The residential construction industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the increasing adoption of advanced building technologies and sustainable practices. As buildings become more energy-efficient, resilient, and technologically advanced, the demand for skilled workers capable of designing, constructing, installing, and maintaining these structures is growing exponentially. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is seeking to understand challenges and opportunities for workforce skills training and contractor hiring.

A skilled workforce

According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, the U.S. construction industry will need to bring in more than 450,000 new workers on top of normal hiring to meet demand in 2025. And the 2024 U.S. Energy and Employment Report noted that 86% of construction efficiency employers reported that it was somewhat or very difficult to hire the workers they need.

The industry must prioritize workforce development to meet the challenges of today’s advanced building landscape. Workforce development is defined as the outreach, training, education, and related services needed to prepare the workforce to meet the needs of employers. Federal, state, and local governments are supporting this need through hundreds of millions of dollars in building efficiency workforce grants designed to train new and existing workers.

These programs are not always fully aligned with local needs, or usefully informed by a broader understanding of workforce needs. It is important to collaborate with experienced business decision–makers in the building community to understand what is needed to train employees successfully. Such efforts can assist in designing programs that meet employers’ needs and that are strategically aligned with new building technologies.

NREL Survey

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is conducting a 10-minute online survey to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in skills training and contractor hiring. Your participation will help inform the development of effective training programs to meet contractors’ needs and prepare them to engage in the advanced building industry.

By investing in workforce development, the residential construction industry can promote a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, improving work quality, and supporting sustainability.

Take the Survey. Please participate by December 31, 2024.