Congress Stepping Up to Address Labor Shortage

The shortage of skilled laborers in the construction industry over the last handful of years has been well documented and well discussed.

However, with the help of Congress, that may soon change.  Yes, you read that correctly, Congress may help turn around the skilled labor shortage facing the construction industry.  On September 8, 2016, a group of 26 construction organizations sent a letter to members of Congress asking them to pass and enact the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.  The FAST and PATH Acts were passed in 2015 with the hopes of stimulating growth in many industries, including the construction industry.  However, with the shortage of labor, the construction industry was not able to fully take advantage of these Acts.

Lack of appropriate training and education have been identified as two of the biggest causes for the labor shortage.  The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act would focus on training and education in the following ways: promoting the coordination and collaboration of training efforts among institutions and employers, aligning training programs with the needs of local and regional markets and increasing participation of individuals involved in training programs.    Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act

Please click here to see the letter submitted to Congress.

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