Chelsea Carrier’s journey from a discouraged college student to a budding construction professional is emblematic of a broader cultural shift in how society views skilled trades. Growing up in Western New York, she initially took the conventional route, pursuing civil engineering at SUNY Buffalo. However, a stint in the Air Force and hands-on experience with a family renovation project shifted her perspective. “I want to do things like renovating homes and building furniture,” Chelsea declares, underscoring her newfound passion for the trades.
At just 25, Chelsea has returned to the classroom, this time at Midlands Technical College (MTC), where she’s enrolled in the Building Construction Technology program. This program stands out not just for its curriculum but for its timing. As the construction industry grapples with a persistent labor shortage, the narrative around skilled trades is changing. The stigma that once surrounded such careers is fading, and programs like MTC are at the forefront of this transformation.
Robbie Sharpe, the director of the program, notes, “The word is definitely getting out there — the trades are where the money is.” With the average hourly pay for construction workers in South Carolina hovering around $21.39, and construction managers earning upwards of $76,224 annually, the financial incentives are hard to ignore. This is particularly relevant in a state experiencing rapid population growth, which fuels demand for construction services. The Columbia and Myrtle Beach metro areas are booming, and with them, the need for skilled labor rises.
MTC’s innovative approach—incorporating a full house build into its curriculum—is a game changer. “Our whole program is built around the students putting their hands on a full-scale build while they’re getting the theory portion,” Robbie emphasizes. This hands-on experience prepares students for the realities of the job, where theory often diverges from practice. The program not only equips students with technical skills but also addresses the industry’s pressing need for a younger workforce, as the average age of construction workers continues to climb.
The demographic challenges are stark. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the percentage of construction workers aged 55 and older nearly doubled from 2003 to 2020. As older workers retire, the industry faces a critical gap that younger workers like Chelsea must fill. The construction workforce in South Carolina, which peaked at over 127,000 in 2006, has seen fluctuations but remains below its former strength.
Industry leaders are aware of the urgency of this situation. Mark Hood, president of Hood Construction Company, notes the widespread labor shortage across various trades. “It’s tight,” he admits, highlighting the fact that every construction firm is feeling the pinch. The integration of technology into construction—think GPS-guided machinery and 3D modeling—adds another layer of complexity to the skill set required, making training programs like those at MTC more vital than ever.
To combat the labor crisis, initiatives like Be Pro Be Proud are gaining traction. With over 40,000 visitors to its mobile skilled trades workshop, the program aims to demystify construction careers for young people. Leslie Clark, COO of Carolinas AGC, points out that many students are unaware of the opportunities available to them in skilled trades. This kind of exposure is crucial in reshaping perceptions and attracting a new generation into the industry.
Furthermore, state-backed programs providing financial assistance for technical training are essential. The S.C. Workforce Scholarships for the Future program has already aided over 32,000 participants since its inception, making education in high-demand fields like construction more accessible. This influx of support and growing recognition of the trades could very well signal a renaissance in skilled labor, reshaping the workforce landscape for years to come.
As Chelsea and her peers step into this evolving industry, they carry with them the promise of change. The stigma surrounding construction careers is being dismantled, and the future looks bright for those willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work. The construction sector is not just about building structures; it’s about building lives, communities, and a workforce that is ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
