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.

Early exposure

One solution to strengthening our workforce starts in the classroom with high schools committing to vocational training construction education in their curriculums. These programs can be gamechangers for the industry by not only teaching technical skills but introducing students to stable and high-paying careers they may never have considered.

In Tampa Bay area schools, we are seeing the positive impact of vocational training through career academies and investments in technical programs that offer hands-on learning. These programs, such as pre-apprenticeships, allow students to graduate with industry certifications, gain on-the-job experience and build on-demand skills to swiftly enter the workforce. For many, this means entering a career with opportunities for growth and financial security. 

Community effort

Continued industry involvement from local companies, like ours, is essential to scaling these programs and preparing students for the realities of modern construction work. Construction companies have the power to shape their future workforce by partnering with schools — including guest lectures, job site tours, mentorship programs or donations of tools and equipment.

These partnerships are making an impact in other regions of Florida, and Tampa Bay would benefit from following suit. When companies collaborate with schools, students gain classroom knowledge and develop real-world skills that translate to good-paying construction jobs. This creates a seamless bridge from education to employment, giving both students and employers a head start.

Another key element in workforce development is preparing students for the changing nature of construction itself. Today’s job sites are powered by far more than hard hats and tool belts. Technologies like drone mapping, 3D modeling, artificial intelligence and data analytics are becoming part of everyday operations. The earlier students are introduced to these tools, the better equipped they’ll be to drive innovation in the industry as 44% of current skill requirements are expected to evolve over the next five years.

Why It matters for Tampa Bay

Investing in construction workforce development stands to benefit the local economy and our communities. A stronger workforce translates to more housing production, improved infrastructure and continued economic growth. In cities where growth and opportunity go hand-in-hand, supporting the next generation of construction professionals is both smart business and smart policy.

Building Tampa Bay’s future isn’t just about cranes and concrete — it’s about investing in the people who will make that growth possible. And that investment needs to start in our high schools.

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Pete Tuffo is the president of Suffolk’s Florida Gulf Coast region and National Gaming division.