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August 14.2025
3 Minutes Read

Transforming Workforce Development: Walsh and Goodwill's Kentucky Job Training Initiative

Workforce development in construction: diverse team at site.

The Importance of Workforce Development in Construction

The construction industry is currently grappling with a significant shortage of skilled labor, a challenge that needs to be addressed if businesses are to thrive. As highlighted by the recent collaboration between the Walsh Group and Goodwill Kentucky, proactive measures are being taken at the local level to create a robust pathway for talent development. The innovative partnership aims to train new workers for the commercial construction sector while simultaneously aiding in the completion of the $781 million Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building project at the University of Kentucky.

A Proven Model for Success: Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

The Walsh Group has a long-standing history of utilizing pre-apprenticeship programs to promote construction training, having implemented such initiatives for over 25 years. By integrating local communities into their projects, they not only build critical infrastructure but also nurture the next generation of skilled workers. “We've kind of been leveraging our projects to advertise what's awesome about construction for the last 25 years,” states Muhummad Starks, project manager for Walsh. This strategy not only bridges the skills gap but also enhances the local economy by empowering residents.

Fostering Community Talent in Lexington

The program launched in August 2025 marks a vital step for both Walsh and Goodwill Kentucky, aiming to equip participants with necessary technical skills while providing vital exposure to larger industry standards. This partnership is especially significant in Lexington, where the project has the potential to uplift not just the healthcare facilities but also the workforce demographics of the area. The pre-apprenticeship initiative offers a pivotal transition towards registered apprenticeship opportunities, setting participants on a path toward long-term careers in the trades.

The Broader Implications for the Construction Sector

The success of this program could serve as a model for other regions facing similar labor shortages, advocating for the integration of community-focused workforce solutions as a priority in project planning. As a future trend, more construction firms will likely adopt this approach, linking educational institutes and workforce development organizations with hands-on training opportunities. It highlights a growing recognition within the industry that investing in human capital is crucial for sustaining growth.

Decisions You Can Make Based on These Insights

For business owners and property developers, the implications of such partnerships are profound. Engaging in programs that support local workforce development can lead to stronger project outcomes and workforce stability. Not only is it a socially responsible approach, but it can also enhance a company's reputation and contribute positively to community relations. Considering the experiences of firms like Walsh, aligning construction projects with educational opportunities can create a triple win: advancing local economies, empowering individuals, and ensuring the future availability of skilled labor.

As industry leaders, it's essential to foster an environment that nurtures skills development in the community. Explore collaborations with local training programs, consider how your projects can serve as a means to elevate the workforce, and actively participate in initiatives that develop and maintain a robust skills pipeline.

In light of these developments, it’s an opportune moment to engage with similar workforce initiatives and consider how your organization can contribute to shaping a sustainable future within the construction industry.

Construction Trends & Industry Insights

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11.14.2025

Navigating the Shift: Contractor Backlog Declines Amid Data Center Growth

Update A Shifting Landscape: Contractor Backlog in October The construction industry felt a ripple of uncertainty in October as the contractor backlog dipped to 8.4 months, a decrease from the previous month according to a recent survey by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). This slight decline illustrates a complex narrative within the industry, where perceptions of contracting activity do not uniformly reflect the realities experienced by different sectors. Disparities in Contractor Experience While nearly 65% of contractors feel that construction activity is contracting, there is a noteworthy distinction based on company size and sector focus. Small construction firms, defined as those generating revenues below $30 million, experienced an average backlog of only 5.8 months. This is in stark contrast to larger firms that engage in megaprojects, which continue to enjoy a much healthier backlog averaging 10.9 months, particularly driven by demand in data center and manufacturing construction. The Rise of Data Centers: A Shield Against Decline Data centers have emerged as a significant anchor for the construction backlog, providing stability in a contracting economy. Vantage Data Centers is a prime example of this sustained demand, with plans to invest $2 billion in a new data center campus in Virginia and a report of another $15 billion campus development in Wisconsin with tech giants such as OpenAI and Oracle. Such ventures highlight how specific sectors are propelling growth amidst broader industry slowdowns, creating pockets of robust activity. Future Trends: Navigating Industry Challenges The current trends in construction indicate that larger contractors, particularly those tied to growth sectors like data centers and infrastructure, may continue to thrive. In contrast, firms immersed in traditional commercial and institutional projects may face a tougher road ahead as cooling demand takes its toll. ABC’s chief economist, Anirban Basu, notes that contractor confidence remains a mixed bag, yet indicators for profit margins and staffing still suggest potential for growth over the next six months. This dichotomy reflects a need for adaptation and strategic foresight among contractors to navigate the shifting sands of the construction industry. Actionable Insights for Business Owners and Developers For business owners, property developers, and facility managers, staying abreast of these developments is crucial. Understanding where the opportunities lie within a contracting landscape can shape strategic decisions regarding investments and project management. As the data center sector flourishes and larger firms continue to engage in megaprojects, smaller contractors may benefit from forming partnerships or focusing on specialty areas that align with these growth sectors. It is pivotal for stakeholders in the construction industry to monitor these insights closely and be prepared to pivot their strategies accordingly. Awareness of market dynamics and sector-specific trends will be instrumental in maintaining competitiveness as the industry continues to evolve. In conclusion, while overall construction activity may reflect a slight contraction, significant opportunities exist within niche segments capable of propelling growth. Stakeholders should harness this information to inform their strategic planning and decision-making processes. There's an ever-present need for agility in the construction sector as firms adapt to ongoing changes, ensuring they remain relevant and viable in a fluctuating economy.

