Our industry faces an urgent and growing need for qualified tradespeople and professional staff. Market trends like onshoring, federal stimulus and aging infrastructure have amplified a significant labor shortage. Factors such as regulatory changes in the Inflation Reduction Act, insufficient skills training in primary and secondary education, and a retiring workforce have created a perfect storm of demand for skilled workers, particularly in field leadership roles.

As President Donald Trump noted in 2018 during the rollout of his executive order on workforce development, “Many of these jobs require skills training, but not a college degree. Yet for too long, both the public and the private sectors have failed to develop innovative and effective training programs.”

This challenge has become more urgent than ever. To overcome this crisis, the industry must address several key drivers: the lack of perceived dignity in trade careers, insufficient educational opportunities and an increasingly burdensome regulatory environment.

The Challenges Driving the Workforce Gap

The labor shortage is well-documented, and the numbers are staggering. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the shortage of skilled tradespeople reached nearly 725,000 in October 2024, up from 500,000 in January 2024.

Mike Rowe, a prominent advocate for skilled trades, encapsulated the issue: “Every year, for every five tradespeople who retire, two people replace them.”

This gap is not confined to metropolitan areas or mega-projects. Rural regions are experiencing an even greater struggle. According to a Richmond Federal Reserve study, areas with fewer than 250,000 people face 20% more difficulty recruiting skilled labor. Consequently, wages in rural areas are rising at 8% annually, compared to 5.6% in urban areas.

As urban centers expand infrastructure projects, rural communities face added pressure to meet workforce demands. This trend underscores the need for a comprehensive solution that addresses both rural and urban labor challenges.

The Opportunity Amid the Crisis

While these challenges may seem daunting, they also present an opportunity for our craft workforce, particularly for field leaders who can adapt, learn and deliver measurable results.

With advancements in tracking and reporting, the impact of skilled leadership is easier to quantify than ever before. However, current outcomes often fall short of industry needs. By prioritizing workforce development, the industry can not only address today’s shortages but also prepare for future demands in infrastructure and energy security.

Our Solution

We are a self-performing service and construction provider headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, tackling this challenge head-on. As a values-driven company committed to grit and excellence in the industrial infrastructure space, we have partnered with ABC to create innovative workforce solutions.

This partnership focuses on several key initiatives, including:

• Advocacy for Smart Regulations: With support from ABC, we are advocating for policies like the Stronger Workforce for America Act (HR 6655) and addressing regulatory challenges in the Inflation Reduction Act that hinder workforce growth.
• Empowering Local Communities: ABC’s mission aligns with our goals of training people where they are, ensuring that rural areas have access to the resources needed for workforce development.

Developing the Next Generation

We have made a significant investment in a robust education platform offering leadership, management and safety training. This program is designed to support employees at all levels, from apprentices to journeymen, through a structured step-by-step approach.

In addition to workforce development, this program invests in our employees’ families by providing access to Gravitas, a world-class private education program, at minimal or no cost. This holistic approach fosters a family-centered culture of growth, learning and community partnership.

As our COO, Chase McQuillen, states, “ABC advocates in the macro environment so we can focus on and deliver to our local communities.”

A Call to Action

To bridge the skills gap and secure the future of our industry, a collective effort is required. Businesses, policymakers and educators must collaborate to create innovative solutions that empower tradespeople and restore the dignity of blue-collar work.

Closing this gap will not only support critical infrastructure development and maintenance but also create long-term opportunities for individuals and communities. By meeting tradespeople where they are and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed, we can ensure that our industry remains strong and resilient.

With unwavering support from ABC, we are proud to lead the way in addressing this challenge. Together, we can build a workforce ready to deliver excellence for decades to come.