Industry Insider: Construction

Construction Industry Skills Gap

The construction sector in the United States is facing a pressing labor and skills shortage. This industry skills gap is only widening. The industry faces a unique challenge of not just recruiting “more bodies,” but also ensuring they recruit qualified, up-to-date talent with modern skills (e.g., digital tools, building codes, green construction, project management). The industry is competing not just on wages, but on skills, knowledge, and readiness.

Some hard-hitting facts about the construction industry today:

• In 2025 alone, the construction industry must attract 439,000 net new workers to meet demand. This needs to rise to nearly 499,000 in 2026. (Source)
• According to a recent survey, 94 percent of construction firms report difficulty hiring to fill open roles. (Source)
• About 20 % of construction workers are age 55 or older, posing a looming exodus of institutional knowledge. (Source) 

SkillsUSA, alongside The Lowe’s Foundation and The CLA Foundation, hopes to bridge this gap with the upcoming Industry Insider: Construction Event. 

At SkillsUSA’s Industry Insider: Construction virtual event, you’ll get the inside scoop from pros who started out just like you. Ask your questions, hear about real experiences, and learn the skills that make you stand out in today’s workforce. With a live panel of industry leaders and a moderator bringing your questions to the table, you’ll walk away with insights, inspiration, and the confidence to explore your next step. This event gives you the insider edge to get ahead in your career!

Event Overview

Event Title: Industry Insider: Construction
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. ET
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Audience: High School and College/Postsecondary Students
Construction Verticals Represented:

• Carpentry
• Electrical
• HVAC-R
• Plumbing

This event is hosted on SkillsUSA Pathful. Follow these instructions to register (via SkillsUSA Register) and join the event (on the SkillsUSA Pathful platform)

Presented By: SkillsUSA
Sponsored By: The Lowe’s Foundation, The CLA Foundation

Purpose:
The Industry Insider: Construction event connects students with real professionals to bridge classroom learning with real-world experience. Through authentic conversation, students gain an insider’s view of what it takes to succeed in today’s construction industry, helping them build occupational identity and confidence in their future career path.

Expected Outcomes for Students

After attending Industry Insider: Construction, students will:

• Understand diverse career paths within the construction industry.
• Identify key skills, certifications, and credentials for success.
• Gain insight into emerging trends and technologies shaping the field.
• Hear authentic stories and advice from industry professionals.
• Feel motivated to take the next step toward a meaningful construction career.