Construction

In the next 10 years, more than 13,000 new construction jobs are expected in our region. The demand for skilled tradespeople is rapidly increasing. At the same time, one-fifth of the region’s construction workforce is nearing retirement age. Contractors are having to look across the country to fill local positions.

The regional industry panel meets regularly to discuss these and other ongoing challenges and developed the 2021-2023 regional, industry-led workforce strategy. Creating a regional plan allows us to identify common industry workforce challenges, coalesce around shared goals and align the efforts of the public workforce system to make a greater overall impact on the sector.

Construction worker

Resources for Construction Companies

Construction Labor Market Report 2022 – This report is a state of the industry workforce in the six-county Southwest Washington-Portland Metro Area.

  • Read some of the report highlights in our blog

Construction Workforce Plan 2021-2023 – Led by companies and the needs they identified, we created a regional workforce development plan with partners at CWWC.

Construction Video – Hear from some of Southwest Washington’s leaders in construction.

Workforce Plan

Under the guidance of employers, education partners, associations and other interested parties, WSW and its CWWC partners developed the “Construction Workforce Plan 2021-2023” with goals to:

  1. Connect youth to jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities
  2. Advance equity and diversity in the construction industry
  3. Improve retention of existing apprentices and workers
  4. Connect “career changers” to jobs, training and career opportunities

We meet regularly with companies to gather information and present on strategies and achievement of plan goals.

To get involved in our sector panel, receive notices of meetings, or learn more about resources for construction companies, please contact Darcy Hoffman, Director of Business Services. Email Darcy or call at 360.567.3172.

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