11.12.2025

Project Costs Influencing Construction Planning: Key Insights for Developers

Update Understanding the Impact of Project Costs on Construction PlanningAs project costs continue to rise, the construction industry is facing a significant slowdown in planning, posing challenges for developers and contractors alike. According to the Dodge Construction Network, the recent surge in project costs and ongoing macroeconomic pressures have led to a noticeable decrease in nonresidential construction planning.The Current Landscape: Declining ActivityRecent reports indicate a 7.1% drop in the Dodge Momentum Index for October, which tracks new nonresidential project planning. The data reveals that both commercial and institutional planning activities have experienced notable declines—down 2.9% and 15.2%, respectively. Despite the monthly decline, the index remains 35% higher than its year-to-date level from the previous year, showcasing a complex landscape where year-over-year increases exist even amidst recent slowdowns.Key Drivers: Cost and Labor ChallengesSarah Martin, an associate director of forecasting at Dodge, attributes the deceleration in construction planning primarily to escalating project costs. Rising labor and material costs are significant drivers behind this trend, compelling contractors to rethink and adjust their project forecasts. As suggested by reports from others in the industry, including Building Radar and PMC, understanding these economic factors is critical for maintaining competitiveness and profitability.Specific Project Insights Amidst ChallengesDespite the overall decline in planning activity, several large-scale projects continue to break ground. Recent major project announcements include three Amazon data centers valued at $500 million each and significant institutional developments like the $400 million Scripps Memorial Medical Tower III. These investments underscore the ongoing demand in specific sectors, particularly data centers and healthcare facilities, which exhibit resilience in the face of broader economic challenges.The Broader Implications for DevelopersFor first-time developers and established contractors, the implications of slowing construction activity are substantial. Increased scrutiny on budgets and timelines can lead to more conservative approaches toward new ventures, including strategic re-evaluations of existing projects to satisfy tighter budgets while still delivering on quality outcomes. Embracing new technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency will be vital to remain agile within this fluctuating market.This Is an Opportunity—for the SavvyAmid slowing momentum, those engaged in construction and project delivery must capitalize on emerging trends. Adapting quickly and leveraging real-time intelligence on material costs, labor availability, and market dynamics could lead to higher margins and sustainable competitive advantages. As firms navigate this challenging environment, tools like Building Radar can provide real-time analytics to support informed decision-making that anticipates market shifts.Conclusion: Prepare for Further AdjustmentsThe construction landscape is undeniably shifting, and staying informed of emerging trends will be imperative for business leaders. With an eye on market dynamics and strategic planning, embracing changes can yield substantial opportunities for growth and profitability. As the industry braces for potential slowdowns and fluctuating costs, foresight will be the ace up the sleeve of forward-thinking builders.

11.11.2025

Unlock Competitive Construction Advantages Through Data-Driven Strategies

Update Why Data is the New Gold in Construction In a rapidly evolving construction landscape, businesses are increasingly realizing that data is the new gold. It’s not merely a resource; it’s a strategic asset that can drive efficiencies, enhance safety, and reduce costs. For those in the construction realm—business owners, property developers, and facility managers—embracing a robust data strategy is imperative for maintaining competitive advantage. A Single Source of Truth: The Key to Efficiency At the heart of a successful construction operation lies the concept of a "single source of truth." This approach consolidates all project information, from blueprints and schedules to procurement and progress reports into one accessible hub. According to industry leaders, such as those utilizing Hexagon’s Smart Digital Reality™, this method allows for heightened visibility throughout all phases of the construction process. Decision-makers are better equipped to analyze data without the hindrance of competing technologies or disparate systems. Transforming Challenges into Opportunities with Digital Solutions The construction industry currently faces undeniable pressures: rising inflation, talent shortages, and fierce competition. However, these challenges can be converted into opportunities through effective digital transformation. Adoption of technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and advanced work packaging (AWP) facilitates streamlined operations, which are essential to keeping projects on budget and avoiding costly delays. Hexagon's solutions exemplify how integrating technology can simplify complex processes, leading to enhanced project delivery methods that meet modern demands. How to Harness Data Effectively Despite the abundance of data available, a staggering 95.5% of all captured data in construction remains unused. Companies that prioritize creating a solid data-driven culture will likely outperform their competitors. This culture revolves around accessibility, accuracy, and uniformity across all teams involved. For instance, mobile technology has been shown to elevate the quality of data collected in the field by up to 50%. Thus, investing in the right hardware and human capital to ensure teams can easily access critical information is indispensable. Future Predictions: The Shift to Autonomous Construction The future of construction is undoubtedly linked to autonomous solutions. With advancements in analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT), construction sites will leverage real-time data to optimize decision-making processes. Wearable technologies and connected devices can continuously provide insights into safety metrics, workforce health, and progress tracking, paving the way for truly interconnected job sites. Firms that innovate and adapt to this trend will not only improve efficiency but also create safer working environments. Your Role in Driving Change As executives and stakeholders in construction, your decisions will shape the industry's trajectory. Embracing data-driven methodologies and investing in digital tools is no longer optional; it’s a survival mechanism. The integration of smart technologies into every phase of the construction process—from planning to execution—will determine who emerges leading in the competitive arena. In conclusion, the data landscape is rich with potential for those willing to invest the time and resources into transforming their strategies. Whether through advanced analytics, improving decision-making tools, or adopting modern technologies, the pathway to a more efficient and competitive construction venture is clear. Start now by assessing how you can leverage data to contextualize competitive construction and stay ahead of the curve.

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