By: Shaun Shea, Project Manager, Warfel Construction Company, ABC Keystone YP Committee Member
Construction plays a very important role in our nation’s economic performance. Unfortunately, the construction industry is facing a labor crisis. As a member of the Young Professionals Committee here at ABC Keystone, I think it is important for us all to recognize the situation for what it is. Many of us have gone through college and now find ourselves in a professional position within our companies. Meanwhile our companies struggle to find young people that want to work in the field and on the construction site. Millennials are the key to the construction industry’s labor shortage. We need to find a way to engage young people and show them how rewarding a career in construction can be. ABC Keystone does a great job of this and this is evident by the new ABC Keystone Chapter headquarters which recently underwent a renovation and expansion to the building. The Apprenticeship Program at ABC is a great place for young people and companies to train the future leaders of their company’s field operations.
I have been in the construction industry for over 15 years and have met a lot of great people along the way. The people I respect the most are the people that get up every day, strap on their boots and tool belts and go to work building the awesome buildings we see around us and work in every day. It takes a team effort to design and build a building, and it all starts with a business that is growing and in need of a new building or a renovation to an existing building. From there the incredible work that goes into design and engineering takes place, working its way toward the contractors that will ultimately be responsible for constructing the building.
Let’s take some time as we approach the end of 2017, and remember the hard work that these men and women do every day on our jobsites. From the site workers, concreters, electricians, carpenters, steel erectors, roofers, plumbers, and the list goes on. It truly is an honor to be part of the construction industry. We must all do our part to spread awareness of the labor crisis that is upon us. Let’s put our heads together as to how to fix it and reach the people with the potential to do great things in this industry. ABC Keystone is leading the charge, and we must do everything we can to support the cause as members that make up the Chapter. Joining a committee is a great way to be a part of this mission. As you are thinking about your New Year resolutions, consider joining one of the many great Committees at ABC Keystone as we wind down a great 2017, and look forward to an even better 2018.
Sign up for the All Committee Kick-off!
Tuesday, January 16, 2018 / 7:30 am – 9:30 am
ABC Keystone, Manheim
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