The roofing industry has recently been having labor issues, and if you’ve had any roof replacement or bathroom remodeling done this year, you may be already feeling its effects, such as increased costs and longer wait times between roofing jobs.
NorthWest Construction offers you a closer look at how this came about and where the industry is headed.
Labor Shortage Issues
In their 2017 Construction Survey and Business Outlook, a national industry survey conducted on construction firms, the Associated General Contractors of America reported that 73% of the respondent companies indicated a need for a higher headcount, while 66% are having difficulty filling available positions. The increasing demand for roofing work is outgrowing the number of skilled workers.
Causes of Labor Shortage
Several factors have contributed to this shortage. Homeowners who were in the market for a new home back in the early 2000s may remember the events that led to the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis, which led to as much as a 40% reduction of the skilled workforce, according to the Department of Labor.
While the industry is in a better state than it was 10 years ago, many of the skilled workers who are knowledgeable in roofing, siding and other installation-based skills have since moved on to other sectors. Combined with a changing perception among the younger generation about which jobs are desirable, as well as the lack of available vocational training, the ratio of workers to jobs has yet to return to what it was before.
What We Are Doing to Help
There is a surprising number of people who want a career in roofing, but do not have the opportunity to learn. Local contractors and family-owned businesses do their part through apprenticeships, made easier thanks to the recently-legislated American Apprenticeship Act. Roofing companies like GAF offer training through programs like Roofing Academy as well as helping the graduates with job placement. These opportunities are available not just to the younger generation, but to all able-bodied men and women, such as veterans, who have the drive, the discipline and the willingness to learn. There may be a labor shortage now, but the situation is nevertheless improving.
To learn more about our services, including kitchen remodeling, call NorthWest Construction today at (313) 277-7676. You can also fill out our contact form for a free estimate. We serve many areas in and near Farmington Hills, Livonia and Canton, MI.
