Labor shortages and the need for training the next generation of construction talent are well-known issues across our industry. According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), the United States had 430,000 open construction jobs in 2021.
At the same time, a survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) indicated that 80% of construction companies are having difficulty hiring for hourly trade positions. For companies looking to grow their team, build a talent pipeline, and increase employee retention, the question is often: “How?”
At Crain, we’ve found that the most effective way to create a meaningful impact, whether it’s building a hotel or a team, is to take the long view. We face the same challenges that other firms face as we continue to grow and look for more talented professionals to join our team. Thankfully, our leadership team has developed a proactive approach that is committed to finding and investing in the next generation of construction talent.
Crain’s Commitment to the Next Generation of Construction Talent
Here are a few specific ways we work to attract and retain construction talent:
1. We Actively Invest in Cultivating Talent
As a Nashville-based construction company, we’re lucky to be surrounded by numerous universities and trade schools that are developing the next generation of construction talent.
We attend career fairs and create internship opportunities for students because we care about cultivating relationships with talented young professionals. As trade students are learning, we provide hands-on opportunities and mentorship.
Much of this training and development includes passing along industry knowledge our team has learned from decades of experience in the industry. The mentorship opportunities we provide don’t just teach the “nuts and bolts” of construction. Instead, we guide young people as they forge their own career paths in commercial construction.
2. We’ve Created a Healthy Work Culture
We believe that culture is the most important factor for job satisfaction. Whether you’re 23 or 73, it’s important to enjoy where you work, feel valued, and have opportunities for growth.
At Crain, we’re incredibly intentional about protecting the culture we’ve created by treating co-workers like family. As a result, many of our employees have been part of our team for decades. This commitment has held our company together during challenging seasons. We believe that embracing the mindset that we’re in this together is a big reason we have one of the highest employee retention rates in the industry.
3. We Provide Professional Development for Employees
One of the most rewarding aspects of a career in construction is the opportunity for growth. If you are willing to learn and work hard, you have the ability to step into new roles. It’s not uncommon for one of our team members to move from a project engineer to superintendent or project manager over the course of their career. That’s how most of our Executive Team made their start—digging ditches and pouring concrete.
In order to facilitate the potential for growth, we offer formal and informal training for employees. Because our leaders care about investing in others, we’ve created a collaborative environment where young talent can have a voice while learning from the experience of our tenured employees.
Interested in a Fulfilling Career in Construction? Join Our Team.
At Crain, we look for team members who are hungry, humble, and smart. If you have these innate traits, we are committed to providing the education, training, and opportunities to help you be successful.
If you’re looking for a new job in construction and you’re interested in joining our team, we’d love to connect. Reach out to our team to learn more about the positions we have available. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about working at Crain.
