The U.S. construction industry is expected to surge in 2022 – and contractors are eager to hire in order to meet demand.
According to a new report from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Sage, 74% of construction firms expect to increase their headcounts this year following a somewhat stagnant 2021.
The AGC and Sage surveyed more than 1,031 contractors across the U.S., with 22% of firms saying they hope to expand their workforce by 11 to 25% while 47% expect to tack on 10% or less. Five percent of the respondents anticipate to grow their headcount by more than 25%.
“Contractors are, overall, very optimistic about the outlook for the construction industry in 2022,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO. “While contractors face challenges this year, most of those will be centered on the need to keep pace with growing demand for construction projects.”
With companies thirsty to hire, there’s no better time than now to make sure your training and certification are up-to-date, and it surely doesn’t hurt to add to your resume with additional education and certification. Enrolling in OSHA training courses is one way to ensure you’re receiving the latest (and greatest) training available.
OSHA approved online training is available for both entry-level workers and veterans alike. OSHA online training, such as the OSHA 30-Hour Construction training course, is designed to give foremen, supervisors, superintendents, competent persons, safety staff, safety committee members and others with responsibility for workplace safety, knowledge about the basic OSHA health and safety regulations affecting construction workplaces.
For in-person learning, there are OSHA training courses like the OSHA 10 construction course, while will provide students the knowledge and understanding of job-related safety and health hazards. Upon completion, students will know how to recognize, prevent and avoid these hazards.
Whether completing OSHA courses online or in-person, continuing your education is a surefire way to show companies you are committed and dedicated – and that’s something employers value. After all, 2021 wasn’t a cakewalk, but as we march into 2022, and optimism abounds, a ‘best foot forward’ approach will put you at the head of the line.
PHOTO credit: Paul Hennessy via Reuters Connect
