Dan Morgan observed that children are less likely to follow their fathers into the construction industry than they once were. Garry Kemp expressed the opinion that the industry simply does not market itself well to young people. This is a problem because, as Kemp sees it, “Our skilled crafts are one of the economic development tools in the city.”
As a solution, Kemp recommended partnerships between business and the construction industry to promote K-12 educational programs that link children to the full range of construction careers. He was particularly keen on region-wide programs that enable the area to compete nationally.
“For us to maximize the opportunity,” said Kemp, “you’ve got to have the skilled workforce here from professionals on the scaffold to the boardroom to ensure that you don’t lose those opportunities.”
“I agree one hundred percent,” said Cherafat. “I think it starts with changing the perception of what the professional side of the construction really is.”
Casey Cassias advanced the argument that the industry should be sold as “something more sexy” and “more demanding” than it used to be, largely because of the introduction of new technologies.
“Some of this technology is going to give us the opportunity to make our people more efficient and more effective,” said Jack Nix. He believes that this will multiply the productivity of a smaller work force.
Jim Calcara, who sits on the board at K-State for its College of Architecture, stressed the need for alliances and partnerships to increase the level of support at the colleges. “It won’t make any difference how bright the kids are,” said Calcara. “They won’t have any place, literally, to go to school. It’s a huge, huge problem.”
Jack Nix noted that J.E. Dunn is recruiting from a number of colleges and universities now with a focus on hiring interns. The internships give the kids exposure to the company and its culture and to Kansas City as well.
Walton is also focusing more on internships, as Dennis Thompson pointed out. The company has created a corporate-like pool with specific regional offices responsible for the collective recruiting effort in universities and colleges. “One of the things we didn’t do well is we didn’t really talk to [the students] about where they would want to be geographically,” said Thompson. “We just assumed that if they graduated from OSU they just wanted to stay in Oklahoma. Quite frankly, we found out that’s not usually the case.”
Grover Simpson leads a discussion outlining the major challenges facing the building and construction industries. Jack Cashill and Jack Nix listen attentively.
Risk Management
“There is a lot of question and concern,” said Grover Simpson, “as to whether or not the insurance and surety industry is going to be a good strong partner as the construction industry goes forward.” Simpson was referring to the issues raised at a risk management meeting he had recently attended.
Much of that concern stems from challenges in the residential sector, particularly with the boom of condominium building and apartments. Coverage here is an issue, noted Simpson, especially “as a result in the increase in construction defects litigation.”