The construction industry is one of the largest sectors in the country. As of 2024, the sector’s market size is valued at approximately $2.1 trillion, spanning residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. In Pennsylvania, construction employs 258,000 workers, making it one of the states with the highest number of construction jobs in the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Pittsburgh area has launched numerous exciting construction projects, including large-scale infrastructure improvements, commercial developments, and green building initiatives. These types of projects drive regional economic growth and modernize Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.
However, the industry is struggling with a challenge.
The industry’s challenge
The challenge is the shortage of qualified workers. Addressing this gap is essential to meet demand and ensure these projects are completed on time and efficiently.
One solution to this problem is the Carpenters’ Apprentice Ready Program, offered by the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, on whose board I serve.
This pre-apprenticeship program equips participants with the foundational skills needed to enter union apprenticeship programs, focusing on math, communication, and hands-on trade basics. Programs like this help address workforce shortages and provide individuals with a pathway to sustainable careers in construction.
More than 627,000 working-age adults in Pennsylvania lack a high school credential, excluding them from many job opportunities and training programs. Additionally, over 408,000 adults in the state do not speak English well or at all.
dult and Family Literacy education programs address these barriers by providing essential education services, allowing individuals to improve their skills and secure stable employment. Organizations like Literacy Pittsburgh serve Allegheny and Beaver Counties, offering thousands of adults the chance to transition from learning to earning, benefiting the local economy.
Despite the clear need for these programs, funding for adult and family literacy in Pennsylvania has not kept pace. After 12 years of flat funding, the Adult and Family Literacy line item saw a $3.8 million increase in the FY24 budget, but the Governor’s proposed $1 million increase for FY25 was excluded from the final budget.
Needed increase
To meet the growing demand for skilled workers and improve opportunities for under-educated adults, elected officials need to increase funding to $23 million for FY2025-26.
Increased investment in adult literacy programs can help close the workforce gap. These programs teach basic reading, math, and English language skills and integrate industry-specific training in partnership with organizations like mine. By aligning education services with workforce needs, Pennsylvania can prepare more adults for careers in construction and other high-demand industries.
The value of improved literacy among workers extends beyond filling job vacancies. Workers with stronger reading, math, and communication skills are less likely to make costly mistakes on job sites, better equipped to understand safety protocols, and able to collaborate more effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
Furthermore, a workforce equipped with stronger literacy skills will be more adaptable to changes in the industry. As technology advances and green building methods become more prominent, workers will be better prepared to learn new skills and adapt to these changes. This adaptability is essential for Pennsylvania to remain competitive in the global economy.
Beyond the construction industry, enhanced literacy benefits the broader economy. Adult education programs contribute to workforce development by increasing employment rates and productivity while reducing reliance on social services. Communities as a whole reap the rewards of a more skilled and self-sufficient population.
Expanding talent
Adult and family literacy education programs are vital for expanding the talent pipeline in Pennsylvania. They equip under-skilled adults with the education and support needed to secure good jobs and advance in their careers. Pre-apprenticeship programs exemplify how literacy and skills training can open doors to high-paying, life-long careers in construction.
By investing in these critical services, the Pennsylvania legislature and governor can ensure no resident is left behind.
Steven B. Mazza is a council representative for the Wastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
First Published: January 23, 2025, 5:30 a.m.