S2 E62 - The Construction Labor Shortage: Causes and Solutions
About this episode
Hosts Will and Terry discuss the construction labor shortage, focusing on workforce recruiting and the evolving expectations of young workers.
Hosts Will and Terry discuss construction workforce recruiting, arguing that young people aren’t lazy but approach work differently due to technology and changing expectations. Terry, now at the University of Oklahoma after OSU, shares how many students secure internships as early as freshman year and how companies that show loyalty often lock in top talent through repeat internships and part-time school-year work, with average starting salaries around $74,000 for OU grads. They emphasize culture fit, reputation, and being present at career fairs, including sending relatable recent graduates and providing branded swag. Terry explains what a formalized internship program can include—rotations through PM, superintendent, estimating, and presentations—and warns that poor intern treatment travels by word of mouth. They also cover licensed trades pathways in Oklahoma, merit vs. hour-based licensure, and the need for continuing education as technology changes. 00:00 Introduction 01:58 Nobody Wants to Work 03:22 Dad Jobsite Lessons 05:57 Gen Z Work Styles 07:25 Recruiting Top Talent Early 11:03 Culture and Loyalty 12:26 Building Internship Programs 16:30 Career Fairs and Headhunters…
More episodes of Beers With Contractors
- S2 E68 - Best Marketing and Lead Gen Lessons from Top Guests
- S2 E67 - Achieving 18X Success: Jolly Goat's Strategic Growth Story
- S2 E66 - The Hard Conversations Before Partnering Up
- S2 E65 - Tech Trends and Trade Show Triumph
- S2 E64 - Highlight Episode: The Next Era of Home Services
- S2 E63 - What Actually Drives Success In Sales
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Beers With Contractors podcast page.