Celebrating Careers in Construction Month: The Growing Demand for Skilled Workers
Construction is an invaluable industry and individuals in the construction field play a crucial role in shaping how our nation and the world evolve. However, there is an increasing shortage of construction professionals, which negatively affects project timelines, costs and most importantly, community growth. Choosing a field in construction and mastering the craft is essential for building the foundation for future progress that supports our neighborhoods, schools and workplaces every day.
The Demand for Skilled Workers
The construction industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled labor. In fact, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) estimates that the industry will need to bring in 499,000 new workers to keep up with construction demands. As experienced workers retire and the demand for new infrastructure increases, the need for trained professionals has never been higher. This presents both a challenge for construction companies looking for new talent and an opportunity for those looking to start or grow a career in the trades.
Careers in Construction
Entering the construction field begins with recognizing it’s more than a hammer and nail. Careers can span from hands-on skilled trades to roles in project management, safety and compliance, engineering, design and more. The versatility in careers is a major draw to the profession, giving people the opportunity to apply their skills in meaningful ways that shape communities. No matter the position, each person contributes their expertise to build something that stands the test of time.
Construction also offers competitive wages and financial advantages that are often overlooked. For example, the average electrician in Nashville earns between $49,278 and $85,484 annually, while the average salary for someone with a four-year bachelor’s degree is around $58,678 annually. These numbers help illustrate that skilled trades can be just as, if not more, financially rewarding—without the burden of college debt.
Construction provides strong job stability and the satisfaction of building something that lasts. It is also a great fit for those who enjoy problem-solving, working in teams and seeing the results of their efforts come to life.
How We Make Our Contribution
There are many pathways to begin a career in construction including apprenticeships and technical training programs, which can provide additional opportunities in the field.
At Dowdle Construction, we believe in investing in career development from day one. We support ongoing training, certifications and mentorships to help every team member advance in their career. Whether learning new safety protocols, mastering project software or stepping into leadership, professional growth is an integral part of our culture.
Skilled workers are the backbone of construction. The demand is undeniable, and the paths into the field are wide and varied. Dowdle Construction is proud to stand behind those entering the industry and is committed to growing their careers with integrity, encouragement and opportunity.