Workforce Challenges Continue in Construction and Equipment Manufacturing Industries

Workforce development has been a challenge for many years in the construction and equipment manufacturing industries. This is due in part to the poor perception many have of these segments, especially younger generations. Attracting and retaining employees are some of the biggest challenges, and ones which may be further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is due in part to a high rate of retirements as well as those leaving these industries, either by choice or because they've had to find work in other markets due to layoffs or furloughs. And as construction and manufacturing projects pick up once again it could become even more difficult to find and train new employees. In this segment from the fifth episode of our ongoing Transportation Chain series, OEM Off-Highway Editor Sara Jensen discusses with Equipment Today Editor Becky Schultz the challenges, and potential solutions, regarding workforce development in the construction and manufacturing industries.