Careers in Construction Month
Careers in Construction Month is a nationwide campaign held every October to increase public awareness of construction careers, inspire the next generation of craft professionals, and make an impact on the perceptions of a career in construction. Here in Wisconsin, Governor Evers officially proclaimed October 2021 as Careers in Construction Month throughout the state of Wisconsin 100121_Proclamation_Careers in Construction Month.pdf (wi.gov) raising local awareness and support of the national campaign.
The construction industry is facing a shortage of both labor and skills. More than half of all construction companies are having a difficult time filling salaried and hourly craft positions. Among the reasons for this shortage are a lack of new entrants into the field. Careers in the skilled crafts are not as popular of an option as they were 30 years ago, with most of today’s high school graduates choosing to go to college for a four-year degree rather than learn a trade. The result has been higher demand for skilled work than there are skilled workers. And as the current members of the industry age – 53% of the construction workforce will retire by 2036 – the skills gap and labor shortages will continue to grow.
Construction is an essential industry and craft skills are in high demand nationwide. The industry is safer thanks to improved safety regulations and technology. Success in the construction industry is attainable without a four-year degree, or debt from student loans. Many construction work opportunities include pay while you learn your trade. Compensation is trending upwards. Construction work is more than a job - it's a career.
Career satisfaction isn’t just about getting paid, but also about:
Enjoying the work.
Having opportunities for career development and advancement.
Having job security.
Working in a modern, technologically advanced industry.
Working in a diverse industry.
Working for an employer that practices good ethics and transparency.
Working for an employer that practices sustainability.
Recently, Newcomb Construction hosted a construction career promotion day for Carpentry Program students from Southwest Community Technical College. The day included a safety orientation, hands-on jobsite activities, lunch, and an introduction to tilt-up concrete construction from Newcomb President Bret Newcomb and company founder Bob Newcomb.
Newcomb Construction celebrates and supports the Careers in Construction Month campaign - an increase in public awareness and appreciation of the construction craft professionals in the entire construction workforce. You can find current Newcomb construction career opportunities on our Careers page.