The challenges, trends and innovations shaping the construction industry’s outlook By DAVID MCGLOTHLIN
W
ith more than 100 years of combined construction experience, these Arizona Builders Alliance members weigh in on the current state of the construction industry, how it’s evolving and what to expect coming down the pike. Each of them are decision makers and thought leaders for their respective companies tasked with ensuring its prosperity and viability, which makes them uniquely qualified to share their analysis, outlook and insights.
Q: WHAT’S THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN ARIZONA? STEVE WHITWORTH: The availability of skilled labor is probably our biggest ongoing challenge. DEREK KIRKLAND: Everyone from
trade and industry organizations, to general contractors and subcontractors, are tackling the question of how to rebuild a dwindling talent pool. At DPR, we are working to rekindle interest in construction by educating teens in our local community. We currently partner with the Phoenix nonprofit, New Pathways for Youth, to provide training, internships and scholarships to high school teens who follow a construction career path.
RANDY ESKELSON: The two main
issues we are facing are the shortage of skilled labor and the aging workforce. We need to recruit the next generation of construction workers and allow them to learn from our current tradesmen.
JUSTIN KELTON: Hiring, training and retaining a skilled workforce as more and more projects come on-line will
present more significant challenges, and could hinder the recovery of the industry. McCarthy has been investing in our apprentice program and career training programs with WestMEC and other JTED schools. We’ve launched efforts directed at training people in industries that are less active now‚ such as mining or manufacturing, and we’re having success with training people to work in emerging industries like solar.
DEREK WRIGHT: Labor has been and
will continue to be the biggest issue facing the subcontractor market in Arizona. Labor, while available, will be unskilled. Training and educational programs will be the necessity for companies wanting to increase their labor. Market wide, there will be upward pressure on wages that has been long overdue.
Q: WHERE ARE YOU SEEING INNOVATIONS AND HOW ARE THEY DISRUPTING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY? JK: Technology in construction is
bringing advancements and innovations that are causing disruptions for contractors, particularly those who have not invested in technology. While we began using a form of Virtual Reality (VR) several years ago, today our technology has advanced to a form that makes it available for any client to virtually create their vision and experience the space in full-color using VR goggles. One specific example of this is Mirabella Senior Living, where we developed a full-color, full-screen, 360-degree experience for their potential residents of what it will be like to live there. 77