ABC Regional Construction Summit 2025: Culture & Technology in Solving the Labor Shortage

41% of our skilled workforce will retire by 2031. Who will build our world tomorrow?

This question was at the heart of my keynote at the ABC (Associated Builders & Contractors) Regional Construction Summit in Hanover, MD last week, where I explored the role of technology and culture in solving the skilled labor shortage.

The Challenge: A Shrinking Workforce Meets a Shifting Industry

Every year, we need hundreds of thousands of new workers just to keep pace with demand, yet attracting talent remains a hurdle.

Why?

• Persistent misconceptions

  – Many still perceive construction as a traditional, labor-intensive industry, even as innovation continues to transform it at a rapid pace.

• A generational divide

  – With four generations in the workforce, companies must navigate different communication styles and work preferences.

• College vs. trade stigma

  – Many still believe a four-year degree is the only path to success, overlooking the paid education model that apprenticeships and on-the-job training provide.

The Opportunity: Tech as a Catalyst for Change

While these challenges are real, they also present an opportunity for transformation. The "Tech Adoption: How We Grew Through Tech" panel featured forward-thinking leaders sharing real-world experiences in adopting and harnessing the power of technology to drive their businesses forward while unlocking greater impact and fulfillment for their employees.

What struck me most wasn’t just the success stories themselves, but the caliber of curiosity in the room. The questions attendees asked weren’t the same ones from a decade ago. They were more nuanced and reflective of an industry ready for transformation. Companies are eager to harness technology and shift culture, not just for efficiency but for broader business and human impact. But they still need pragmatic advice on where and how to start.

In my keynote, I shared insights from Procore’s upcoming Future State of Construction report, emphasizing that technology isn’t just about productivity, it’s about career longevity, fulfillment, and making construction an attractive career choice. AI, AR, robotics, and automation are no longer futuristic concepts – they’re already enhancing safety, improving collaboration, and driving better project outcomes. New technology is both elevating projects and collective ability to attract and retain talent - creating new career paths that attract fresh talent while enabling experienced builders to leave a lasting legacy.

Beyond Technology: The Power of Culture

Technology alone won’t solve the labor shortage—culture matters.

One of the most powerful moments at the Summit came from my conversations with folks in the industry. One ABC Member shared that their company is bridging the generational gap by bringing seasoned project managers out of retirement to mentor newer generations in project management in order to lock in important skills and pass historical knowledge to new PMs. This kind of intentional knowledge transfer and mentorship is critical for preserving industry expertise and ensuring future success.While technology can help us capture and scale this knowledge, it all starts with connecting people.

I also spoke with women in construction who are mentoring others re-entering the workforce. Experienced professionals are eager to share their knowledge with ambitious newcomers, helping break barriers and demonstrate that construction is a place for women. More than just a job, a career in construction offers the chance to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact on our communities.

What’s Next?

The ABC Regional Construction Summit reaffirmed an essential truth: we must be proactive in shaping the future of our workforce.

Embrace technology – It’s not a replacement for workers; it’s a tool to empower them.Foster a strong culture – Training and mentorship matter.Champion construction careers – We need to change the narrative about what it means to build and what it looks like to be a builder.

Join us for the upcoming Future State of Construction Report on April 9, 2025 (10:00 AM PDT / 1:00 PM EDT), where we’ll dive deeper into how technology is helping shape the future of our workforce.