Career fair looks to make a dent in shortage of construction industry workers

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa (WHP) — The construction industry is desperate for workers.

In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than 400,000 jobs are open in the U.S.

However, a local career fair is trying to encourage young workers to enter the construction business.

Company leaders say the lack of construction workers is really tied to two things:

One, many construction workers are retiring, and two, a majority of students are going for a four-year college degree instead of a trade-school degree.

“Young people will think that being in the trades is not the path for success,” says Todd Shertzer, Business Manager at CCS Building Group.

Now it’s on the companies to increase interest.

For H2 LLC, their Director of Operations, Robert Bard says, “We’re working on being a better employer and doing the things that will help retain employees.”

“I think we really need to focus on getting into the high schools, the trade schools, even the colleges and doing events like this; letting people see how broad the industry really is,” says Outside Sales Facilitator for Lezzer Lumber, Renee Reeser.

Consumers could also feel the effects if the shortage isn’t resolved soon.

“It’s, perhaps, elongating the process of getting a job completed because we don’t have the manpower to do the work,” says Shertzer. “It could also make the process more expensive because it is taking longer.”

Some companies are even creating incentives to entice people to apply.

Daphne Young, the Director of Human Resources for Landmark Homes says, “We currently have a $500 sign-on bonus, and we also offer a referral bonus to our employees if they refer somebody.”

So, are their efforts working?

According to several career fair attendees -- yes.

CTC student, Damon Lashinky, says, “Everything was showing me different places and different interests that I have for new opportunities.”

“I left with, like three applications so hopefully I get a job,” says Gianny Urena, another CTC student.