For various reasons, our future workforce is losing interest in construction, geospatial, civil and transportation as attractive career paths. We need to change that thinking now before it’s too late. This is why, at Trimble Dimensions 2023, we gathered a group of industry labor experts to inform and rally attendees on specific ways they could get involved.

The goal? Start solving the shortage of the most important asset in these industries: its people. “Where have these workers gone? They’re here. We just need to do a better job of expanding the universe of people that we reach out to,” said Tom Kriger, director of research, North America's Building Trades Unions.

As an entire generation of workers enter retirement, younger generations are missing out on the knowledge transfer needed for the future sustainability of these industries. Employer-led talent development programs, career-connected learning opportunities and government-aided workforce infrastructure policies are a few strategies aimed at reversing the trend. “You want talent? Start building it. Get involved in these sorts of programs, now,” said Vice Admiral Robert Sharp, former director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Early exposure to different workforce development programs is pivotal in shaping informed career decisions. Everyone within these industries is responsible for investing in workforce development programs for our future generations, the built environment and civilization as a whole. The array of opportunities available, including trade careers that are often overlooked but overflowing with potential, must be shared and nurtured by everyone. “[Workforce development] is a big issue that we're all fighting, but we each individually have an opportunity to make a difference,” said Sara Feuling, senior director of construction, Association of Equipment Manufacturers.