Construction companies face worker shortage

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A recent development boom here has sparked worries among construction industry leaders about a looming worker shortage.

The Associated General Contractors of America, which represents 30,000 companies nationwide, estimates that a majority of the 2 million construction workers who lost their jobs during the Great Recession have either retired or found careers in other industries.

With teens being pushed toward college and older workers entering retirement, many construction companies are finding that there are not enough skilled workers to fill the positions available.

"We are pursuing skilled carpenters and knowledgeable superintendents," said Bic Parma, vice president of Nashville's Shaub Construction Co. "We place ads, but many of the candidates we see simply do not have the experience that we need."

Turner Construction Co., with offices in Nashville and Huntsville, Ala., has also experienced a noticeable gap in qualified job applicants.

"As far as project managers, we have a steady flow of quality employees coming out of college. But in the skilled labor area, it has been a challenge," said Suzanne Fuda, human resources manager.

The AGCA has established a plan that aims to coax more people into enrolling in newly established charter schools focused on technical training and nonunion apprenticeship programs.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Nashville and similar institutions offer a 16-month program designed to certify students in electrical, plumbing and carpentry fields, which could result in more skilled construction workers.

Although Shaub scouts seasoned craftsmen, the company is not opposed to letting rookies in the door.

"We would hire younger carpenters as carpenters helpers' if they had the right knowledge," Parma said.

Contributing: The Associated Press