b'understanding load-bearing principles, can serve as a Passing It Down: Transferring Knowledgevaluable teaching moment for those new to the job. From One Generation to the NextLook for employees who show enthusiasm and ambition. Those who are open to innovation and eager to learn make ideal candidates for cross-functional training and career-According to recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticsdevelopment programs. Similarly, investing time in findings, over 2.5 million construction workers are overemployees to acquire and understand new technology is a the age of 55. Associated Builders and Contractors reportsgreat way to invest in the companys future. By supporting that one in five workers will exit the industry in the nexttop talent through training programs and certifications, their few years. With that projected loss of industry expertisespecialized skills can be further developed, ensuring they looming, leaders are left with the question: How can theare well-prepared to step into roles vacated by retiring industry fill the knowledge gaps with nearly half of itsworkers . experienced workers retiring? The construction industry landscape relies on the future of skilled tradespeople. However, the outlook of theTHE TECH OF IT ALL construction industry also depends on those who holdConstruction technology continues to revolutionize the years of industry expertise to pass along this informationindustry and create advancements in all field sectors, in preparation for their departure from the field. Theincluding safety, process efficiencies and trade balance between trade knowledge and the efficiencies ofcommunication. Regardless of experience, it is important to todays technology is not just important; it is critical toembrace technology while coupling it with the expertise of ensuring the success of the industry. The constructionskilled tradesmen. industry should focus its efforts on recruiting youngerCollaborating with technology is a balancing act that allows generations through mentorship programs, promote cross- trades to eliminate tedious tasks so workers can focus on functional and development training, and embracebigger pieces of the project. Technology can be used and technology to improve safety standards, processembraced in various ways, including making decisions efficiencies and communication amongst trades.based on how they will impact other trades, using drones for site surveys and improving workflows to ensure the job START THEM YOUNGis completed on time and within budget. Technology can Mentorship programs are a key step to engaging youngerhelp increase the number of skilled trades workers by generations interest in the skilled trades. Companiesencouraging a new audience of innovative thinkers who are looking to impact the community and share theirexcited to improve building efforts and positively impact knowledge with the up-and-coming workforce shouldtheir communities. collaborate with local high schools to implement various trade programs. These programs are beneficial as theyAs one generation of leaders prepares to hang up their tool encourage young adults and provide hands-on experiencesbelts, they should consider what fundamental pieces of the to pique their interest and prepare them for constructionindustry need to be passed along to future construction careers.innovators. The construction industry stands at a pivotal Skanska USA, for example, provides experiencescrossroads where the integration of traditional trade including internships and days of discovery. Bothknowledge and modern technological advancements is programs allow students pursuing an education inessential for future success. By fostering mentorship construction, engineering and skilled trades to have a first- programs, providing robust training and development hand look at Skanskas projects and onsite operations,opportunities and embracing cutting-edge technology, providing them with an experience that goes much deepercontractors can ensure that the invaluable expertise of than typical classroom curriculum. These programs can beretiring workers is not lost. These efforts can bridge the invaluable to students, allowing them to ask questions, testgenerational gap, attract innovative thinkers to the new technology and build necessary career skills.construction field and build a resilient workforce poised to Mentorship programs are essential for sustaining the flowenhance building efforts and positively impact communities of skilled workers in the industry, enabling students to seefor years to come. the potential paths within the field but also enable businesses to engage in early talent recruiting.BY KYLE POTTSTRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Seasoned experts have a wealth of knowledge that has been invaluable in skilled trades for decades, even amidKyle Potts is a general superintendent at Skanska USA Building. For recent technological developments. Transfer of thatmore information, visit skanska.com. knowledge is critical in bridging the gap between older and younger generations. Newer workers can take advantage of their early years in the construction workforce to learn from every level of labor within the field. Something that may seem second-nature to those with years of experience, such as hazard identification or 10'