Associated Builders and Contractors report that the construction industry will need to attract an estimated 546,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2023 to meet the demand for labor.
Leaders across the construction, retail and skilled trades industries have created the Skilled Trades Advisory Council, or STAC, which aims to combat the crisis facing skilled labor in North America. STAC’s founding advisors will leverage their resources, knowledge and network to elevate the skilled trades as high-paying and honorable career paths, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, janitorial, construction and other essential jobs that require a rejuvenated workforce.
“I’m encouraged that so many others share my passion for growing the trades and ending the stigma that surrounds jobs in the industry,” says Rob Almond, CEO, Nest International, who spearheaded the initiative. “STAC is a way for many of us to work together and find ways to encourage youth to consider a career in the skilled trades. There are many viable, lucrative and creative opportunities to explore.”
Founding STAC advisors include:
- Rob Almond, CEO, Nest International
- Julie Starzynski, Director of Construction & Design, Floor & Decor
- Andrew Brown, Founder and CEO, Toolfetch
- Sarah Hammond, Owner and President, Atlas (Treasurer, Women in HVAC)
- Kam Washington, Owner, PMA Construction
- Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director, Explore the Trades
- Mary Gaffney, President, NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation and GEM Mechanical Services
“The U.S. and Canadian workforces are struggling to fill a massive gap in the skilled trades, and we need to unite as an industry to reverse the trend,” adds Almond. “This group of founding advisors shares that passion across many sectors that make up the industry.”
