Mason Contractors: Construction Talent Development Report Released

Words: Dan KamysMason Contractors: Construction Talent Development Report Released

FMI, a provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, released its 2013 U.S. Construction Industry Talent Development Report. The report is based on responses nationwide from a mix of general contractors and construction managers at firms of all sizes and specialties, including mechanical/plumbing and heavy/highway/civil.

More than half of respondents report a shortage in skilled labor. As a war for talent begins, construction experts must evolve their methodology of searching for the best and brightest employees. 

First, construction careers must be made more appealing to women and minorities. Second, there must be an appeal to today’s youth through career counselors, career fairs and utilization of social media channels.

In addition, as baby boomers retire, more than 75 percent of those surveyed said they were preparing for a leadership transition in three ways:

  1. Promoting internally
  2. Training to improve performance
  3. Providing internship and co/op programs

Also, more than half of those surveyed said they were:

  1. Identifying gaps in core competencies
  2. Increasing recruiting efforts at schools and universities
  3. Employing “best practices” to retain key talent

To download a copy of the full report, click here. For more information, contact Sarah Vizard Avallone at 919.785.9221 or savallone@fminet.com.

American Treasure: Valparaiso’s Grand Gardner Hotel
October 2026

A 125-year-old school building in Valparaiso, Indiana, is getting a second life, and much of the credit goes to the masonry that has been standing there since 1899. The Grand Gardner Hotel is an adaptive reuse project centered on the former Gardner Schoo

Designing Better Masonry Envelopes Starts with the Air Barrier
October 2026

As expectations for building performance continue to rise, air barriers have become a critical part of modern wall design. Today’s building envelopes must support energy efficiency, occupant comfort, durability, moisture management, and increasingly strin

Kennison Forest Products, Inc. Continues as a Silver Partner in 2027
October 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is pleased to announce that Kennison Forest Products, Inc. is continuing as a Silver Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.

WIRE-BOND Renews as a Platinum Partner in 2027
October 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is excited to announce that WIRE-BOND will renew as a Platinum Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.