News Summary
The construction industry is confronting a crisis, with over 40% of its workforce set to retire by 2031. Coupled with a low interest in construction careers among young people, this shortage threatens the industry’s stability. Efforts are underway to attract youth through internships and training programs, while initiatives such as Lowe’s Foundation grants aim to develop a sustainable talent pipeline. As infrastructure projects continue to arise, coordinated efforts are essential to ensure the availability of skilled labor and support economic growth.
Construction Industry Faces Significant Workforce Shortage as Retirement and Low Interest Persist
Mooresville, North Carolina — The construction sector is grappling with a looming workforce crisis, as over 40% of its current employees are projected to retire by 2031, according to recent industry analysis. The challenge is compounded by a strikingly low interest among young people, with only 3% of youth expressing intent to pursue careers in construction.
Retirement Wave and Youth Disinterest Threaten Industry Stability
The impending wave of retirements, largely driven by the aging baby boomer generation, signals a significant talent shortage in the coming decade. Meanwhile, research indicates that younger generations, particularly millennials and Generation Z, show a preference for non-labor jobs, intensifying recruitment difficulties. The National Association of Homebuilders estimates that this skilled labor gap results in an economic loss of approximately $10 billion annually in the housing industry alone.
Efforts to Cultivate Future Workforce
In response, industry organizations and educational institutions are initiating programs to attract and train young workers. One such effort involves internships aimed at providing comprehensive industry exposure. For example, a construction management student interning at a major homebuilder in Mooresville has been gaining hands-on experience, progressing from pouring slabs to delivering homes. This initiative is part of a nationwide program employing around 60 interns with the goal of developing a sustainable talent pipeline.
Experts emphasize the importance of hands-on learning experiences to generate interest among youth, as many young people show disinterest in traditional manual trades. Industry leaders are calling for early engagement strategies to foster enthusiasm for construction careers, recognizing that these roles are vital for building homes, infrastructure, and fostering community development.
Investment in Workforce Development and Community Infrastructure
Supporting this push, the Lowe’s Foundation announced the allocation of 12 new Gable Grants to community colleges across the country. These grants aim to establish pathways for approximately 50,000 trades professionals over five years. Since the program’s launch in 2023, the foundation has invested about $43 million in 28 states to expand trades training efforts.
Key recipients include colleges that are developing new or expanding existing programs in fields such as building and property maintenance, HVAC, and other vital trades. These initiatives are designed to meet the increasing workforce demand while improving the quality and accessibility of trades education.
Local Development Projects and Economic Impact
In Mooresville, a significant infrastructure project supported by a $750,000 grant will extend Herring Industrial Boulevard within the Mooresville Business Park East. This extension will improve access to the industrial park, which encompasses roughly 1,200 acres and hosts 24 companies providing approximately 4,000 jobs. The project is expected to facilitate further business investment and create additional employment opportunities locally.
Industry Context and Future Outlook
The construction industry’s workforce challenges are intertwined with demographic shifts and changing workforce preferences. Addressing the talent gap requires coordinated efforts from industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government programs. As the sector continues to confront these issues, initiatives such as internships, targeted grants, and infrastructure investments are crucial to ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers and supporting sustained economic growth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Conference in Raleigh Addresses Legal and Safety Challenges
Additional Resources
- WRTV: Internship Programs Aim to Bridge the Gap
- Wikipedia: Construction Industry
- Charlotte Observer: Real Estate News
- Google Search: Construction Workforce Shortage
- Woodworking Network: Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants
- Google Scholar: Workforce Development in Construction
- WCNC: Unfinished Homes Disrupt Plans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Industry Workforce
- Iredell Free News: 750K Grant for Road Improvements
- Google News: Construction Internships
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
