion annual economic loss in the housing sector. As the construction industry grapples with impending retirements and a lack of interest from younger generations, the need for effective strategies to attract and train new talent becomes increasingly urgent.

Through targeted internship programs, educational grants, and investment in infrastructure, stakeholders in the construction sector are making concerted efforts to address the workforce challenges posed by an aging workforce. The upcoming years will be critical in determining the industry’s ability to sustain growth and meet the housing and infrastructure needs of communities across the country.

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Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER

MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.

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