Construction Leaders Podcast: Overcoming Workforce Challenges in the Construction Industry

Hosted by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
Release Date: September 1, 2024

Introduction

In Episode Nine of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosted by Nick Soto and Carly Trout, the focus shifts to the pressing workforce challenges within the construction industry. This episode delves into the ongoing issues of key professionals retiring and the hesitancy among younger generations to pursue careers in construction and engineering. The discussion features two distinguished guests: Michael Bempa, President and CEO of Pinpoint Precision Engineering and author of "How to Become a Civil Engineer: Bridging the Gap," and Kevin Nolan, PE, Certified Construction Manager with STV. Together, they explore their personal journeys, the industry's workforce dilemmas, and strategies to inspire and retain talent.

Workforce Challenges in the Construction Industry

Nick Soto opens the conversation by highlighting the chronic workforce shortages plaguing the construction sector. He notes, "the construction industry has been facing workforce challenges for many years, with key professionals retiring and younger generations reluctant to enter the industry" [00:02]. These challenges are exacerbated by discouragements, particularly in engineering fields, deterring potential entrants.

Michael Bempa’s Journey and Insights

Michael Bempa shares his personal story of overcoming discouragement. Recounting a pivotal moment, he states, "I was told by my college guidance counselor that engineering was not a viable career path for me" [00:02]. Defying these odds, Michael pursued civil engineering, leading to his current role as CEO of Pinpoint Precision Engineering. His book aims to inspire and guide young individuals to persist in their engineering aspirations despite obstacles.

He explains the motivation behind his book: "the motivation behind writing this book is to inspire more young people to get into the field of civil engineering" [03:36]. Michael emphasizes the importance of resilience and continuous learning, noting, "you're going to face a lot of obstacles in this field... it was good to actually go through the process and be forced to learn how to think and learn how to process things" [04:22].

Kevin Nolan’s Path and Perspectives

Kevin Nolan, with extensive experience in construction management, provides a complementary perspective. He recounts his transition from desk-based roles to fieldwork, driven by a passion for problem-solving and teamwork. Kevin highlights the essence of resilience and adaptability in his career, stating, "Are you willing to learn? Are you willing to put in the time and effort to be better at your job day in and day out?" [06:39].

He underscores the importance of soft skills and continuous education, sharing, "I enrolled at Northwestern University... never stop that learning process" [20:00]. Kevin's narrative aligns with Michael’s, reinforcing the theme of perseverance and lifelong learning as critical to overcoming workforce challenges.

Strategies for Addressing Workforce Challenges

Both guests advocate for proactive measures to attract and retain talent in the construction industry. Michael discusses initiatives within his firm to stay aligned with industry innovations:

"We do quarterly think tanks where our young engineers... look at how can this be applied to what we're doing in the industry" [12:26]. This approach fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, essential for motivating young professionals.

Kevin elaborates on his role at STV, emphasizing the integration of new technologies and fostering local client relationships:

"We're harnessing AI to make our jobs easier... tailoring those tools to solve the owner's problems" [15:48]. By embracing technology and maintaining strong community ties, STV aims to create a more dynamic and appealing work environment.

Technological Innovations in Construction

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy in construction projects. Michael details the use of drone technology and AI in surveying and design:

"We're looking at how the difference between the LIDAR versus the other technologies that these different drones carry, how do we transfer it into software such as MicroStation, AutoCAD" [12:43]. He also humorously notes the challenges of LIDAR technology: "No, actually shoot millions of lasers per second. So it hit. Yeah, very often" [14:34].

Kevin highlights the role of AI in construction management, stating,

"We're harnessing AI to make our jobs easier... working with some of the owners that have new initiatives of their own" [15:48]. These technological advancements are pivotal in addressing workforce shortages by automating routine tasks and enhancing project management capabilities.

Leadership in Construction Management

Leadership plays a crucial role in navigating workforce challenges. Kevin shares his leadership philosophy, centered on problem-solving and fostering a culture of continuous learning:

"I can learn from folks like yourself and Nick at the national conferences... lifelong learning experience is really important" [20:00]. He emphasizes the importance of leading by example, encouraging his team to engage in ongoing education and professional development.

Michael echoes this sentiment, focusing on confidence and initiative:

"You have to be willing to learn and willing to take on new skills... believing in yourself and not really letting anybody project their beliefs onto you" [21:30]. He advocates for leaders who inspire resilience and adaptability, essential traits for overcoming industry hurdles.

Advice for Aspiring Civil Engineers

In the closing segment, both Michael and Kevin offer invaluable advice to young adults considering careers in civil engineering and construction management.

Kevin Nolan advises:

"For younger engineers, I would say that they should be open to new opportunities... you have to put the work in and you have to become good at each position they take on in order to be the leader" [25:32].

Michael Bempa adds:

"Never stop learning... look for a mentor in the field... soft skills, the skills to be able to communicate and to be able to really network and connect with people" [25:32]. Michael also emphasizes the importance of defining one's "why" to maintain motivation and overcome challenges.

Conclusion

Episode Nine of the Construction Leaders Podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of the workforce challenges in the construction industry, enriched by the personal experiences and insights of Michael Bempa and Kevin Nolan. Their discussions underscore the importance of resilience, continuous learning, technological adoption, and effective leadership in addressing workforce shortages and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.

For those interested in delving deeper into Michael's journey and gaining practical advice, his book, "How to Become a Civil Engineer: Bridging the Gap," is available on Amazon. Additionally, listeners can connect with local initiatives and resources through the CMAA Chicago Chapter at cmaa-chicago.org.

Stay Tuned: In the next episode, the Construction Leaders Podcast will feature Kyle Grendel, founder and CEO of Dell Management, discussing innovative solutions and exceptional project delivery in the construction industry.

To subscribe or listen to more episodes, follow the Construction Leaders Podcast on your preferred podcast platform and connect with CMAA on social media.