The construction industry faces a growing labor shortage that’s expected to intensify over the next two years. An estimated 439,000 additional workers will be needed in 2025—and nearly 500,000 in 2026—as construction spending rises. This shortfall threatens to slow project timelines, raise costs, and compromise safety and quality. The industry’s long-term health depends on attracting new talent, especially younger workers and career changers and investing in their training and mentorship. Building proficiency in the trades takes time, making early and sustained investment in workforce development essential.
The shortage is most acute in skilled trades such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing and concrete work, compounded by restrictive immigration policies that reduce the available workforce. Companies are responding by hiring less-experienced workers and expanding training programs to build skills from within. Encouragingly, interest among students in construction-related fields is beginning to rise, with trade school enrollment up sharply in 2023. Organizations like DAVIS Construction and DC Builds DC are leading by example, partnering with schools and trade groups to provide hands-on training, mentorship and job placements. These collaborative efforts are crucial for creating a strong, skilled workforce that can sustain the industry’s future growth.
