Skip to main content

Report Looks at Construction Labor Gap

Published Dec 13, 2018 by A.J. Mistretta

Construction

Companies and industry groups across the country are looking at innovative ways to bring needed workers into the construction sector. 

A November 2018 report from ConstructionDive.com examined some of the methods being used to combat the labor shortage, including the efforts of UpSkill Houston. An estimated 80% of U.S. construction firms report difficultly in finding qualified hourly craft labor, according to a survey from the Associated General Contractors of America. 

Now a growing number of groups nationwide are taking active steps to educate students, teachers and parents about the value of construction careers, as well as working with legislators to get more funding to bring awareness and programs back in to schools, the report said. 

UpSkill Chair Dan Gilbane of Gilbane Building Co. told the publication that while Houston’s economy is buzzing and new jobs are being created, filling those positions with qualified talent remains a challenge. “That's not unique to just Houston or construction. It's present in all industries today. AGC's study is a great reminder we need to double down efforts to solve the technical skills gap."

Gilbane said initiatives like UpSkill provide the leadership and collaborative platform to engage policymakers, companies and potential workers to meet changing demands. 

"We have to treat workforce development as an investment in people that will ensure competitiveness of companies and the region," Gilbane told the publication.  "Providing clear career paths for people is a key part of that."

Read the full report from ConstructionDive.com.
 

Related News

Living In Houston

Rising in Houston: Projects to Look Forward to in 2025 and Beyond

1/10/25
Houston is a city that thrives on transformation, and 2025 promises to be no exception. From groundbreaking developments redefining sustainability to multi-use destinations enhancing urban walkability, Houston’s skyline and neighborhoods are set for exciting changes. Here’s a closer look at some of the most anticipated developments shaping the city in the years to come.   Tony Marron Park  The revitalization of Tony Marron Park is at the heart of the $310 million Buffalo Bayou East project that will extend the park into Houston’s East End and Fifth Ward neighborhoods. The plans for Tony Marron Park include nearly doubling the park’s size, growing it from 19 acres to 40. As a central hub for Buffalo Bayou East, the redesigned park will feature sprawling lawns, civic spaces with soccer fields, vibrant public art, a multi-age play area, an interactive water playscape, a barbecue pavilion with a picnic grove and more. Construction is set to begin as the park closes this month.  Click to expand One Bridgeland Green  One Bridgeland Green is a key feature of Bridgeland’s Village Green at Bridgeland Central, a mixed-use development located within the 925-acre master-planned community in Cypress. This innovative project will be the region’s first mass timber office building, designed to significantly reduce environmental impact by cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent and lowering annual water consumption by 80 percent. The development is on track for completion this summer.     Click to expand GreenStreet  GreenStreet, the four-block mixed-use district in downtown managed by Texas-based real estate firm Rebees, is slated for a multimillion-dollar makeover. Planned updates include converting the former Forever 21 building into a pedestrian-friendly alleyway filled with dining, retail and nightlife attractions. Additional enhancements feature the installation of rooftop solar panels, improved landscaping with lush gardens and upgraded office spaces with multi-level amenities. Phase one of construction is expected to commence in Q1 2025 and be completed by Q3.  Click to expand Swift Building  The former Swift and Co. building, located in Houston’s Heights neighborhood, is set to be transformed into a 4.47-acre mixed-use development. The new Swift Building will encompass over 60,000 square feet dedicated to retail, office and restaurant space, all overlooking the popular Heights Hike-and-Bike Trail nearby. The project is set to be completed this year.   Park Eight Place  The former Halliburton campus in the Westchase District is set to be transformed into Park Eight Place, a walkable, 70-acre mixed-use destination. The $1 billion project will feature a mix of residential, retail, hotel and office space with access to nature and recreational amenities in the adjacent 200-acre Arthur Storey Park. Construction on roads and utilities is scheduled to begin this year.  Click to expand More Space: Main Street 2.0  The More Space: Main Street 2.0 project aims to increase Houston’s walkability by transforming seven blocks in downtown into a pedestrian-friendly destination. The project will extend Main Street from Commerce to Rusk and add four additional blocks from Rusk to Allen’s Landing, bringing the area to span a total of 11 blocks. This expansion will permanently block off traffic to the area, creating a promenade where people can safely eat, shop and gather. Construction is scheduled to start this year and expected to finish ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches.  Click to expand San Jacinto Marketplace  The former San Jacinto Mall in Baytown is getting a makeover. The 105-acre project, dubbed San Jacinto Marketplace, will include 500,000 square feet of retail and dining space, and a public green space. Pedestrian walkways will also be constructed to connect key areas throughout the marketplace, enhancing accessibility and walkability. Phase one of the project is expected to be completed next year.   Ritz-Carlton Residences  The Ritz-Carlton Residences, the first stand-alone of its kind in Texas, began construction in The Woodlands last year. Nestled along Lake Woodlands, the luxury condominium offers 39 floor plans and an array of upscale amenities, including a wine cellar, library, fitness center, pickleball and bocce courts, sauna, multi-sport simulator, dog park and more. Completion of the project is anticipated in 2027.  Learn more about why businesses are choosing Houston and what it means to live, work and play in the Bayou City. 
Read More
Economic Development

