An Executive Digest of the Industry: Attracting the Next Generation of Construction Worker

The Construction and Development Blog

Attracting the Next Generation of Construction Worker

I just read an interesting article by Becky Schultz (link below). The Construction Industry workforce is aging, so how does the industry as a whole attract new young talent. The "Y-Generation" is incredibly tech savvy. They are plugged into Social Media and expect communication between friends, family and colleagues to be instantaneous and ongoing. They search for information on facebook, google, twitter, linked-in and a myriad of different social sites. They use Google Docs, Google Calendars, Google Groups, Google Mail, Google Alerts and are at home maneuvering through all the web-based applications available. They know what Cloud Computing is and can't imagine using the old software systems that people over the age of....say 35..... are accustom to. They are not attracted to backwards technology minded career opportunities.

Showing up for work and having their boss say something like "that internet crap" --I've actually heard this from the mouth of a crusty, I mean.....experienced construction executive -- just might be a detractor for a young Construction Management Graduate full of hope in a construction career. Construction companies that will attract new young talent (or the not-so young technically minded talent) are adapting to the major shift taking place with cloud computing and social media.

Not only will technology forward companies attract the best talent, but it is these companies that have the competitive advantage. Embracing Web-Based Technology for Construction provides cost savings and efficiencies that leave the competition behind. Sharp young talented individuals recognize this and desire to be on a team with these "Technology Smart" companies.

If you are one of those "Experienced Construction Executives," this is not a negative referendum on you. I am in my 40's -- not a Y-Gen guy. There's tremendous value in the experience you hold. But, do not overlook the Technology Shift that is taking place beneath our noses. This shift, if you have not yet noticed, is completely changing the way business is done in many areas including:

- marketing your company

- communication between colleagues and clients

- sharing of documents and data

- the cost of storing and sharing data

- the speed of sharing information around the globe

- the speed in which negative customer experiences are broadcast

- client expectations of transparency in your work

- who will fold and who will survive

This blog contains numerous articles/videos that will help you understand more about the Social Media shift and how Construction Cloudware (Web-Based Construction Project Management) gives your company the advantage you are going to need.

Link to Becky Schultz's article:

Start Building the Next Generation

Daniel Jones

ProTech

Dealer for Procore - Construction Cloudware

ProTech Website

djones@projecttechnologysolutions.com

Posted by ProTech at 3/15/2010 2:43 PM