GVCA President’s Message July

INVESTING IN TRADES TODAY FOR A STRONGER TOMORROW

Every day, the Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) is part of crucial conversations about the skilled trades workforce—balancing the uncertainty of today’s labor demands with the looming, undeniable shortage expected soon. One thing is certain: we are going to need a massive influx of skilled workers. What’s uncertain is when that tipping point will hit. What we do know for sure is that you can’t simply hire someone on Monday and expect them to be ready on Tuesday.

Training a tradesperson takes time—time for hands-on experience, mentorship, and continual learning. This process depends heavily on knowledge transfer from experienced workers to the next generation. It’s difficult to justify investing in talent you may not need today, but if your business plans to be here in ten years, that investment needs to happen now.

Skilled trades are the backbone of critical sectors like construction, manufacturing, energy, and transportation. As infrastructure ages and technologies evolve—through automation, smart systems, and green energy—the demand for well-trained tradespeople is growing. Without proper preparation, our industry risks costly delays, safety risks, and stalled growth.

With an aging workforce and fewer young people entering the trades, the time to act is now. Strengthening apprenticeship pathways, modernizing training programs, and supporting mentorship will ensure the industry remains resilient. This is not just about filling jobs—it’s about securing our economic future. A skilled, ready workforce doesn’t appear overnight. It’s built—like everything else in our industry—from the ground up.