Recruiting

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PROBLEM:

Residential and many commercial construction jobs are in decline; however, the industrial construction outlook today signals over a decade of welcomed growth and prosperity. Yet labor demand is increasing more rapidly than available supply, because craft workers are retiring and efforts to replace them are hampered by a general lack of understanding of the trades.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a craft labor shortage of approximately one million individuals over the next ten years. In other words, approximately 95,000 new craft workers will be needed each year over the next decade to replace those leaving the industry. Some industry estimations peg that number much higher, in part because of the significant number of baby boomers preparing for retirement.

In the southeast alone, there are twenty-nine nuclear reactors in some stage of planning, permitting, and construction. Added to that is the significant need for craft professionals for capital construction and maintenance at petro/chemical plants, power generation plants, manufacturing facilities, refineries, etc.

Is industry prepared to address these converging challenges?

Some protest that they don’t individually own the problem because shortages are not now affecting their projects. In reality, all in the industry own this problem that is on our doorstep.

While this perfect storm presents serious consequences for productivity and profitability, it also presents the best opportunity in years for the industry – if owners take the lead.

SOLUTION:

CWDC has initiated a campaign to develop a sustainable supply of quality construction craft professionals to meet construction industry needs.

CWDC is developing a comprehensive, contemporary marketing campaign that is edgy, compelling, and unexpected – that will capture the attention ofthe following target audiences:

Individuals already in the workforce, meaning those who are underemployed or unemployed, minorities, women and displaced workers. This video helps highlight the value of outreach to this audience.
Individuals preparing for the workforce, meaning students from elementary through high school and those currently in some level of secondary education or vocational training. We will communicate their ability as a craft professional to be fulfilled and live the lifestyle they choose.
Individuals who influence the decisions of those preparing for the workforce, meaning parents, teachers, guidance counselors, career awareness professionals andothers similarly situated.

CWDC is developing the campaign to attract the best and brightest individuals, and dispel the historical perception that craftconstruction jobs are dead-end, low-paying, seasonal or unsafe.

The pilot marketing campaign is expected to launch in Alabama in January 2009, and then expand regionally and nationally as success is demonstrated.

BENEFIT to PARTICIPANT:

Increased supply of construction craft professionals to complete the construction and maintenance projects currently underway and planned.
A trained workforce of construction craft professionals to ensure a sustainable workforce for the future.
Access to an Internet-based database of quality, employable candidates for recruiting,training and placement by both the merit shop and organized labor.
Access to a network of qualified training programs.
Process for following the candidates to help ensure their retention in the industry.
Return on investment of over $3.00 for every $1.00 invested in training. (2007 CII study)
Sustainable funding to ensure the project accomplishes the goal and delivers measurable results.

WHO IS A PARTICIPANT:

Accredited technical schools
Certified Training Entities
Entities that participate with CWDC (Owners, Contractors, Organized Labor, Others)