Severe Labor Shortage: Arkansas Construction Industry Seeks New Recruits Through Apprenticeships
Projects are being delayed because of a severe labor shortage in the building sector. By means of apprenticeship programs, which offer routes to skilled jobs, the state of Arkansas is aggressively increasing its workforce in order to address this issue.
(Photo : Pexels/Abdulla Hafeez )
Construction Industry Labor Shortage
As per the recent Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Workforce Development Survey, the construction sector needs to hire an extra half million workers on top of its present recruiting rate in order to reach full staffing by the end of the year.ABC's Arkansas chapter president Bill Rochelle said that most of their contractors are understaffed. Fifty-eight percent of respondents said there is a 'very severe' or 'severe' labor shortfall.
Roachell argues that the shortfall stems from the industry's inability to publicize its opportunities in this field. Nevertheless, in an effort to eventually fulfill those positions, his organization is implementing apprenticeships and educational programs. Especially for younger people, Roachell emphasized that there are more possibilities in the construction sector than anyone would think.
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Arkansas' Apprenticeships Programs
Apprenticeship is a proven and tested way to adequately prepare people for highly sought-after, high-paying jobs.Under the leadership of the Arkansas Office of Apprenticeship (OA), it was overseen by the Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP). Helping companies create and carry out apprenticeship programs and providing access to a multitude of financial prospects associated with apprenticeship in Arkansas, OA supports enterprises.
As a means of preparing individuals for occupations that require a high level of expertise and pay well, a number of different industries provide RAP. While the majority of RAPs eliminate the requirement for a college education, those that do not can readily serve as a stepping stone to a more traditional degree. Moreover, one of the best ways to launch a successful and satisfying career is through RAP.
Registered Apprentices have the opportunity to avoid the debilitating load of college loans in addition to gaining relevant employment skills. In addition, they gain wisdom from more seasoned mentors in their industry. Registered Apprentices compensate for work, and their pay rises in proportion to the extent to which they improve their knowledge and skills in their trade.
On the other hand, based on the survey conducted by ABC, they found that the employees and contractors of ABC Arkansas provided $1.6 billion toward 'upskilling' the more than 1.3 million course participants in the United States in 2023. These course participants were enrolled in craft, leadership, and health and safety education.
The yearly survey is a tool that ABC uses to quantify the scope of the education and upskilling efforts that its members are participating in. Between the dates of January 4 and May 20, 2024, the field consulting firm FMI carried out the 2024 Workforce Development Survey.
Accordingly, the company provides local construction professionals with opportunities to improve their abilities by providing safety training, professional growth workshops, and employment opportunities through an apprenticeship program. Over 800 different management, health and safety, craft, and apprenticeship education programs have been produced by ABC.
To encourage the development of a competent, safe, and sustainable workforce, the Trimmer Construction Education Fund provides grants to its chapters. Additionally, members give around $500,000 yearly to the fund, which is used to support the fund's mission. The purpose of the fund is to accomplish the goal of ensuring that the construction sector maintains its position as a leader in the construction industry.
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