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The construction industry is hiring again and it sure feels good being able to say that.

While the industry is still far short of the 105,400 employees it had back in August 2007, nearly one in four lost jobs has been regained. Although this is definitely something to cheer about, there is a growing consternation in the industry about a new challenge that looms 鈥� people to fill all of the available jobs.

Yes, you read that correctly. In spite of adding back less than a quarter of the jobs the industry lost, nearly every contractor I talk to expresses serious concerns about the ability to fill vacant positions.

It might seem counterintuitive, but it is the new reality.

During the Great Recession thousands of workers left the construction industry. What we are seeing is that many aren’t planning to return to their old jobs. Through retirements, career changes or other unknown reasons, thousands of workers exited the industry to never return.

So, how do we solve it? For the Associated Builders and Contractors it means doubling down on workforce development and recruitment.

Participation in apprenticeship and training programs is no longer a sufficient means for firms to identify new employees. While such programs have the capacity to train a skilled and productive workforce, the challenge today is people willing and ready to strap on a tool belt. This all means that our industry must go out like never before and create a new pipeline of men and women to funnel into our industry so that these programs can remain relevant pieces of the puzzle.

That is why the ABC Workforce Development Committee recently launched a new initiative called Construction Wants You. It’s a campaign designed by industry professionals who are passionate about attracting strong, quality candidates into highly rewarding construction careers.聽 The ultimate goal is to connect young adults with opportunities and pathways that can launch their potential 鈥� and their professional and financial satisfaction.

That effort was on display recently as contractors and industry suppliers held a block party 鈥渢ailgate鈥� event prior to Gladstone High School’s homecoming game. Students and parents who attended were treated to a barbeque 鈥� courtesy of our friends at NW Natural 鈥� along with hands-on demonstrations and firsthand accounts of opportunities that exist within the construction trades. Over the course of the event you could see light bulbs go on for dozens of students.

At ConstructionWantsYou.com, young people can learn about the opportunities that exist within the construction industry. The website is meant for people wherever they are on their learning and career path 鈥� allowing them to start planning and training for the life that they want. Whether they are in high school contemplating what to do once they graduate, or they are finished with high school and haven’t found a satisfying professional niche, it illustrates the construction industry’s many entry points and training opportunities.

A recent report from the Oregon Employment Department illustrated a correlation between home values and construction employment. As values rise, so does the number of jobs within the industry.

Projections suggest that the industry will add about 16,000 jobs here in the state over the next eight years. That’s a lot of jobs to fill, and it illustrates the need for our industry to better reach the next generation of workers. Without a stronger pipeline of young people into our industry we will have a tough time meeting its workforce needs.

So, go check out ConstructionWantsYou.com and share the link with young people and their parents so that we can all spread the word about the opportunities that exist.

Laurie Kendall is president of the Associated Builders and Contractors’ Pacific Northwest chapter. Contact her at 503-726-5440 or at [email protected].