Job Training: Now is the Right Time to do the Right Thing in San Antonio

Has there ever been a time when the construction industry didn’t pine for more skilled workers? When companies didn’t lament the need for more craft training? Probably not.

“Workforce development has always been an important element in building and supporting a thriving industry,” says Dawn Vernon, business development manager at Bandy Constructors and a member of the Workforce Solutions Alamo Board of Directors.

The latest national survey found that 80 percent of construction firms have trouble filling the hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.  In Texas, the figure is 84 percent. These survey results are consistent with previous surveys and reports that indicate a decades-long deficiency.

For example, a 2014 workforce development report published by AGC of America stated, “A number of changing trends have combined to cripple what was once a robust education pipeline for new construction workers. Those factors include the dismantling of the public vocational and technical education programs, declining participation in union apprenticeship training and an increasing focus on college preparatory programs at the high school level.” 

Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC’s chief executive officer, added, “Workforce shortages remain one of the single most significant threats to the construction industry.” 

The threat still exists.

Even during the current pandemic, with construction deemed essential and as the building of schools, hospitals, grocery stores and other important projects continue in Texas, the industry’s need for more craft training persists.  The Q2 2020 Jobs Report COVID-19 Edition, published by SA Works, states, “As the region continues to grow, there is an inevitable need for construction.”

But while the nation’s seventh largest city continues to grow, the pandemic exposes a nagging reality. San Antonio remains entrenched in poverty with a disproportionate number of low-wage, low-skill jobs.

According to the San Antonio Express-News, 44.4 percent of local households live in “liquid asset poverty,” which means they lack enough cash to cover three months of basic expenses in the event of a financial emergency. For many, the lingering pandemic has created the ultimate financial emergency.

A constructive solution

The need to train certain workers for new, post-coronavirus careers is urgent. Waiters, baggage handlers, and hotel housekeepers are desperate for work as unemployment benefits dry up.  Many are looking for steady jobs that pay well and offer benefits like health insurance and paid time off. 

The construction industry wants to hire displaced workers and train them in new, well-paying jobs, and the City of San Antonio ─ flush with federal stimulus money and a commitment to tackle poverty ─ has the funds to help.

The City’s Community Recovery and Resiliency Plan allocates $75 million to train 10,000 impacted residents by September 2021. However, the plan’s “Workforce Development Implementation Strategy” only specifies $13.6 million of the $75 million for direct training and education. The remainder is earmarked for stipends, childcare subsidies, and wrap around support services.

Michael Sindon, assistant director of the City of San Antonio Economic Development Department, explains, “Our intent was to craft a carefully thought out plan that serves city residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on populations and geographies historically underserved.” He adds, “This program is going to require an all-hands-on-deck approach, which is why we have been meeting with higher education institutions to see what they can bring to the table to serve our residents.”

No one disputes the need for significant stipends, subsidies, and support services, but does it strike the right balance? And shouldn’t the focus be on the skills, trades, and occupations identified in SA Works’ recent jobs report, specifically proven job training providers in the fields of manufacturing, construction, and health care? 

The jobs report states, “Trades apprenticeships, occupations, and construction roles are a catalyst for service industry employees to return to work while building skills for a new career and supporting economic growth in the region.”  

Vernon adds, “As shortage of workers continues to grow, we recognize it is now more critical than ever to build a local pipeline of talent in construction of all trades.” 

City leaders have a unique, one-shot opportunity to help train workers to construct not only important city projects, but buildings needed throughout the growing region.

Recognized job training providers are listed on the Texas Construction Careers website and include Alamo Colleges as well as union and nonunion craft training organizations.