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September 16, 2024 Opinion & Commentary

A blueprint for addressing CT’s residential construction workforce shortage

Jim Perras
By Jim Perras

Connecticut’s housing debate has largely focused on zoning reform, affordability and accessibility.

However, one critical aspect remains overlooked: the severe shortage of skilled labor in the residential construction industry. This shortage is driving up housing costs and hampering production, threatening both the state’s economy and the well-being of its residents.

Policymakers must urgently prioritize rebuilding this workforce to meet the state’s housing needs and achieve broader economic goals.

The residential construction industry plays a crucial role in Connecticut’s economy, contributing significantly through property, income and sales taxes, and permitting fees. Despite this, there has been no concerted effort to rebuild the workforce that is essential to increasing housing production.

This stands in stark contrast to other industries, such as defense manufacturing and health care, which have successfully secured state support for workforce development.

Connecticut’s residential construction workforce is one of the oldest in the nation, and it has struggled to recover from the exodus of workers during the Great Recession. Many skilled workers left the state or shifted to other industries, and the industry has yet to bounce back.

As the demand for housing continues to grow, Connecticut’s ability to meet this demand lags behind much of the country, partially due to the shrinking workforce.

Urgent need for workforce expansion

A recent federal grant awarded to Connecticut to promote heat pump adoption in residential buildings highlights the state’s need for a skilled workforce. While training existing workers in heat pump installation is essential, it is insufficient to meet the demands of new construction and energy retrofits.

The state must expand its workforce to address these challenges effectively.

To rebuild the residential construction workforce, Connecticut must change the narrative surrounding careers in the trades. The construction industry today is dynamic and innovative, offering opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable building practices.

Careers in the trades can be mentally stimulating and financially rewarding, with many small business owners and self-made millionaires emerging from the licensed trades.

Parents, educators and students need to recognize the value of a career in construction. The growing pay and opportunities in the trades make them an attractive option, especially for those seeking to avoid college debt and achieve economic independence.

Investing in pre-apprenticeship programs

One of the most effective ways to introduce students to careers in construction is through pre-apprenticeship programs in public high schools. The decline of shop classes and the focus on college as the only path to success have left a void in the education system.

This void can be filled by programs like the Home Builders Institute (HBI) Core PACT curriculum, which has already experienced success in Connecticut schools. However, these programs are costly and require significant investment in training, materials and facilities.

The state must step up and provide the necessary funding to support these programs, ensuring that they are accessible to all students who could benefit from them.

Expanding public school opportunities

Connecticut’s vocational and technical high schools are among the best in the country, but they produce only a fraction of the skilled workers needed to meet the demands of the housing industry. Private post-high school programs like Lincoln Tech and Porter & Chester can help fill this gap, but not for all.

The state needs to expand opportunities for students to pursue careers in the trades through public schools. This includes creating pilot programs that integrate apprenticeship educational hours into traditional high school curriculums.

For example, Connecticut requires 720 hours of classroom instruction for an HVAC apprentice. If these requirements could be met in a high school setting, it would be a game changer for students interested in the trades.

Such programs would not only provide valuable education but also help address the needs of disaffected youth. A recent study by the Dalio Foundation found that 119,000 young people in Connecticut are disconnected or at risk of being disconnected from school or employment.

Expanding access to trades education could offer these young people a path to success.

Reforming apprenticeship hiring ratios

Beyond education, there are other barriers to expanding the construction workforce. One significant challenge is Connecticut’s journeyman-to-apprentice ratio laws. While safety and work quality are paramount, the current laws are overly restrictive and prevent small to midsize companies from hiring apprentices.

For example, Connecticut law requires that companies increase the number of journeymen they employ after hiring three apprentices, creating a significant burden for smaller firms.

In contrast, Rhode Island only requires a 1:1 journeyman-to-apprentice ratio, making it easier for companies to expand their workforce. Connecticut must revise its laws to allow for greater flexibility in hiring apprentices, which would create more opportunities for young people to enter the trades.

Connecticut’s residential construction industry is at a crossroads. Without a significant investment in workforce development, the state will continue to struggle with housing shortages, rising costs and economic stagnation.

Policymakers must prioritize rebuilding the workforce by investing in education, expanding opportunities in public schools and reforming restrictive hiring laws.

By doing so, Connecticut can create a sustainable housing market, provide meaningful career opportunities for its residents, and ensure a prosperous future for the state.

Jim Perras is the CEO of the Home Builders & Remodelers Association (HBRA) of Connecticut.

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