According to Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry is down 546,000 workers during this ongoing construction worker shortage that continues throughout the country. Joseph McCormick Construction Company is doing what they can to avoid being severely impacted.
David Bartlebaugh, who has worked in construction since he was 17-years-old said he does not know why people do not want to get into the industry or other trades. "I think they are crazy and anybody that does not want to get into construction or the trades at all, there is something wrong with them," Bartlebaugh said.
He also said that the age gap might play a part in the shortage also. "The younger generations want to do more office work and play video games or whatever, they just do not believe that physical labor could be rewarding, he said.
Owen McCormick, president of Joseph McCormick Construction Company, said that companies themselves bear some of the blame for the shortage. "I think we have not done a good enough job of marketing what a great career this is, we have to do a better job of getting the word out and letting people know, letting young people know that this is where you go," McCormick said.
He also said that working in construction can be a prideful career. "At the end of the day you can say I accomplished all this, their families are proud, they are proud, and they made a real difference in the world which is what it is all about," he said.
Justin Erdner, president of the Western Pennsylvania chapter of ABC, said in a statement, "construction workforce shortages are expected to top half a million by the end of 2023. With nearly one in four construction workers older than 55-years-old, retirements will also heavily affect this number and the need for skilled labor. To combat this issue, the ABC has launched multiple programs that focus on providing awareness and training for individuals looking to begin a rewarding career in the construction trades."