S2 E62 - The Construction Labor Shortage: Causes and Solutions

Hosts Will and Terry discuss construction workforce recruiting, arguing that young people aren’t lazy but approach work differently due to technology and changing expectations. Terry, now at the University of Oklahoma after OSU, shares how many students secure internships as early as freshman year and how companies that show loyalty often lock in top talent through repeat internships and part-time school-year work, with average starting salaries around $74,000 for OU grads. They emphasize culture fit, reputation, and being present at career fairs, including sending relatable recent graduates and providing branded swag. Terry explains what a formalized internship program can include—rotations through PM, superintendent, estimating, and presentations—and warns that poor intern treatment travels by word of mouth. They also cover licensed trades pathways in Oklahoma, merit vs. hour-based licensure, and the need for continuing education as technology changes. 00:00 Introduction 01:58 Nobody Wants to Work 03:22 Dad Jobsite Lessons 05:57 Gen Z Work Styles 07:25 Recruiting Top Talent Early 11:03 Culture and Loyalty 12:26 Building Internship Programs 16:30 Career Fairs and Headhunters 19:26 Pay Expectations and Degrees 21:49 Schools as Talent Pipeline 25:21 Speaking to Student Entrepreneurs 26:01 Employer Red Flags 26:55 Intern Feedback Loop 28:44 Trade Licensing Pathways 31:53 Merit vs Hour Requirements 33:30 Modernizing Licensure 38:19 Merit Based Storytime 43:52 Career Fairs and Branding 46:16 Recruiting Future Trends 50:41 Treat Hiring Like Sales 53:18 Conclusion Check Out Greenbaum Stiers Strategic Marketing Group: https://www.greenbaumstiers.com/ Foundation Rescue Supply Link: https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/ Contractors Kick Ass! Podcast Store Link: https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1 The Worker Incentive Program that Contractors Love! - Per4mance Software https://per4mance.io - Pay for performance, not hours