It’s the start of a new year, which means now is the perfect time for contractors and construction professionals to step back, reassess their daily work lives and make necessary adjustments. From management style to charity work, it’s all about making 2017 a successful year. Here are five New Year's resolutions for construction pros this year.
Advocate for career training
The construction industry has been wrestling with the impact of skilled labor shortages ever since workers were forced to seek other jobs during the recession. Looking ahead, the aging-out of many workers is on the way, and there aren't enough young people coming into the industry to fill the ranks.
That's where career technical training has so much to offer. These programs provide a career option for adults or for high school students who are not college bound. However, it can be difficult for some institutions to lure people in, and industry pros can make a big difference.
Some of these schools are desperate for construction experts to help recruit students by sharing their experiences and lessons about entering the field. Construction pros can also convey the realities of the industry, as well as potentially provide internships for future leaders.
Go Lean
Contractors can turn the new year into an experiment in efficiency though the incorporation of Lean principles into construction management practices. Books and seminars on the topic abound, but those resources sometimes offer conflicting takes on Lean.