November marks Workforce Development Month, and for an industry like ours, it’s more than just a calendar observance. It’s a reminder of how vital it is to invest in the people behind the machines, the blueprints, and the hard hats.
A Strong Workforce Doesn’t Happen by Accident
Let’s be honest, the construction industry is facing a reality check. Across the country, more skilled workers are retiring than entering the trades. According to data from the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), referenced by NAIOP, about 41% of the current U.S. construction workforce is expected to retire by 2031.
The experienced operators, laborers, and foremen who built this industry are retiring in record numbers, while there aren’t enough new hands ready to take their place.
Training, mentorship, and exposure to the trades at a young age are key to ensuring that the next generation can step confidently into these roles.
For companies like ours, that means we have a responsibility to our industry and to our communities to bridge the gap. However, bridging the gap isn’t just about filling open positions. It’s about creating pathways that feel attainable, sustainable, and worth committing to.
This calls for more than recruiting or training; it calls for rethinking what it means to build a career in construction.
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- Developing real mentorship, not management. Pairing seasoned veterans with new hires to pass down knowledge and pride in craftsmanship.
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- Making room for growth. Too many young workers leave the trades because they don’t see a future beyond the shovel. Clear advancement paths, ongoing education, and leadership development are what keep people invested.
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- Embracing innovation. Technology isn’t replacing people, it’s redefining how we work. From things like GPS-guided grading or smart jobsite logistics, new tools are making the field safer, more efficient, and more appealing to a younger generation that grew up on tech.
- Creating a culture of respect. At PT Ferro, we know retention isn’t just about pay; it’s about belonging too. When people feel valued and see their impact, they stay.
The next generation of tradespeople isn’t looking for just a job; they’re looking for purpose, want real skills, clear pathways, and a team that’s invested in their success. And it’s on all of us in the industry to build that foundation.
Changing the Conversation Around the Trades
For too long, the construction path was seen as a “backup plan.” The truth? The trades are a launch pad, offering stability, lifelong skills, and room for growth that few industries can match.
Every project demands sharp problem-solving, teamwork, and craftsmanship. There’s a quiet kind of pride in seeing your work take shape under the open sky, in knowing that years from now, families will drive these same roads and never think twice about the hands that built them. That’s the mark of a lasting legacy, one laid in concrete, steel, and commitment. Something tangible you can drive past years later and say, “I helped build that.”
But to attract the next generation, we have to change the story we tell about what success looks like. Workforce development starts with changing that narrative.
That means going beyond the classroom and into the community, meeting young people where they are and showing them that the trades are modern, respected, and full of opportunity.
Companies like ours can make an impact by:
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- Partnering with schools and trade programs to bring hands-on learning into the classroom. This is a great opportunity to present operating simulators and safety demos to “career days” that highlight real field stories.
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- Opening job sites for guided tours so students can see the technology, teamwork, and precision that go into every phase of construction.
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- Hosting family-friendly open houses where parents, teachers, and students can learn together about apprenticeships, benefits, and the paths available in union construction.
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- Highlighting career journeys on social media. Show off how operators, laborers, and project managers started at the entry level and built long-term, successful careers.
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- Supporting youth organizations and community initiatives that expose kids to the trades early, before misconceptions take root.
- Encouraging mentorship from within. When our seasoned crew members share their stories, knowledge, and lessons, they help young workers see themselves as part of something bigger.
Construction is a foundation, one that supports families, fuels local economies, and keeps communities moving forward. When we invest in awareness and education early, we’re laying the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable future in our industry.
Investing in People, Not Just Projects
At PT Ferro, we take pride in the fact that many of our crew members have been here for decades. They started young, learned from veterans, and now they’re the ones teaching. That kind of loyalty and mentorship culture doesn’t happen by chance; it’s built intentionally through respect, opportunity, and guidance.
Programs like union apprenticeships and continued-education partnerships are critical to keeping our workforce strong. We encourage our team to keep learning, to earn new certifications, expand their skill sets, and stay ahead of the technology reshaping our industry, because progress on the road starts with progress in our people.
The Future We’re Paving
Looking ahead, workforce development involves creating sustainable careers that support families, enhance communities, and uphold the high standards our industry is founded on.
Addressing our workforce challenge requires a proactive approach. We encourage all of our industry peers and partners to be committed to forging partnerships with community organizations to spark interest in the trades early on. By inviting students and educators to see firsthand the opportunities within construction, we hope to inspire a new generation that views these careers as a first choice, not an afterthought
So, this month, we’re celebrating the operators, laborers, mechanics, and managers who make up the PT Ferro team, and we’re extending an open invitation to the next generation:
If you’re ready to build something that lasts, there’s a place for you here.
