The construction materials industry possesses a wealth of information and experience. These traits – and the people who possess them – are perhaps the greatest assets the industry has to offer.
That knowledge exists across the industry. It spans national, publicly traded producers to the one-person operations moving from site to site, wherever the next job takes them. Each person brings experience that is uniquely their own, and that’s what makes that collective knowledge so valuable.
No one gains this knowledge overnight. And it certainly isn’t found in any manual or training video. People gain it by working difficult jobs, handling unexpected setbacks and navigating the day-to-day demands of keeping material moving.
As longtime employees leave the industry, companies face the possibility of losing invaluable knowledge that took decades to build. And while a company can replace a position, it’s not always as easy to replace the judgment and insights an industry veteran brings.
That’s why, right now, mentorship is more important than ever.
Experienced employees should have – and take – the opportunity to teach newer employees. New and prospective employees, meanwhile, should make the most of every chance to learn.
It doesn’t need to be complicated. A veteran employee can make a lasting impact simply by explaining a task or sharing lessons from a job with a younger employee.
Spreading the word
As beneficial as mentorship is, it’s only a part of the equation. The next generation also needs to know that the construction materials industry is 1) an option for them and 2) an attractive one at that.
Too many young people likely have little idea what the construction materials industry offers – or that it exists at all. Lord knows I was blithely unaware of it back when I was in high school and college. They may see a quarry, a portable plant or a recycling operation from the road, but they don’t see the careers behind it.
They don’t see the operator keeping a plant productive, or the technician who solves a problem in the field. They may not realize there are opportunities for mechanics, electricians, engineers, safety professionals and countless other roles. Nor do they see the technology, teamwork and problem-solving that makes these careers rewarding.
This industry, and the people in it, have a story worth telling. It isn’t going to tell itself, though. We need to get in front of young people and show them why this is an industry worth building a career in.
The next generation isn’t going to discover this industry by accident. It needs an invitation.
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