Training Strategies to Address the Construction Labor Shortage

For many contractors today, the challenge isn’t a lack of work — it’s having the workforce to get the job done. As skilled labor becomes harder to find, companies across the construction industry are rethinking how they build and sustain their teams. Increasingly, the most effective strategy isn’t focused solely on recruiting new workers but on developing the people already on the job.

Workforce development has become a practical business priority. Contractors who invest in continuous skill development are better positioned to support safer jobsites, maintain productivity and create opportunities for long-term employee growth. One area where training can have an immediate and measurable impact is equipment operation.

Across the trades, the demand for skilled craft professionals continues to grow. Meeting that demand requires more than simply making training available; it requires creating accessible pathways for both experienced workers and those new to the industry to build skills and stay aligned with current standards. In this environment, training becomes a core part of how work gets done, not just a support function.

Making Equipment Training a Safety & Operational Priority

Equipment training plays a central role in reducing jobsite risk and supporting consistent operations. When tradespeople understand proper operating procedures, they are better prepared to perform their work safely and respond effectively to unexpected situations. Training reinforces not only day-to-day tasks, but also the awareness and decision-making needed when conditions change.

In many cases, training is also a requirement. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations mandate operator certification in the U.S., supported by machine-specific standards such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These standards, including the ANSI A92 guidelines for mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current best practices for equipment operation and care. Aligning training programs with these standards helps contractors maintain compliance while supporting safe jobsite performance.

Beyond safety and compliance, equipment training contributes directly to how efficiently work is completed. Operators who are trained on the equipment they use every day can work with greater precision and confidence, helping keep projects moving and reducing interruptions caused by improper use or avoidable errors.

Contractors can take practical steps to align training with jobsite needs and compliance requirements:

• Audit current operator certifications to comply with applicable industry standards
• Identify the equipment types most used across projects
• Schedule refresher training based on real jobsite experiences, including incidents or near-misses

Investing in Training That Supports Productivity & Longevity

Training also plays a role in protecting equipment and supporting long-term operational efficiency. Workers who understand how to properly operate and maintain machinery are less likely to contribute to avoidable damage, helping reduce repair needs and unplanned downtime. Over time, consistent and proper use can extend equipment’s service life and support more predictable performance in the field.

Effective training programs reflect the realities of the jobsite. Workers are more likely to engage in training that is relevant to their day-to-day responsibilities and accessible within their schedules. Blended learning approaches — combining online instruction with hands-on experience — can help reinforce knowledge while allowing flexibility. Involving supervisors in the process further connects training to real-world expectations and accountability.

Many contractors also look beyond their own organizations for training support. Manufacturers, rental partners, trade associations and industry organizations often provide resources that can help expand access to equipment-specific training and best practices.

Strengthening the Workforce Through Strategic Partnerships

In addition to internal efforts, workforce development often depends on industrywide collaboration. Partnerships with trade associations, unions and educational institutions help create broader access to training opportunities while supporting alignment with current standards and expectations.

Organizations such as Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI), Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA), along with trade unions and local partners, play an important role in helping contractors stay connected to evolving industry practices.

“We can’t solve the skilled labor shortage on our own. That’s why it’s important to partner with trade associations, unions, technical schools and industry groups to help upskill professionals and bring real-world equipment, certified training and industry standards directly to the people who need it most,” said Andy Tacelosky, chief operating officer at JLG. “Working alongside these organizations, it’s not just about training people; it’s helping them build lasting careers.”

These partnerships are effective because they combine shared goals with practical resources. They provide access to equipment, experienced instructors and local or regional training opportunities that reflect the needs of specific trades and communities. For contractors, engaging a partner can help expand training capacity and strengthen workforce development efforts.

Building the Pipeline Before Graduation

For many companies, workforce development also starts before workers ever reach the jobsite. Engaging with students at the high school and technical college level helps introduce the trades as a viable and rewarding career path while creating early opportunities for hands-on experience.

Programs that combine classroom learning with real-world work exposure give students a clearer understanding of the skills required in the field. Paid work experiences, mentorship and defined pathways into full-time roles help bridge the gap between education and employment.

Programs like JLG’s School-to-Work initiative demonstrate how this model can be applied, providing students with the opportunity to earn school credit while gaining experience in areas such as welding, assembly and fabrication. More broadly, they reflect an approach that contractors of all sizes can adapt by introducing early exposure to the trades, offering paid learning opportunities and creating clear pathways into the workforce.

“In America today, there are more students who want hands-on technical education than there are classroom seats available,” said Tacelosky. “We see an opportunity not only to hire talent but to help create it, one student, one trainee and one craft professional at a time.”

Developing the Workforce You Already Have

While building future talent is essential, contractors are also focused on strengthening the teams they already employ. Internal training programs create opportunities for current workers to develop new skills and advance into high-demand roles, particularly in areas where experienced labor can be difficult to find.

Hands-on training, combined with mentorship from experienced workers, helps reinforce both technical skills and jobsite expectations. It also creates a more structured approach to career progression, allowing employees to see how skill development connects to long-term opportunities within the company.

“Welding and painting require skill, safety, precision and pride in craft, and these are often some of the most difficult roles in construction to fill,” said Tacelosky. “Instead of waiting for talent to come, choose to grow it, building careers and strengthening a workforce for the future.”

Contractors can begin by identifying roles with the highest demand or turnover, pairing experienced workers with trainees and establishing clear milestones tied to skill development and advancement.

Training as a Long-Term Workforce Strategy

Workforce development is not a short-term initiative. It is an ongoing strategy that supports jobsite safety, consistent operations and a strong, capable workforce over time. As the industry continues to evolve, training remains one of the most effective ways contractors can respond to changing demands, while maintaining quality and performance.

Getting started does not require a complete overhaul. Contractors can take incremental steps by reviewing current training gaps, engaging with a partner organization and piloting a targeted upskilling effort within their teams.

As demands on the construction workforce continue to grow, ensuring that tradespeople — from apprentices to experienced professionals — are properly trained in equipment operation is more than a safety measure. It is a practical investment in how work gets done today and how the workforce will be sustained in the future.