Generation Z Seeks out Careers in Construction
Members of Generation Z, born from 1995 to 2010, are true digital natives. This group of young people were born “plugged in” with access to the internet and a jungle of social media platforms.
As Gen Zs enter high school and think about their futures, they have ample access to information about potential career pathways, salaries and the requirements of work.
Internationally, Gen Z has surpassed millennials as the largest generation, making up 32% of the global population, reports Bloomberg.
The oldest Gen Zs are 24 years old and currently make up a relatively small portion of the U.S. workforce (11.6% in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.)
As these young people begin to seek jobs, they will become as much of a driving force in our global economy as millennials.
One such market that Gen Z can flood with success is the construction industry. Presently, the United States construction industry is already seeing trends toward labor shortages and totes an aging workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age of a construction worker is 42.5 years old. Gen Zs can fill these labor and skills gaps.
How to Recruit and Retain Gen Z
Here are four things a Gen Z professional is looking for in their career.
1. Technology
Many Gen Zs don’t know a world without smart phones, social media and the internet. Their knowledge of technology is integrated into their homelife and educational up brining. Gen Zs can influence how tech is used in a professional setting because it is viewed as essential, portable, and innovative.
It is going to become increasingly important to continue bringing new technology into the construction industry to keep up with industry demand. With new, exciting, and up-to-date technology, especially in the areas of renewable energy, infrastructure changes and environmental concerns, Gen Z will become eager to join an industry that invests in integrating new machinery and technology into everyday jobs. In turn, generation Z will use new tech to complete their work and remain efficient.
2. Financial Security
Gen Z is worried about finances and being able to afford housing, healthcare and paying off debts. They were raised during the recession and as student loans and healthcare costs mounted.
When surveyed, 46% of Gen Z say that their biggest financial concern is student debt. This is likely because the cost of a college degree has increased 102% in the past decade, and Gen Z is aware of that.
Careers in construction offer apprenticeship training for specific trades where students can earn a wage while learning hands-on skills. Apprenticeship and technical colleges offer construction skills without the same debt load as 4-year-universities, an appealing benefit to Gen Z.
3. Diversity
For Generation Z, diversity is not just preferred in a work environment; it is expected. According to Pew Research Center, Gen Z grew up as the most racially and ethnically diverseAmerican generation to date.
As the construction industry continues to encourage diversity, Gen Z will be driven to the industry and its opportunities for minorities. For the industry, it is going to become increasingly important to continue promoting diversity both internally and externally.
4. Career Advancement
Raised by Gen X, members of Generation Z were taught the importance of independence, self-motivation and success. In turn, Gen Z pushes themselves to be successful and they seek careers with opportunities to grow, manage and lead teams.
As Boomers retire out of the construction industry, there is ample opportunity for career advancement and leadership positions available for Gen Zers to compete for.
For Generation Z, the construction industry offers the opportunity for long-term stable careers. The industry itself is growing increasingly diverse and both companies and construction unions prioritize investment in learning and incorporating new technologies onto the jobsite. For Gen Zers concerned with taking on debt through university, the construction industry offers a number of pathways to a career in the trades through trade schools, union apprenticeships, contract work and more.
Start a conversation on what a career in construction might look like for your Gen Z student. Explore more than 30 of Minnesota’s construction trades here. https://constructioncareers.org/careers/