Construction exec: Solving the industry's labor shortage starts in high school

Tampa Bay’s economy is among the fastest growing in the country thanks to new housing and commercial infrastructure, but behind this measurable growth, a serious workforce shortage is challenging the high demand on the construction industry.

Nationwide labor shortages are putting a strain on project timelines, making it increasingly difficult to finish jobs on time and on budget — and Tampa is no exception. A significant factor is the aging workforce and lack of new talent entering the trade. In fact, nearly 40% of skilled trade professionals are over the age of 45 and almost half of those workers are approaching retirement. Less than 10 percent of workers between the ages of 19 and 24 are entering the trades. 

Without a steady pipeline of young, skilled talent, projects ranging from new housing to educational institutions could face major setbacks and pose risk to Tampa Bay’s continued growth.