A CONVERSATION WITH GEORGIA’S LABOR COMMISSIONER

Newly elected Commissioner Bruce Thompson is committed to reshaping the operations of Georgia’s labor department to create valuable workforce solutions through strategic alliances and community relationships.

During an exclusive conversation with AGC Georgia, Commissioner Thompson shared his perspective on the construction industry’s role in the State’s employment growth and advice for mining talent from the area, among other key topics that impact Georgia’s progress.

QThe unemployment rate has hovered around 3% for nearly the past year. What are the trends you see for the coming year?

A: The national unemployment rate hovers around 3.5%, while Georgia’s unemployment is historically low at 3%. In the Atlanta region, the rate is even lower at 2.6%, which suggests our state’s economic investments and business-friendly tax environment are paying dividends.

In December 2022, Georgia’s construction industry accounted for 208,000 jobs, nearly 60% of which were in the specialty trades. Industry projections for the short-term estimate the construction industry’s growth rate to be 2.6%, outpacing the 2.2% rate of all other industries combined. With Georgia’s red-hot economy, demand for workers in the trades will only get stronger over the next decade.

QWhat role does Georgia’s construction industry play in helping keep this steady rate or even improve employment trends?

A: While many jobs in the economy may diminish with the rapid expansion of AI and automation, construction-related positions are less likely to be displaced in the near future. Recruiting candidates into the construction vertical and successfully filling the pipeline with construction-minded talent is crucial to maintaining a low unemployment rate. With over 100,000 people moving to our state each year, Georgia’s population is likely to top 12 million in 2030 – further supporting the premise that Georgians who are trained in construction-related workforce set to retire over the next ten years. According to most reports, the demand for construction managers will continue to top the list followed closely by laborers, electricians, frontline supervisors, equipment operators, plumbers, carpenters, steamfitters, sheet metal workers, and steel workers.

QWhat advice do you have for the AGC Georgia members to reach young people and engage them to view the construction industry as a solid career path?

A: In 2022, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 379, which establishes a program to promote apprenticeships in the state of Georgia. This legislation provides an incredible pathway to the trades, financially rewarding employers and students that choose to engage in one of the approved verticals. The earlier students are exposed to these career opportunities, the more likely they are to entertain a construction career, so career shadowing and internships are excellent tools to reach these students.

Is your office pursuing any initiatives of which AGC Georgia members should be aware?

A: The Department of Labor is currently collaborating with the Technical College System of Georgia to ensure state workforce initiatives are executed as Georgia seeks to develop the workforce necessary to maintain its position as the number one place to do business.

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Is there anything in your upbringing/professional career(s) that you feel helps you understand the construction industry business owner?

A: I was raised on a farm in rural Montana where the closest town and supply house was over 40 miles away. Every high school student participated in Shop classes for four years where mechanics, welding, electrical, carpentry, and plumbing were offered as a part of the curriculum. For those of us in the farming community, these skills were instrumental – especially when a piece of equipment would break, and the closest NAPA or hardware store was at least an hour away.

I launched a commercial and home repair business when I was 23 years old, which served 30+ shopping centers in South Florida. The demand for these services was overwhelming, but our growth was stymied by the limited talent available to meet our construction obligations. I sold that operation, and the following year launched a motorized safety pool cover company. Most of our projects were integrated into the overall pool construction site and required concrete, plumbing, and electrical work to be performed by the contractor. Many times, these projects were delayed as the contractor attempted to secure the necessary craftsman to perform the work, so we began doing the work ourselves to maintain the integrity of the timelines.

QDo you have any words of wisdom for AGC Georgia?

A: Workforce shortages were occurring before the pandemic but grew exponentially as people left the workplace during and after the economic shutdown. Every industry has been dramatically impacted by our economy, forcing many to turn to automation and AI as a source of relief. While machine learning and modernization are quickly replacing the need for humans as computer programmers, graphic artists, and engineers are feeling vulnerable, the construction industry is relatively immune. The survival and success of the industry lies in the ability to educate and motivate young people to choose the trades as a career.

QAre there any partnerships with your office that you’d like for contractors to better understand that will help with workforce development needs within the construction industry?

A: Several programs in our state are actively engaging youth and sparking interest in the skilled trades, including nationally recognized programs like SkillsUSA. We look forward to increasing our support and collaboration with these organizations to make Georgia the foremost leader in skilled trades development and training.

With Wagner-Peyser (GDOL’s workforce development arm) currently in transition, we are working towards creating new pathways that do not duplicate efforts but tackle statewide issues – all while building a strong spirit of cooperation and innovation.