Contractors have become resourceful regarding recruitment, now turning to college students to fill the ranks of internships and more permanent positions. According to a Handshake, a platform focused on college students searching for careers, outreach from construction employers to students has increased 46% over the past year.

Consequently, applications for architecture, drafting and construction management positions have increased more than 40% on the site, while engineering internships at construction companies are up 12%.

Hiring more early career tech talent could revolutionize the construction industry, which has been slow to adopt technological advances such as integrated project management software, 3D printing and augmented reality, despite the fact that such tech solutions could enhance efficiency and improve safety. Because Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) grew up with technology, they bring a familiarity and comfort level with it to the construction industry.

Gen Z workers also bring a fresh perspective, which is one reason many employers welcome them.

“We’re seeing an increased need for different backgrounds on projects,” said Matt Rosentreter, talent generation manager with Burns & McDonnell, an architecture and construction firm based in Kansas City, Mo. “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.”

He believes that a younger pool of talent with finance, business analytics, virtual design and computer science will introduce new ideas that create opportunities.

 An influx of Gen Z workers can also help the industry address the long-standing challenge of diversity. Some federal government contracts require construction companies to demonstrate that they’re creating opportunities for women, people of color and other underrepresented groups. However, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, in 2022, only 10.9% of construction employees were women, 6.7% were Black and 2.1% were Asian. Contrast that with 36% of recent Handshake construction job applications by women and 60% by students of color.

 While early talent brings a lot to the table that can benefit the construction trades beyond merely filling vacant positions, employers also offer many attractions for young professionals seeking employment. Some of the reasons boosting students’ pivot to the construction field include employment stability, high wages and layoffs by major tech firms.