< PreviousWithin this context, it is no surprise to see that companies are looking as far back as grade school to educate and encour- age young people to consider a future career in construction. The problem with this approach is that many children are guided towards the workforce by parents and caregivers. For many of these adults, the industry can be seen in negative terms and the end result is huge numbers of students being forced into third level education. One way of challenging these perceptions, however, is by showing young people the reality of a jobsite and construction career for themselves. Riegler Blacktop, a third-generation asphalt contractor in in Florence, KY, has taken the unique approach of providing internships on a part-time basis to school students. This allows the young people to gain expe- rience, earn money, and secure a job before they graduate. Mike Riegler, President at the company, believes that this route to discovering new entrants to the sector is mutually beneficial in that it gives students the opportunity to learn and develop skills across a variety of disciplines. "It gives you a sense of pride when you're able to build something and turn around and see what you've done," he added. This initiative, while working for Riegler, is not doing enough for the industry as a whole, however. When statistics are bro- ken down and analyzed, we can see that it is a generational problem. Build California is a workforce development initia- tive that is tasked with supplying the booming Californian construction market with the workforce that it requires. “We want to inspire, engage, and activate the next generation of California's construction workforce. We do this by shaping positive perceptions of the construction industry, informing young people and their influencers about the real career opportunities in construction and connecting them to local training programs.” The rationale for this initiative is simple. The research is demonstrating very clearly that certain demographics are simply unaware of the benefits to working in construction. “Only 9 percent of Generation Z is interested in a future in construction. So, where’s the disconnect? The construction industry has a perception problem and it’s up to us, the asso- ciations, professionals, and organizations that actually build our state, to change hearts and minds. We must redefine our industry. We must invest in our own legacy so that future generations aspire to be construction professionals.” The ini- tiative showcases the diverse career and training pathways the construction industry has to offer by taking students through salaries, training avenues and prospective jobs. This generational gap is echoed by John Trimble, CEO of C&S Companies in Syracuse. He believes that the reality is a stark one, and the time to educate young people is already here. “We have a generation gap and it’s going to be important to get some of the younger generations involved because it’s great to have it on paper but someone needs to build them,” he says. To assist with this, C&S works consistently with Syracuse Builders Exchange to demonstrate careers to local students on an annual basis. Most years, the career fairs are attended by over 600 students. Earl Hall, Executive Director of Syracuse Builders Exchange, adds, "This career is special in that you can be trained right away out of high school and get a career if you work hard. There is a significant labor shortage in the trades. Not only regionally but nationally. So, these students are coming into an industry at a time where there's going to be unbelievable opportunities for them.” For those across the industry, it is important to inform and edu- cate. The benefits of this can be seen quickly and effectively. This is, however, a two-way street. It is vital that companies recognize the benefits that having a Gen Z (workers under | 10 SEPTEMBER 2023the age of 24) workforce will bring. A recent study by AGC showed that having an inclusive and diverse workforce brings both financial and safety benefits. Diverse teams, it says, bring higher profits and safer jobsites. It is no surprise that construc- tion companies are trying to attract new workers from this demographic. Matt Rosentreter, Talent Generation Manager at employee-owned construction leader Burns & McDonnell, believes that workers from this pool will bring huge rewards to the industry. “Gen Z is one of the most diverse generations to ever enter the workforce. Their unique perspectives and diverse skill sets will be critical to addressing the upcoming challenges facing the construction industry.” In an effort to tap into this demographic, construction companies have been increasing their outreach to potential workers across career-finding platforms. Reports show that this increase is somewhere in the region of 46%. Incredibly, figures show that this has resulted in a considerable bounce- back effect. According to one online recruiter, there has been a 40% increase in applications to architecture, drafting, and construction management roles over the same time period. Further evidence of this positive development is that the education and training initiatives also seem to be having an impact. According to the most recent data coming from the industry, young professionals are starting to pivot from the tech sector in search of more stable careers. As tech giants Google and Amazon continue to lay off workers, graduates and professionals with top-tier technological skills are being attracted to careers in construction. Applications to tech roles in construction companies has increased by 84% in the past 12 months which is far in excess of the figures across