#United States #Charlotte #CAGC #Skilled Workers #Construction Workforce

Ongoing Challenges in the Construction Industry

The construction industry in the United States is currently facing significant workforce shortages, a challenge that is particularly pronounced in the Carolinas. Organizations like Carolinas AGC (CAGC) and the CAGC Foundation are stepping up their efforts to ensure a robust pipeline of skilled workers in North and South Carolina. Following the findings from the latest workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC of America) and NCCER, it becomes evident that the struggle to find qualified personnel is a pressing issue, even amidst fluctuations in the construction market.

Insights from the Latest Survey

The 2026 AGC/NCCER Workforce Survey reported alarming statistics that paint a stark picture of the current job market:

• - 87% of firms are actively searching for hourly craft positions, with 82% looking to fill salaried roles.
• - A staggering 50% of surveyed companies indicated that potential candidates are lacking the essential skills, certifications, or licenses required in construction roles.
• - 42% of firms have experienced delays in project timelines due to a shortage of labor among their own workers and subcontractors.
• - Almost half of the respondents are now focusing their recruitment efforts on high schools, colleges, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to address the skills gap.
• - Increased demand in data center construction is further straining the already competitive landscape for skilled labor, leading to higher wages as firms vie for talent.

North Carolina's Strategic Response

In North Carolina, contractors are grappling with the challenge of filling both craft and salaried roles, hindered primarily by qualification and credential requirements. The response from employers has been proactive, encompassing expanded recruiting initiatives, investment in training programs, and enhanced partnerships with educational institutions such as high schools and community colleges. Such strategies are in line with the workforce development initiatives led by CAGC and the CAGC Foundation.

Betsy Bailey, the Director of NC Government Relations for CAGC Foundation, states, "The needs of North Carolina's construction workforce are evident. We must create pathways that connect education and career opportunities. Through CAGC and its foundation, we're fostering connections between students, training providers, and employers to equip our workforce for future demands."

This collaborative approach aims to strengthen the workforce and ensure that the state has the required talent to support its construction sector.

Enhancements in South Carolina

Meanwhile, South Carolina is experiencing similar challenges, where contractors face stiff competition for skilled labor amid a tightening labor supply. Here, immigration enforcement is reportedly impacting workforce availability, with 42% of respondents in the South noting that they have felt direct or indirect repercussions due to such policies — significantly higher than the national average of 29%.

Leslie Clark, COO and VP of SC External Affairs for Carolinas AGC, emphasizes the need for home-grown talent, stating, "To build South Carolina’s future, we must invest in local talent. Given the constraints posed by federal immigration policies, our focus should be on enhancing Career and Technical Education in our high schools and technical colleges. The construction industry offers well-paying career options, and training our own workforce is essential."

The Role of CAGC and Its Foundation

Recognizing these challenges, CAGC and the CAGC Foundation are actively taking steps to enhance construction career pathways across the Carolinas through a variety of initiatives:

• - Hands-On Training: Partnerships with community colleges are facilitating construction boot camps that provide hands-on training along with essential credentials such as NCCER Core and OSHA 10.
• - Engagement with Students: Programs like Be Pro Be Proud and Lane the Loader™ are designed to introduce high school students to careers in construction, ultimately strengthening ties between educational institutions and the industry.
• - Employment Transition Support: CAGC is working closely with contractors and educational institutions to help move students from training directly into employment opportunities.
• - Professional Development: The association also offers ongoing training, safety certifications, and educational resources to improve the skill set of the existing workforce.
• - Investing in Future Talent: The CAGC Foundation supports various scholarship programs aimed at fostering education and career aspirations within the construction field.

Conclusion

The findings from the 2026 workforce survey underscore the urgency for continued investment in recruitment, training, and retaining skilled construction professionals. CAGC and the CAGC Foundation are dedicated to collaborating with contractors, educators, and workforce partners, ensuring that the Carolinas are equipped with the skilled workforce needed for sustainable growth in the construction sector. For more information about their programs, visit CAGC and CAGC Foundation.