Capodanno: Construction career could be path to success

Edward Capodanno has been the president of Associated Builders and Contractors’ Delaware chapter and the Construction Education Foundation of Delaware since 1993. He also serves on the Delaware Workforce Development Board and the governor’s Workers’ Compensation Oversight Panel.

Associated Builders and Contractors’ Delaware chapter is an organization that represents the construction industry — a lifeblood of Delaware’s economy and one that, for years, has driven economic growth in the state and nationally. The industry provides a direct pathway to personal prosperity and the ability to earn a high-quality living without the burden of excessive college debt.

This is a message that our association and our members try to communicate daily. We feel that, when effectively communicated, it inspires individuals and their families to be even more focused on their opportunities for success.

Nationally, the average age of a construction worker is 47, and for every five people leaving our industry, just one is entering. At this rate, over the next three years, the shortage of new workers could continue.

Delaware’s economic engine is now restarting.

As an improving economy, supporting a renewed focus on thoughtful economic development creates opportunities in Delaware. And the need for well-trained, certified, skilled workers becomes more important.

The opportunities available to workers entering the industry are immense. The following are average annual salaries and do not include overtime, company incentives or benefits:

• Boilermakers — $58,856
• Carpenters — $54,157
• Electricians — $57,741
• Heavy-equipment operators — $61,091
• HVAC technicians — $42,026
• Plumbers — $51,830
• Masons — $54,860
• Pipefitters — $59,558

All these opportunities and more are available to Delawareans who are willing to make career commitments to the industry. This is truly a pathway to a good life and the opportunity to begin a career without the burden of debt.

A quick look at industry statistics, updated quarterly, shows that, in Delaware alone, there are over 10,000 positions awaiting workers in more than 20 skilled trades. While antiquated regulations and land use restrictions are factors in the shortage of affordable housing in Delaware, this lack of capable and skilled trades workers has more of an impact than other causes. And, as the crisis grows, affordable housing is an issue that is getting more attention by policymakers.

Associated Builders and Contractors Delaware stands committed to developing the construction workforce of tomorrow. In fact, we, along with a broader group of interested leaders, are meeting regularly with Delaware educational leadership to shape a new direction, redefine curriculum and build a digital campaign designed to help students and their parents better understand the multitude of opportunities provided by the construction industry.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org .