Houston Day: Bridging Houston and Texas Lawmakers

12/20/24
What does it take to showcase Houston’s extraordinary contributions to Texas? For the Greater Houston Partnership, the answer was Houston Day. The transformative event gave state legislators a firsthand look at the industries and innovations driving one of the most dynamic regions in the country. Over two days in early 2024, 57 Texas lawmakers and other attendees explored Houston’s core sectors, experiencing the city’s impact on the state’s economy and culture. The event wasn’t just a tour but a strategic opportunity to connect lawmakers with the people and industries shaping Texas’ future. A Journey Through Houston’s Vital Sectors The experience began at Port Houston, a hub of economic activity essential to Texas’ position as a global trade leader. Legislators saw the port’s operations up close and learned about the evolution of the Houston Ship Channel, the energy transition, and the Coastal Texas Program’s flood mitigation efforts. From there, the focus shifted to Houston’s renowned space industry. Visits to the Johnson Space Center-NASA and Space Center Houston highlighted Houston’s legacy of innovation and the recent investments fueling the Texas Space Commission. The day concluded with a private dinner at Daikin Park, where Mayor John Whitmire underscored the importance of collaboration between local and state leaders. Showcasing Innovation and Heritage The final day of Houston Day spotlighted Houston’s cutting-edge advancements and cultural heritage. At Air Liquide’s La Porte Hydrogen facility, legislators explored groundbreaking technologies driving the energy transition. Later, a visit to the Texas Medical Center’s Helix Park showcased Houston’s leadership in medical research and health care innovation. The event culminated at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, celebrating the rich cultural fabric of Texas. Why Houston Day Matters “I was honored to showcase Houston’s vibrant contributions to the economy, space innovation, and leadership in the medical and energy sectors to my colleagues at the Legislature. It’s no longer just words on a page or something discussed in a committee meeting—they’ve experienced it all.” -State Senator Carol Alvarado. For the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Day was a resounding success. By connecting lawmakers directly with Houston’s industries, the event reinforced the city’s significance to Texas and laid the groundwork for future collaboration. By the Numbers: 57 legislators and four state agencies in attendance 162 total attendees 180+ miles traveled, covering over $1 trillion in economic impact 20+ industrial and commercial sectors highlighted Eight stops representing approximately $252.5 billion in state investments Houston Day exemplifies how the Greater Houston Partnership brings leaders together to build understanding, foster collaboration, and drive progress for the region and beyond. Learn more about the Partnership's public policy efforts. Download the Partnership's 2024 Impact Report.
Read More

Related Events

Economic Development

PARTNERSHIP WEEK: Partnership Priorities in Action

Get an insider's perspective into the Greater Houston Partnership's new strategic plan, Houston Next: Advancing Opportunity, at Partnership Week's Partnership Priorities in Action event. Hear from…

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners