The construction industry is facing a workforce crisis.
A model from Associated Builders and Contractors comparing construction spending to employment in the U.S. estimates that the industry will need to attract 439,000 new workers in 2025 to satisfy demand.
The industry is also suffering from an aging problem, as the share of workers 55 and older doubled in the industry from 11.5% in 2003 to 22.7% in 2020.
These numbers underscore the urgency for companies to proactively strategize and invest in recruitment, retention, training, automation, technology, and the development of skilled tradespersons, managers, and leaders to bridge the widening workforce gap.
While the statistics may seem daunting, there is reason for optimism. A diverse array of startups in the construction industry are actively working to address this crisis, tackling key challenges across the following areas:
- Recruitment & Talent Matching
- Workforce Training & Development
- Labor Productivity & Workforce Management
- AI & Data Analytics for Workforce Planning
- Robotics & Automation for Labor Augmentation
Below are some real-world examples of startups that are looking to impact each of these areas and improve the construction industry by helping to solve the impending crisis.
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Skillit — Offers contractors access to a vast network of vetted craft professionals across various trades and regions, streamlining the hiring process through automated tools and real-time analytics.
Silo-In — A construction talent data company designed to revolutionize how the industry discovers and utilizes talent. Founded by an industry veteran with 15 years of experience across HR, Talent Acquisition, Operations, and product innovation, Silo-In offers a platform that provides comprehensive visibility into employees' skills and experiences.
Buildforce — A platform dedicated to serving the electrical trade by connecting electricians with specialty contractors. For contractors, Buildforce offers tools to hire qualified electricians quickly, manage workforce operations, track time and attendance, and handle payroll seamlessly.
BlancAI — Helping businesses identify serious candidates more effectively. They’ve designed an AI Recruiter which they’ve named “Hope” that can integrate with your applicant tracking system and help push qualified candidates through the recruiting process all the way up to conducting initial phone interviews.
On3 — A global provider of technology-based learning solutions. They create, deliver, coach, and measure performance with microlearning and multimedia modules for optimal retention.
Eagle Point Software — Their flagship product, Pinnacle Series, is a comprehensive learning management system designed to enhance productivity and efficiency within these industries.
NextWave Safety Solutions — NextWave integrates cutting-edge technology into its offerings, providing virtual reality (VR) safety training modules that simulate practical scenarios, enhancing engagement and retention of safety protocols.
Triax Technologies — Providing IoT solutions like the Spot-r system, Triax enhances worker safety and operational efficiency by offering real-time data on worker locations and activities.
MindForge — A construction-focused communication and training platform designed to enhance safety and quality on job sites. It enables contractors to deliver automated safety orientations, real-time alerts, and training modules directly to frontline workers via mobile devices, ensuring critical information reaches those most at risk.
Bridgit — A Canadian construction technology company specializing in workforce intelligence solutions. Their flagship product, Bridgit Bench, offers real-time updates, advanced forecasting, and seamless integrations to help contractors optimize workforce planning and maximize productivity
Constrafor — Providing software solutions for general contractors, Constrafor streamlines subcontractor onboarding and payment processes, ensuring timely compensation and efficient project execution.
Verfico - Odin — Provides wage protection enabling visibility and compliance in the multitiered labor environments of the construction industry.
BambooHR — BambooHR offers an all-in-one platform that streamlines HR functions, including applicant tracking, onboarding, time tracking, payroll, benefits administration, and performance management.
TeamStack.ai solutions enable organizations to meet their time, budget, employee, and sustainability goals.
ALICE Technologies — Develops AI-based construction planning software that optimizes project scheduling and resource allocation for complex construction projects.
Assignar — Offers a construction operations platform that leverages AI to optimize workforce and equipment management, ensuring that the right resources are available at the right time.
Buildots — Utilizes AI to provide real-time project management insights by comparing 360-degree site scans with project schedules and plans, identifying discrepancies, tracking progress, and suggesting adjustments to keep projects on schedule.
nPlan — Employs machine learning to analyze historical project data and predict future project outcomes, aiding in the creation of more accurate project schedules and risk identification.
Hilti Jaibot — Utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) data, the Jaibot automates overhead drilling tasks for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations, reducing physical strain on workers and improving accuracy.
Built Robotics — Developing autonomous construction equipment, Built Robotics aims to alleviate labor shortages by automating heavy machinery operations, enhancing efficiency and safety on job sites.
Dusty Robotics — Founded by Tessa Lau, Dusty Robotics creates robots that automate on-site construction tasks, such as precise layout markings, reducing manual labor and errors.
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