In the last few weeks I have hit some heavy topics here
including what an architect wants, project management, and retrofits. So I’ll continue on the path of importance
starting this post with a look at a very scary prospect- the dwindling
construction labor force. An executive
at Turner Construction testified in front of congress this week that
construction levels are back to the 2007 boom… BUT… we are 100,000 workers
short of where were then. That number is
staggering. It was noted that younger
folks do not have interest in the trades and the older workers are
transitioning out. Obviously this is not
new news for most of us. We all know how
challenging the market is right now, but seeing the numbers is jarring.
There is no magic formula for slowing this negative trend
either. Attracting skilled (or at least
willing to be trained) youth to come into construction is a monumental
task. We as an industry need to figure
this out as well…. I’ll be curious to see if this talk in front of congress
spurs any development or support of programs to help.
Elsewhere….
-- One area that can help with employment and attraction? Understanding you’re the employee. And a great speaker on that subject is coming
back to GlassBuild America this fall. Cam Marston will be the keynote speaker
and his last stint in this role in 2015 still has people who saw it
buzzing. His topic on the multi
generational workforce is interesting, appropriate and needed. Make sure you don’t miss this.
-- April is here and a yearly tradition is coming up soon… the Mid
Atlantic Glass Associations MGA Glass Expo takes place April 19th in
Greenbelt, MD. This is show number 30
for the MGA and every year it brings people from the region together to learn
and network.
-- My post on what architects want did quite well… Obviously
it’s a subject that people are determined to learn on what they can do. So in that light check out this link from my
friend Colin Gilboy at 4Specs.com. It is
loaded with great insight and direction.
Check it out.
-- And obviously the team at SC Railing jumped on the approach
of educating architects with a great case study. I love this sort of stuff, though I will be
the first to admit I don’t understand a lot of it. (I’m not the audience they want to impress!) I
admire the heck out of companies that take the time and resources to create
in-depth pieces. JE Berkowitz, Quanex,
and W&W Glass are among the folks that also come to mind when it comes to
studies like these..
-- So the “hot” colors for 2018… yes 2018…. are now out. Thanks to the twitter feed of Conners Sales
Group (@ConnersSales) you can see it now a whole 9 months before the new year
hits!
-- Last this week… a scheduling heads up…no post coming next
week, so you are saved from me preaching about some major issue affecting our
world. I’ll be back in this space the
week of 4/16. Unless big news breaks…
which I keep expecting but seemingly never does….
LINKS of the WEEK
I gotta imagine this is an effective way to slow speeders…
A real Sharknado.
Seriously.
I read about this one a while ago and it came up again… I just can’t fathom the money and the whole deal here.
VIDEO of the WEEK
Funny and irreverent show… Silicon Valley back with a new
season later this month… here’s the trailer…
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