Page 63 - BusinessWest September 19, 2022

Construction
Continued from page 61
enough people to keep up with demand, Simonson cautioned.
The findings indicate that all kinds of businesses are facing the same difficulties. Contractors work- ing on building projects, highway and transportation initiatives, federal and heavy work, or utility infra- structure reported results that have been remarkably similar, whether they used only union craft labor or open-shop employers, contractors with annual rev- enues of $50 million or less, or those with more than $500 million.
Construction is becoming more expensive as a result of labor shortages and supply-chain issues. In the past year, 86% of businesses increased the basic pay rates for their employees, while 70% passed on higher material costs to project owners.
Some project owners have canceled or delayed projects due to cost and supply-chain issues; accord- ing to 58% of respondents, owners have done so due to rising costs, while one-third of enterprises say projects have been affected by extended or unknown completion deadlines.
Many construction companies claim to be taking action to address the labor shortage. Along with the fact that most companies have increased pay rates, 45% of them are now offering incentives and bonus- es, and 24% of them have also upgraded their benefit packages.
Technology is a key factor in how well businesses are able to deal with difficulties like labor short- ages. In fact, 87% of businesses agree that, in order to enable new technologies to succeed, staff must
be proficient in digital technology. Even if few can- didates have the necessary construction abilities, at least half of the responding businesses claim that the individuals they are employing have the necessary technology skills.
While the majority of construction companies are now having trouble filling vacant positions with qual- ified candidates, Allison Scott, director of Customer Experience and Industry Advocacy at Autodesk, noted that, as more workers retire, the labor crisis will only worsen. What’s promising is that construction companies understand this and are proactively train- ing young people for careers in the industry.
She added that the industry is committed to tak-
national recognition for its efforts in sustainability. In addition, students have their choice of more than 50 extracurricular clubs, interest groups, affinity spaces, and activities to foster individual talents, promote self-esteem, and encourage leadership.
MassDevelopment has previously supported Berk- shire School with tax-exempt financing. In 2018, the agency issued a $3 million tax-exempt bond to help the school build, furnish, and equip an approximately 2,280-square-foot addition to its Spurr dormitory,
ing action to build the next generation of the work- force, as seen by the increased efforts in career devel- opment and training programs, as well as an empha- sis on digital skills.
The AGC is urging officials at the federal, state, and local levels to support career and technical edu- cation initiatives that will introduce more current and future workers to the diverse career options in the construction industry. In order to help bridge demand gaps until the domestic channel for training personnel is established, the group is also pleading with federal officials to permit additional workers to legally enter the country.
There is a lot of work for the business to under- take, but there aren’t enough workers or resources to finish the projects, according to Simonson. The con- struction industry will be able to rebuild America’s infrastructure, modernize its manufacturing sector, and contribute to the delivery of a more dependable and cleaner energy grid by addressing labor short- ages and supply-chain issues. u
This article first appeared in World Construction Today.
demolish and reconstruct portions of the building, and replace about 185,000 square feet of existing ath- letic turf fields.
“Once again, MassDevelopment has stepped up to support Berkshire School in a truly impactful way,” Berkshire School Chief Financial Officer Robert Boyd said. “This financing will help us to build and create an open and multi-functional space where everyone is welcomed and has a place to come together as a community.” u
Berkshire
Continued from page 62
are honored
to be able to support quality education for the students and fac-
ulty who live within it.”
Established in 1907, the Berkshire School is locat-
ed on a 400-acre campus and serves approximately 400 students from 30 states and 31 countries. It offers signature programs in advanced math and science research and advanced humanities research with
a range of artistic and athletic offerings, along with
OPEN HOUSE Sun., Oct. 2, 10 AM
Learn more about WMA's programs and community. Meet faculty, coaches, students and parents. Tour campus including our new iLab and our Financial Trading Center.
For families interested in Grades 6-12, PG.
www.wma.us/openhouse
Like Us For Special Offers
Commercial Roofing
Maintenance Programs Available.
Experts in working with property management companies and condo associations.
• Over 30 Years Experience • Metal Roofs Installed
• Excellent References
• Specializing in Commercial Industrial Roofing EPDM Rubber membrane roofing
ROOFING & SIDING CONTRACTORS
413-786-4081 | CT. 860-953-5730
www.cdaroofing.net
Fax 413-786-2196
MA Lic #17084 • CT Lic #0632625 Licensed & Fully Insured
FREE ESTIMATES
BusinessWest
CONSTRUCTION
SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 63