Mooresville Faces Construction Workforce Crisis as Retirements Loom

Mooresville Faces Construction Workforce Crisis as Retirements Loom

The construction industry is on the brink of a significant workforce crisis, with more than 40% of its workers expected to retire by 2031. At the same time, a concerning 3% of young people are interested in pursuing careers in construction, according to a report from the Building Talent Foundation. This alarming trend raises serious questions about the future viability of the construction field and its ability to meet ongoing infrastructure and housing demands.

Interns like Owen Ramsey, a construction management major from Purdue University, symbolize both the challenges and potential solutions facing the industry. Ramsey is gaining hands-on experience at Taylor Morrison in Mooresville, where he is involved in all stages of construction, from pouring the slab to handing keys to new homeowners. This comprehensive internship offers Ramsey valuable insights into the construction process, highlighting the industry’s need for practical experience to attract younger generations.

Challenges in Attracting Young Talent

Gary Guess, a Senior Superintendent at Taylor Morrison, has noted that many young individuals demonstrate a disinterest in hands-on jobs, further complicating recruitment efforts in the sector. With a significant portion of the existing workforce nearing retirement age, there is a crucial need to stimulate interest among youth to fill these imminent gaps. Research from ADP indicates that many millennials and Gen Zers prefer non-labor jobs, exacerbating the already critical talent shortages.

Ramsey’s background in a family involved in construction heavily influenced his interest in the field. He is among 60 potential future workers currently interning with Taylor Morrison across the nation, with the company actively working to establish a robust talent pipeline for the industry. This approach underscores the importance of mentorship and the need to engage students early in their educational journeys.

Efforts to Combat Workforce Shortages

In light of these challenges, various initiatives are being undertaken to encourage young people to consider careers in construction. The Lowe’s Foundation has introduced 12 new Gable Grants aimed at community colleges to tackle the skilled trades worker shortage. The Gable Grants program, which aspires to create pathways for 50,000 trades professionals over five years, reflects a broader commitment to addressing the labor gap in the construction industry.

Since its inception in 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has invested $43 million across 28 states through this program. Notable recipients include Ivy Tech Community College, which plans to develop a Building and Property Maintenance Technician program alongside enhanced HVAC training. Other institutions like Blue Ridge Community College and Palm Beach State College are also set to expand their trades programs to better respond to workforce demands.

Economic Implications of the Skilled Labor Gap

The National Association of Homebuilders has estimated that the skilled labor gap results in an annual economic loss of $10 billion in the housing sector, emphasizing the urgency of resolving this issue. In addition, local initiatives like the one by Iredell County Economic Development Corporation Foundation secured a $750,000 grant for the Herring Industrial Boulevard extension. This extension aims to support job creation and business investments in the Mooresville Business Park East, which is part of a larger 1,200-acre development accommodating 24 companies and providing approximately 4,000 jobs.

As the construction industry anticipates a massive wave of retirements in the coming years, the need to actively nurture and attract a new generation of skilled workers has never been more critical. Without effective strategies to engage young people, the industry risks facing an unprecedented labor shortage, which could severely hinder progress in building homes, infrastructure, and communities.