The construction industry is booming. Not even the pandemic and its challenges slowed it down all that much. However, there is one thing in construction that does affect the construction industry: finding workers. The industry has been dealing with a dwindling workforce for at least the last decade. Many workers are retiring and there’s not enough new blood stepping into those empty boots. However, the issue is more complex than simply needing warm bodies. Look at any content that talks about trends in the construction industry in the last few years, and you’re going to see the lack of a workforce discussed; but the fact of the matter is that it is skilled workers that are in short supply. This means that construction training is more important than ever.

The Importance of Construction Training

Construction training for the most part used to be an on-the-job training type of situation, but construction companies need skilled workers now. Construction training programs are invaluable in training the next generation of construction workers. Workers themselves benefit from high pay, no college loans to repay, good benefits, job security, and the ability to work just about anywhere. 

The benefits of construction training programs include:

  • Teaching the basics. Workers who go through construction training programs learn the basics through and through. They learn how to read and use a tape measure, are familiar with a wide array of tools, and know the lingo of the industry. They don’t need their hand held by a more experienced worker to teach them the basics on-site.
  • Teaching to a deeper level. Many construction training programs allow students to choose a field of focus, such as general construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc. Those students gain an even deeper understanding of the knowledge needed in their chosen fields.
  • Teaching life skills. Students in construction training programs learn life skills along with the knowledge of the ins and outs of their chosen field. They are learning how to learn from a more knowledgeable individual, how to be on time, how to perform under pressure, how to follow directions, the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), the Best Practices for staying safe on a jobsite, and much more.
  • Putting students in contact with companies looking to hire. Many construction training programs have relationships with construction employers looking for employees. Students get a job quickly and companies get an employee who can do the job right away.

There are a number of options for those looking to go into a construction training program. Many high school students can find options for completing construction training programs while also taking their core school classes, such as the Polk County Construction Academies. Technical schools like Ridge Technical College and Traviss Technical College offer an array of Career Programs that anyone can take, and Florida Construction Unions offer apprenticeships for those who want to work and learn at the same time.

Tucker Paving has over 25 years of experience in the concrete and asphalt paving construction industry. We also offer site clearing, excavation, demolition, site grading, stabilized subgrade, base work, asphalt repair, underground utilities, and concrete curbs, sidewalks, slabs, and tie-beams. Call us at (863) 299-2262, or contact us online, for your next project!