There are currently over 400,000 open jobs posted in the construction industry, nearly double from just two years ago, and the issue is only getting worse. Economists predict that the construction industry needs to add 2.2 million new workers by 2025 just to meet current demand.
Further, the construction industry has been slow to diversify with only 10% female participation and even lower (7%) participation by African-Americans. What is the impact of the workforce shortage? How can we solve the issue locally and nationally? The spark may be happening right here in Dane County to solve the issue of both diversifying the construction industry while filling the needed gaps within the workforce.
Thank you to
Alan Branch, Sr. from
Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, Chad Lawler from
Madison Area Builders Association, and
John McKenzie for sharing their vision for a more inclusive and prepared workforce in the trades industry. It is truly inspirational to witness our community supporting the construction and endowment of the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center!
For more images from our September Meeting, check out our LinkedIn page!
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