Trends shaping the construction industry
To keep pace, blue-collar recruitment companies have made changes in recent years.
“The post-COVID landscape saw the need for recruitment companies to rethink and refine their processes to attract more skilled labour and get the industry back to where it was,” says Sean Cathie, General Manager of EWS Recruitment in Melbourne. “There was an urgent need for high-quality labour to fill the gaps of construction companies looking to get back on site”.
Since COVID, there has been a surge of innovation across all facets of construction, to consolidate practices and technologies implemented in other sectors. Here are the prominent trends we see today:
1. The growing focus on sustainability
Sustainability has been and will continue to be a major focus in the building and construction industry. The Victorian Government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45-50 per cent by 2030, which is encouraging builders to focus on energy-efficient construction and sustainable building materials to align with global sustainability trends.
More developers are prioritising green building practices, from energy-efficient designs to eco-friendly materials. In Victoria, the adoption of sustainability standards such as Green Star and NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) is rising rapidly.
2. Renewable energy construction
As the state pushes to meet its clean energy goals, there is an increase in the building of infrastructure such as solar farms and wind turbines.
The government’s target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2035 is fuelling demand for sustainable energy infrastructure. Consequently, projects focused on green energy are on the rise, such as the Hazelwood North solar farm set to power over 150,00 homes in Victoria, and the Golden Plains wind farm, both of which are underway.
“Renewable energy is still in its infancy and will take a number of years until we reach these goals but the right steps are being taken and it’s exciting to see”, says Sean.
3. Trades and labour shortages
The construction industry in facing significant workforce challenges, particularly a shortage of skilled labour. The demand for construction workers has outpaced the supply, coupled with factors such as an aging workforce and fewer young people entering the trades.
To combat this, companies are ramping up efforts to attract more workers into the industry, with increased investment in apprenticeships and training programs. State and national government have also introduced incentives for young people, allocating 300,000 free TAFE and vocational education places, along with wage subsidies and training support.
There is also a push to recruit people from underrepresented groups, such as women and those from multicultural backgrounds, to help address the shortage and create a more diverse workforce.
Amidst labour shortages, EWS Recruitment maintains a candidate database of skilled workers in all disciplines.
“We tap into overseas staff through strong ties with the Irish labour market. We’ve grown not only from skilled local workers, but also from overseas talent”, says Sean.
By attracting quality labour for hire across construction sub-sectors such as civil and infrastructure, waste management, landscaping and renewables, EWS Recruitment has the capacity to tailor a quick staffing solution to meet clients’ project needs. This allows construction companies to scale their workforce up or down quickly.
The expertise of recruiters to know what roles are in demand and when, is crucial. The result is quick turnaround times to meet the ever-changing need for labour.
Sean explains, “As construction recruitment specialists, we are always proactive in finding out exactly what skills our clients need at any given time. Understanding the seasonal ebbs and flows of each sector plays a big part in this.”
Having a stringent pre-vetting regime and streamlined processes means that clients know they are getting the best quality labour when their projects call for it.
4. Creating a more inclusive industry
Although women still represent a small percentage of the workforce in the sector, initiatives aimed at supporting women in construction are gaining traction. In Victoria, efforts to increase their participation in the trades are making headway, with more women entering apprenticeships and leadership roles.
Programs such as Women in Building and Women in Construction are helping women overcome barriers to entering the trades industry. A more diverse workforce brings fresh perspectives to the table, driving innovation and business outcomes in construction.
5. Prioritising the well-being of workers
Workplace health and safety remain a top priority, with a growing focus on both physical and mental well-being. Construction sites pose safety risks, however the introduction of more rigorous safety standards, especially since the pandemic, has driven a reduction in accidents and fatalities. In Victoria, construction-related injuries have remained high and there is a push from bodies such as WorkSafe Victoria to educate industry professionals about safety initiatives to be implemented across the workplace.
“There has been a heavy emphasis on the induction process of new employees to ensure that everyone is fit for the duties they are assigned”, says Sean. “That’s where a thorough pre-vetting process is vital. We do the work on our end to make sure our candidates have the correct training and certifications suited to their role. EWS Recruitment has several measures to reduce risk and injury to our candidates. From worksite visits, safety inspections and checklists.”
There is also a growing awareness of mental health issues, such as stress and anxiety, which studies show are common among construction workers. To address this, many companies have implemented mental health programs and initiatives to support their workers, aiming to create safer and more supportive environments on site.
6. Improving operations with advanced tools and technologies
Technology is rapidly transforming the way construction projects are designed, managed, and executed. Digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) are becoming standard for large-scale projects, helping to streamline design processes, reduce errors, and improve project outcomes.
Additionally, the use of drones and 3D printing in construction is becoming more prevalent. Drones are used for surveying and real-time monitoring of construction sites, while 3D printing allows for cost-effective and customised construction solutions for components.
Robotics and automation are also making their way into the industry, reducing the need for manual labour and improving efficiency. These technologies improve safety and allow for faster and more accurate project completion, making construction processes more cost-effective.
A dynamic future for Victoria’s construction industry
The construction industry is evolving rapidly, driven by trends that aim to improve sustainability, safety and efficiency across the sector.
After nearly two decades’ supplying trades and labour into the Victorian construction industry, EWS Recruitment has seen patterns emerge and trends coming and going. What hasn’t changed much is the need for labour, both skilled and unskilled.
“Technology has changed the way the industry is designed but not built. Construction will continue to be a predominantly manual workforce,” says Sean who welcomes the industry changes and technologies but believes that demand for labour will remain high in the future, despite the current shortage.
EWS Recruitment continues to cater to labour demands of construction companies, regardless of new emerging trends. As industry standards rise inevitably, so too will the strategy of implementing the most efficient labour hire solution to meet a variety of staffing needs.
If you are looking for a cost-efficient, effective and hassle-free solution to trades and labour hire, contact our team for a quote.
