How to Address the Barriers Around Construction Jobs

The labor shortage is an ongoing issue—but what are the most realistic reasons behind it? In this episode, Tatanisia Lumley joins the podcast to discuss the relationship between employment and getting answers to housing instability, food insecurity, and lack of childcare; the Building Skills NY Construction Career Accelerator Program; working to change the perception of construction in order to attract a more diverse workforce, and more.

Tatanisia Lumley is Director of Training and Operations for the workforce development nonprofit Building Skills NY. She spearheaded the establishment of the Building Skills NY Construction Career Accelerator Program in 2021. The program provides free, advanced training to help New York City job seekers launch construction careers. Her hands-on support has ensured that hundreds of residents facing employment barriers don't slip through the city's cracks. Outside of work, she is an avid crafter, Halloween enthusiast, and a devoted mother of three.

Todd Takes

1. Marketing Construction to New Audiences: We need to do a better job of promoting the opportunities in construction to those outside the industry. This means making the field more accessible and inclusive for all. By partnering with schools, we can showcase the exciting aspects of construction and spark interest in future generations.
2. Supporting Skills Development in Construction: Investing time and resources into programs like the Construction Career Accelerator is crucial. It's about coming together as an industry to support training and skills development, ensuring people are not just entering construction but are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. By upleveling skills, we create a stronger, more capable workforce.
3. Leveraging Technology to Attract Talent: Technology is a powerful tool for drawing new talent into construction. VR, AI, robotics, and other innovations are not only attention-grabbing but make the industry exciting and relatable. By embracing these tools, we can reshape the perception of construction and make it appealing to a broader audience.

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