b'BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CSIA 35B usinessesareconstantlyadaptingtoagingworkforce,haslefttheindustryweakened keeppeoplehealthy,projectsmovingand unable to fill manpower requirements across forward, and effectively filling the needthe country.for skilled labor.Baby Boomers are retiring from the workforce in Shortages of skilled trades workers in the Unitedsignificant numbers.States,hascreatedagenuineconcernfortheThe introduction of new technologies / roboticsindustry and country.Without a strong workforce,Vocationalclasseshavebeeneliminatedin companiesareunabletocompleteprojectsinamany schools.timely fashion. Emphasisoncollegeastheonlyoption promoted for years.The country has experienced a skilled-tradesFunding cuts forced schools to eliminated shop talent gap caused by retirement and a reducedclasses.focus on trade education in high school.RepairstothecountrysinfrastructureareHowistheindustrydealingwiththelackof behind schedule and increasing. skilled labor?CompaniesthatemployskilledtradespeopleMany of us have been addressing the shortfalls in are failing to meet customer demands. skilled labor in various wayssometimes withoutCompanies are finding it challenging to maintainrealizingyourcompanyhasshifteditsidentity, quality and productivity. business model, and/or geographic presence within Manycompaniesareforcedtotakeamorethe marketplace.conservativeapproachtoprojectselectionor simply turn down projects. Taking on fewer projectsSpecializinginasmallerrange/scopeof Areworkforceshortagesreachingacriticalprojectspoint? Limitingrisksandtakingonhigherpaying projectsThepandemichasclearlyshownusjusthowValue engineering projects CENTRAL STATES INSULATION ASSOCIATIONvaluable the construction industry is to the futureNarrowthegeographywithinthebusiness of our country.Infrastructure will take a prominentmodelrole, within our political landscape, over the next Adding internal training/apprenticeship program several years and addressing the need for skilled(hiring direct)laborshortfallswilltakecenterstagewithinthatDiversification within service offeringsdiscussion.Workforceshortagesremainoneof the single greatest threats to its success and willWhilethereisnoone-size-fits-allsolutionto determinehowwemoveforwardintheindustry.running a company short-staffed; remaining flexible, Unfortunately,anoverwhelmingmajorityoflocal,andspecializedcanassistinnavigating contractors have trouble finding talent to fill the craftworkforce shortages.positions that represent the industrys workforce. What else can we do?Why the shortage of skilled labor? Think outside the box.New recruitment strategies By now, most everyone can name several factorswill help fill the gap.that have led to the short fall in skilled labor within the United States. A lack of emphasis on skilledSpend time during CBA negotiations to openly trades within our school systems, coupled with andiscussbothworkforceshortfallsandjointly continuedpg.36csiaonline.org'