all industries. Alongside the huge increase in infrastructure funding, the adaptation of jobsites to new technology is proving a big draw. These workers are finding that their skills can be put to good use in areas such as integrated project management software, 3D printing, and AI. When we look across all metrics, the construction industry isn’t in a bad place. Most major markers of success are in place and massive projects are continuing to be greenlit on a daily basis. If the industry is to capitalize on this growth however, a shift to attracting young, skilled, workers is vital. By growing its use of technology, the construction industry can become an attractive proposition for Gen Z workers. For those already within the sector, it is important to recognize the benefits that these workers will bring. These workers, having technology as a native language, are the future of a growing and thriving industry. "Gen Z is one of the most diverse generations to ever enter the workforce." | 11 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY FIONA SHERIDAN S uccess is often the reward for those intrepid enough to venture beyond the familiar. While there can be many avenues to the top of an industry, those who dare to showcase their skills, and consistently deliver excellent results, are the ones that triumph. In dynamic industries such as construction, this level of courage is paramount along with a readiness to embrace risk and tackle challenges head-on. With skill and dedication being a prerequisite to survival in this industry, something else is needed for those that want to truly stand out. As those at the top of the con- struction industry can attest to, a willingness to use instinct, experience, and industry knowledge can sometimes present game-changing opportunities. For seasoned construction company Gordon Barr Ltd, an adventurous spirit has been the driving force behind its growth and continued success. Its ability to take informed risks on complex projects, often dismissed or viewed as overly challenging by others, has paved the way for new and exciting opportunities. By embracing this strategy wholeheartedly, Gordon Barr Ltd can not only exhibit confidence in its capabilities, but crucially, it also garners trust from its clients. | 12 SEPTEMBER 2023| 13 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONFrom the serene and natural beauty of Ottawa Valley, Canada, Gordon Barr established a reputation for himself as a skilled plumber and businessman. Despite these peaceful surround- ings and successful beginnings, Barr was drawn to the bus- tling cityscape of Kingston, Ontario, where he ventured with his brother. This move was to prove pivotal as it was here that Barr identified the potential in the previously untapped heavy civil construction market. Despite the risks of starting a new business, Barr saw an opportunity for impact. In 1949, armed with determination and a single piece of equipment, he estab- lished the company. However, the early days were far from smooth. With a lack of resources impacting the company’s ability to acquire the necessary equipment, Gordon Barr Ltd found itself facing up to some significant challenges. How- ever, these early adversaries helped shape the company and laid a strong foundation towards future growth. Fast forward to the present day, Gordon Barr Ltd has trans- formed into a comprehensive excavation company. Maintain- ing its family-owned lineage, the company has gained a wealth of experience over seven decades. Its portfolio includes a range of projects from water and sewer works, to excavation and development undertakings. The company is also adept in managing all aspects of excavation and development projects Call Us: 613-968-9616Call Us: 613-968-9616 CELEBRATING YEARS! A Division of 1059817 Ontario Inc. DELIVERY & SETUP TOTAL SERVICE & MAINTENANCE WASH SCENTS SANITARY PICKUP & REMOVAL | 14 SEPTEMBER 2023G. WILLIAMS PAVING IS A FULL SERVICE ASPHALT PAVING CONTRACTOR SERVING RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS IN KINGSTON AND THE SURROUNDING AREA. E: INFO@WILLIAMSPAVING.CA CALL US FOR A FREE ESTIMATE: 613-546-0472 WILLIAMSPAVING.CAWhether you require blasting or environmental engineering services, Blastek Engineering Group always delivers high quality service with professionalism and trust. Time and time again, we have been praised for our quick response time, working within our client’s budget and schedule to ensure minimum project delays. BLASTEKGROUP.COM BLASTING ENGINEERING PREPOST BUILDING CONDITION SURVEY VIBRATION MONITORING SETTLEMENT MONITORING EXCESS SOIL MANAGEMENT INDOOR AIR QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS DESIGNATED SUBSTANCE SURVEY DEMOLITION AND ASSET RECOVERY MOULD INVESTIGATION ASBESTOS INVESTIGATION 613-383-2503 info@blastekgroup.com Contact us today: regardless of how challenging the environment may be. From its humble beginnings with a single piece of machinery, it has now expanded its fleet to over one hundred pieces of heavy equipment, which impressively includes some of the largest hydraulic rock breakers available. This enables the company to handle projects of any size, from subdivision development to highway construction. To reach such milestones in an industry as challenging and crowded as construction is quite a significant achieve- ment. However, this cannot be done by one person alone. It will therefore come as no surprise to learn that Gordan Barr Ltd is a company that places enormous value on its workforce. The company currently employs around 125 individuals and attributes much of its success to its dedi- cated and highly skilled staff. By creating a nurturing work environment, a culture