The United States is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers in the construction and infrastructure sectors, posing significant challenges to economic growth, infrastructure development, and national security. This shortage has reached a crisis point, with projections indicating the need for nearly half a million additional workers in 2025 alone to meet industry demand according to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). The labor deficit is driving up construction costs and project delays nationwide. A 2024 survey by Associated General Contractors (AGC)and Autodesk revealed that 91% of construction firms are struggling to fill open positions, leading to project delays and increased labor costs. The aging workforce further exacerbates the issue, with nearly one in four construction workers over the age of 55, leading to a significant loss of experienced labor as these workers retire.
The current workforce challenges are undermining the effectiveness of federal, state, and local infrastructure investments. Without a sufficient and skilled labor force, projects may face delays or increased costs, hindering the nation's ability to modernize its critical infrastructure posing a risk to our national security. Addressing this crisis requires comprehensive policy solutions, including increased investment in construction education and training programs, incentives for workforce development, and strategies to attract and retain skilled labor in the built environment.
THE OBJECTIVES
CREATE A UNIFIED
COALITION
Industry leaders, policymakers, educators, labor unions, and trade organizations will unite to advocate for critical policy changes—including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) reauthorization—and establish a collective action plan to increase participation across the built environment workforce.
SHARE BEST
PRACTICES
Identify and document successful workforce development models, including apprenticeship programs, public-private partnerships, and educational initiatives, that can be replicated across the country to create sustainable career pathways and attract new talent pipelines across the built environment
THE SCHEDULE
By the Data: Decoding America’s Labor Market Shortage
Join us for a data-driven exploration of America’s workforce challenges. Through research, industry intelligence, and demographic analysis, uncover how shifting populations, retirement patterns, and worker expectations are revolutionizing our labor market. Examine impacts across critical sectors, track workforce trends, and understand the evolution of compensation and workplace culture—with special focus on new participation in the built environment workforce. These sessions equip leaders with strategic insights to navigate the most profound labor market transformation of our time.
The Built Environment Workforce: Industry Leaders Address the Labor Crisis
Top executives across the built environment share frontline insights into diversifying the workforce and addressing the critical labor shortage. Through compelling case studies, these industry leaders will reveal innovative programs that are successfully attracting and elevating participation in the building trades—from successful apprenticeship initiatives to strategic partnerships with technical schools. Learn how organizations and labor unions are dismantling traditional barriers through reimagined compensation structures, flexible work arrangements, and clear advancement paths. These speakers will showcase how their companies are transforming workplace culture, implementing inclusive mentorship programs, and creating more opportunities across the trades.
Policy Solutions for Advancing America’s Built Environment Workforce
Join local government leaders, state legislators, and congressional representatives for a critical examination of policy initiatives addressing untapped talent pools in the built environment workforce. Speakers will explore how the reauthorization of WIOA and emerging state-level programs can break down systemic barriers and create new opportunities. Learn how policymakers are expanding access to technical education, incentivizing inclusive apprenticeships, and fostering public-private partnerships that create sustainable career pathways. Speakers will showcase innovative policies that are successfully increasing participation across the built environment through strategic government action, from targeted funding initiatives to transformative workforce development programs.
Opening Panel Moderating Partner
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Mica Soellner, Senior Congressional Reporter, will moderate this session