Construction Builds Careers
There has never been a better time to build a career in the construction industry
The construction industry is undergoing massive and exciting change. Ambitious and increasingly critical new projects in energy, infrastructure, housing, and transit are reshaping our built environment, while new technologies are transforming how we design and build. We are also confronting real challenges such as soaring material costs, complex schedules, and above all a growing shortage of people to get the job done. That labor gap is a great opportunity to show that construction offers rewarding, stable careers to anyone ready to step in and build.
According to Procore’s Future of Work report, 53 percent of the construction workforce is expected to retire by 2036. That’s more than half the industry walking off the job within a decade. To replace them, the industry will need tens of thousands of new engineers, superintendents, project managers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and ironworkers. These are reliable and rewarding jobs that are essential to the resilience of our economy and country.
The changing of the generational guard will be most starkly felt by the craft trades. The industry will be looking for tens of thousands of individuals excited by the idea of a hard day’s work and a tangible impact. These are jobs as carpenters, plumbers, ironworkers, and electricians—high-paying, often union jobs with strong benefits and a lasting sense of pride. While there’s renewed focus on bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., construction roles are already here: resilient, high-paying, and ready to go. These are the kinds of blue-collar careers that withstand automation and can revitalize our cities and middle class right now.
For those with a proclivity for math and engineering, the construction industry offers countless opportunities. Careers can be made designing wastewater treatment plants, engineering high-rises, constructing bridges, or selling industrial mechanical equipment. These roles aren’t limited to civil, electrical, or mechanical disciplines—or frankly, to any specific kind of engineer. As one of my mentors used to say: “I don’t care if you are an engineer as long as you think like one.”
And it’s not just engineers and tradespeople who make this industry work. Projects rely on teams of accountants, schedulers, and increasingly, data scientists to keep things running and support informed decision-making. People with backgrounds in supply chain management are discovering new opportunities managing complex material procurement and the logistics of increasingly sophisticated offsite fabrication. Creatives such as marketers, brand storytellers, and communicators are bringing long-overdue visibility to a traditionally private industry by telling the stories of the people and companies who build and maintain our infrastructure. As the industry continues to evolve so will the need for new untraditional construction roles and clever and ambitious people to define them.
This is also a call to action for companies looking to grow, embrace innovation, and lead. Our industry needs smart, ambitious, creative people. Many of these people have been overlooked by the industry in the past and can now bring fresh ideas and new energy to construction. There is no question that we’re facing serious challenges and historic change. But we also have incredible momentum and a workforce ready to rise to the occasion. The industry can no longer sit back and expect a wave of new blood to join; we need to share our stories and spotlight the rewarding work that’s already waiting.
Ultimately, what ties all of these careers together isn’t just the skill or the paycheck—it’s the pride of leaving a visible, lasting impact. At the end of the day, that’s what makes a career in construction so special: you get to see your work come to life. Few careers let you point to a building, a bridge, or a park and say, “I helped make that.” The construction industry doesn’t just build the infrastructure; construction builds meaningful and lasting careers.
PS - If you’ve ever considered a career in construction, or if you’re simply curious about the opportunities available, I’d be glad to chat. Whether you’re just starting out, exploring a career pivot, or trying to understand where your existing skills might fit in, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to connect, share what I’ve learned, and help point you in the right direction.