The Tomorrow Team

The United States faces a skilled labor shortage, and predictions show that it is only going to get worse. A recent Construction Industry Institute study indicates that 75 percent of contractors are experiencing shortages—and the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the construction industry will need to attract 240,000 workers each year, to replace those leaving the workforce or retiring, while still allowing for industry growth. "The industry needs more people entering the workforce to replenish the ranks—but it also must contend with a distinct marketing challenge," says Steve Lamb, marketing spokesperson for the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) local affiliates and executive vice president of MCA Chicago.

Lamb says careers in construction face negative image perceptions. "Many people—particularly younger workers—see skilled labor careers as menial and low-paying," he says. "But in fact, careers in skilled labor can be exciting, challenging, high-paying and very rewarding, with plenty of potential for self-employment."

Who will be the builders of tomorrow? The MCA is helping to answer this question through recruitment techniques, apprenticeship programs and informational campaigns. "We're finding new ways to let men and women know about all the lucrative opportunities available for union-trained workers," says Lamb.

To increase apprenticeship enrollment, MCA Chicago and the city's Local Union 597 launched the "Tomorrow Team" program, an aggressive image campaign addressing the issue of how skilled labor is perceived by young workers. The program features a comic book and CD in which four ordinary citizens team up to pursue exciting careers in the piping industry. Their story is told in a comic-book style that readers of all ages can enjoy. The characters in this lively adventure are Supervisor Woman, Service Tech Dude, Pipe Fitter Chick and Contractor Man. "Most comic book characters have science in their lives—just look at Spiderman," says Lamb. "The Tomorrow Team comic book shows that there is science in a career in the piping industry, and it can be fun and very rewarding."

Another project under way in the Chicago area will help bring more young people into the construction field. Industry leaders have come together to establish ACE Tech—the Architecture, Construction and Engineering Technical Charter High School. ACE Tech will provide a rigorous learning experience that complies with Illinois Education Standards for a high school diploma. Students will develop the necessary proficiencies to enter the construction industry trade union training schools, architecture or engineering college plans, or technical training programs for careers in architecture, construction management or engineering. An application for a five-year charter is being considered by the Chicago Public School System. Upon approval of the charter, ACE Tech plans to open its doors in Chicago this fall.

MCA Chicago has also initiated a science program for classrooms called Internal and Thermal Energy Matter in Motion Instructional Program (ITEMM). When students complete the ITEMM lessons, a heating, air-conditioning and ventilation professional makes a classroom presentation on the practical applications of what they have learned. "It's a great way for students to see how what they are learning in the classroom applies to real life," says Lamb.

Predictions may state that the skilled labor shortage will only get worse, but unions and their contractors are working to do something about the problem before it is too late. "Programs like ITEMM and ACE Tech give me high hopes for the future," says Lamb. "We want to make sure tomorrow's builders are learning their skills today." —G.J.