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Talent, Collaboration, and Acceleration
In late April GVCA attended the Kitchener Waterloo Home Builders annual luncheon. There was a cautious optimism in the room and the comments from the speakers about the future, a pending turn in the economy and the impact it will have on the construction industry. To a person we know the new home and ICI construction industries are going to be very busy sooner than later. The smallest indication of a decrease in borrowing costs will turn the lights back on and we will again be awakened by the sound of hammering and skill saws at 7:00 am. Will you be ready.
Change is happening and it’s happening right now. The slow-moving industry that was known for its lack of change and slow movement is now one of the most dynamic industries. With a focus on innovation, environmental sustainability, diversifying its workforce and its attractive compensation, the industry is attracting new people every day. Perhaps the messaging is getting out. Skilled trades incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) which is highly desirable, the industry pays well and is a first-choice career for youth and an incredible career for those who have graduated, are stuck in an unfulfilling role, or are looking for their next career adventure.
The opportunity to collaborate with other industry associations and influencers will enhance the image and opportunities for the skilled trades. Look for more collaboration on messaging, dispelling myths, identifying opportunities, repacking, and branding skilled trades as STEM now and into the future. Our industry is relevant, required and is highly desirable. We will continue to focus on creating and industry that is welcoming, safe, familiar and embraces and industry that represents the look and feel of the community. Planning for 30 to 50% of the industry being represented by women is not an audacious goal, but rather the reality of the future.
At the homebuilder’s lunch, the keynote speaker Ron Tite made a comparison of the construction industry to auto racing. In the hyper competitive auto racing world engineering keeps teams close in the straightaways however races are won and lost in the corners. He went on to illustrate it wasn’t how fast you could slow down but rather how fast you could accelerate out of the corner. Those that accelerated out of the corner had a significant advantage over the competition. We have spent the last 12 to 24 months preparing for a slowdown. Those that will win the race will be those that step on the gas now, accelerate out of the corner (even if it feels scary) and see the competition in the rearview mirror. Are you ready? Are you comfortable pushing forward to be ready to lead the race when the lights get turned back on? The data suggests it’s time to push.