Training NexGen is critical: DeWalt survey
DeWalt, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, in its recent survey, found more than half of U.S. contractors (55%) feel a lack of skilled workers is a barrier to growing their current business.
“The DeWalt Powering the Future survey sheds further light on the wide-reaching gap in skilled labor and its continued impact on the residential and commercial construction industries.” said Allison Nicolaidis, president, power tools group at Stanley Black & Decker.
That number rises to 69% among businesses with $10 million plus annual revenue and 64% among those with 20 years or more of experience.
“Add to that the overwhelming demand for trades expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic and the skilled-labor gap is quickly becoming the most critical need that will dictate the future success of the field,” said Nicolaidis.
Looking to the future, 48% believe training the next generation of trades professionals is one of the most critical needs for the success of the construction industry in 2023.
“DeWalt will further its commitment to closing the skills deficit with the launch of the DeWalt Trade Scholarship to support trades education programs for students across the country,” said Nicolaidis.
DeWalt said keeping up with inflation (57%), finding skilled workers/being understaffed (51%) and working long hours (37%) are the top three most significant challenges that U.S. contractors surveyed are currently facing.
The survey also showed that when it comes to the effects those challenges are having on the industry, an overwhelming majority of contractors – 93% – feel the lack of skilled workers has had at least a minor impact on their existing work.
DeWalt partnered with strategic insights agency Opinium to conduct a survey of 1,001 full-time home and building contractors. “Full-time home and building contractors” are defined as those who work in building/construction for 40 or more hours per week, said the firm.
The study was conducted September 21-30, 2022.