fostering job satisfaction has devel- oped. For Jeff Brown, the company's Human Resources and Safety Coordinator, the evidence of this can be found in its extraordinarily low staff turnover rate. "A company is only as good as its people. At Gordon Barr Ltd, we take pride in our team and strive to maintain a low turnover rate. Many of our staff members, from laborers to equipment | 16 SEPTEMBER 2023(613) 561-7625 emily@ksas.ca Proud Supplier of Gordon Barr Ltd. and the Kingston Construction Community SAND | STONE | TOPSOIL COMMERCIAL SALES & RENTALS operators, have shown their dedication through decades of service. I cannot stress this enough – you're only as good as your people. Maintaining a stable team is a critical part of our success." Another aspect of any successful business that cannot be overestimated is the reputation it earns across the industry. For Gordan Barr Ltd, this means being known for its superior quality services, experienced staff, and steadfast commit- ment to meeting project deadlines. With years of experience and strong client relationships in the Ontario area, the com- pany now enjoys a level of client trust that, unsurprisingly, has developed into an abundance of repeat business. For Barr, ensuring that the client’s needs are met on schedule has invariably led to strong relationships. "Nowadays, everything is time-sensitive. At Gordon Barr, punctuality and meeting deadlines are the cornerstones of our operations. Our ability to have skilled people on hand to meet those crucial dead- lines is something we take great pride in. You know, we never miss a deadline. Even in the face of challenges, we always find a way to meet customer expectations, and ensure their projects are completed on time. That's why we see so much repeat business." “At Gordon Barr, punctuality and meeting deadlines are the cornerstones of our operations.” KEYESSANDANDSTONE.COMKEYESSANDANDSTONE.COM (613) 561-7625 emily@ksas.ca With a rich history that now stands at over seven decades, Gordon Barr Ltd stands out from its competitors. However, it is reductive to suggest that the company has lasted this long through hard work alone. As the industry has evolved, so too have the challenges faced by Gordan Barr Ltd. The ability to adapt alongside the industry and pivot when necessary has played a huge role in its continued success. With the con- struction market in a constant state of flux, and infrastructure requirements, housing shortages, and skilled labor shortages emerging as the most significant hurdles, Gordon Barr Ltd has once again found it necessary to think outside the box. As Brown explains, the company has recently branched into two divisions: construction and land development. The reason is simple, change management comes with an inherent level of risk. "Anticipating the future and adapting has always been our strategy for growth. Despite economic downturns and industry challenges, diversifying our services has strength- ened our resilience over the years. The owners often say, 'The definition of a business owner is a risk-taker.' They took calculated risks, investing their own equity to build what we have today. Without embracing risk, growth is impossible." 3574 Accommodation Rd., Joyceville, ON K0H1Y0 T: 613-542-4871 | E: sharpelawn@kingston.net Serving Kingston & Eastern Ontario Since 1989! SHARPELAWN.CA Specializing in the supply & installation of TOPSOIL, SOD, HYDROSEEDING, TERRASEEDING AND PLANT MATERIAL With such an illustrious history behind it, it goes without say- ing that Gordon Barr Ltd has a large portfolio of successful construction projects. One of its major accomplishments, for example, involved a massive gas plant project which was valued around $3 billion CAD. As the primary heavy civil contractor on the project, Gordon Barr Ltd had numerous responsibilities, handling everything from site preparation, which included land clearing and foundational work, to intricate pipe work. This project was a local initiative that required the company’s expertise from the beginning right through to completion. More recently, Gordon Barr Ltd has been deeply involved in significant infrastructure upgrades across the region. A key highlight among these was the successful installation of a substantial crossover on the St. Lawrence River in the City of Kingston. This project required an enormous amount of planning, coordination, and technical expertise, ranging from site preparation to foundation and pipe work. It was a considerable challenge, but it provided a crucial link for the community, and served as a shining example of Gordon Barr Ltd.’s capabilities. As it envisions the future, the cornerstone of the company’s growth remains its capacity to diversify and innovate. In line with this forward-thinking and adaptable approach, Gordon Barr Ltd has embraced environmentally-friendly practices. Brown believes that in setting up its own recycling site, the company benefits on several fronts. Not only is it promoting important, sustainable practices, but it has also gained yet another competitive edge by being self-sufficient in sourcing materials. “We have equipment others don't, and we aren't afraid to tread where competitors won't. We're proud of our investment in onsite recycling. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it gives us an enormous competitive advantage. Having our own supply of materials, enables us to be more self-sufficient and ready to take on the future." With a tried and tested formula of calculated risk and a willingness to adapt when needed, you wouldn’t bet against Gordon Barr Ltd sticking around for another few decades yet. | 19 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONNext >