As the U.S. ramps up investments in infrastructure at unprecedented levels, a major challenge is the shortage of skilled construction workers. A survey by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) reveals that contractors are struggling to fill positions across nearly all craft roles, with particular shortages in cement masons, mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and pipefitters/welders. On the business side, there is also a gap in hiring superintendents, project managers, supervisors, and estimating personnel. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that many of these roles will grow at a faster-than-average rate over the next decade, meaning the current shortage will likely intensify as demand for these positions continues to rise.

The aging American population is adding pressure to this worker shortage across various sectors, with construction feeling the strain as well. Additionally, the industry has long relied on immigrant workers—especially undocumented laborers—and the tightening of immigration policies in recent years has only exacerbated the issue.

In recent decades, educators, policymakers, and even parents have increasingly steered young Americans toward pursuing four-year degrees instead of careers in trades. A recent study by the Progressive Policy Institute and the AGC reveals that the federal government allocates nearly four times as much funding to support traditional college degrees as it does to workforce training for construction and related fields, a disparity of $83 billion. This lack of investment in vocational education has resulted in insufficient attention to trade jobs at the national level. Despite this, there appears to be a resurgence of interest in trade careers. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, enrollment in community colleges with a focus on vocational programs grew by 17.6% in 2024, adding 117,000 students. To sustain this momentum, the joint report by PPI and AGC urges federal and state policymakers to increase investment in workforce development and collaborate more closely with industry employers.

In response to the shortage, contractors are taking steps to attract more workers to the field and train existing staff. According to the AGC survey, 60% of contractors raised wages for craft workers in 2024 compared to 2023. Many are also using digital advertising platforms, such as social media and job distribution software, to recruit. Additionally, half of firms have partnered with high schools and postsecondary institutions to strengthen career pipelines.

Internally, approximately 40% of firms have boosted their spending on workforce training and professional development, with an increasing number adopting virtual education programs. These programs include video-based courses as well as augmented and virtual reality devices designed to enhance skill-building.

Industry groups such as the AGC and Associated Builders and Contractors are also working to attract newcomers by offering apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and other training opportunities. They are also focusing on improving retention by providing guidance to contractors on fostering more inclusive and supportive workplaces.

However, the process of training workers takes time, and in the immediate term, construction groups are urging lawmakers to create more legal pathways for immigrants to join the workforce through expanded visa programs.

Given the hundreds of thousands of construction workers needed in 2024 and beyond, addressing this shortage will require substantial investment and effort from local and federal governments, individual companies, educational institutions, and industry organizations to attract and train the next generation of skilled workers.