Austin’s booming construction industry faces growing need for more workers; ACC experts weigh in

The Austin skyline offers a constant view of construction cranes, and with more companies and people moving to the area, future plans won’t change that anytime soon. The construction industry is a promising career path, but the region is facing a lack of skilled technicians. 

ACC Experts explain what you need to know about the promising field.


By: Joey Case, Building Construction Technology Department Chair 


Training Impacts

When it comes to getting into construction, one can acquire the necessary skills by completing one of the following:

  • On the job training (field positions)
  • Defined apprenticeship program
  • Mentor guided internships
  • Earning certificates and degrees from two or four-year colleges with Building Construction Technology Programs

Austin Community College District’s (ACC) Building Construction Technology program gives students the opportunity to train with the same tools, machinery, and equipment used at construction sites. Students work toward a project manager role, with instruction in planning, budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation.

Skilled construction managers can earn an average of about $100,000 per year in Central Texas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Current Landscape

Construction in Central Texas is a $134 billion industry and consists of five sectors:

  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Industrial
  • Heavy/Highway
  • Environmental

Currently, there are almost 60,000 workers in the region across all sectors. However, with the average construction worker in their mid-50s, there is a dire need to educate and train employees to replace our aging and retiring workers. 

Career Opportunities

In Central Texas, there are more than 2,800 construction managers. According to Examination Management Services, Inc. data (Emsi), a labor market data firm, that’s 57 percent above the national average. Emsi shows the significant struggles to fill those positions with only one person hired per every two jobs posted during the first two quarters of 2019. 

Because of the different construction sectors, there are numerous employment opportunities.  For example, individuals may seek employment as field technicians working as tradespeople (carpenters, plumbers, electricians, sheetrock installers) or pursue opportunities as estimators, project schedulers, project managers, procurement purchasers, and safety technicians.

Conclusion

Construction is a fast-paced career that is never boring. Each project built is unique with a defined start and completion time. The industry is technologically driven. America’s reputation has grown as a result of its vast construction projects such as the world’s first skyscraper, building the first expansive bridge, and designing and building the Hoover Dam. 

For more information on getting started and to explore ACC’s Building Construction Technology Program, visit austincc.edu/construction.