The September issue of Portable Plants is our annual Buyers’ Guide, which will provide a wealth of information on the equipment you seek and where to get it.
While many producers and contractors came into this year with significant capex budgets to replace or rebuild equipment, we’re well aware by now that some of those plans went by the wayside, as nothing has gone according to plan in 2020.
Fortunately, the overarching sentiment we hear from those in the industry is that 2020 – despite its obvious challenges and daily curveballs – has actually turned out to be a pretty good year. While 2020 is not quite through, there’s still time to make the most of a challenging year and prepare for what could be coming in 2021.
Adjusting and adapting
As the old adage goes, life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it.
Earlier this summer, I had a conversation with a Minnesota-based contractor who connected the dots of optimism between where the industry currently is and where it wants to be going forward. Not only was his company “busier than ever” in terms of projects and workload, but it was also finding creative ways to plug what has a been a long-term hole for the industry: labor.
While millions of Americans being out of work and/or unable to perform their regular jobs is certainly disheartening, this Minnesota contractor instead saw an opportunity.
For an industry that has so long felt the pressure of a shrinking labor pool, suddenly the pool is full and overflowing with those looking for work. As this contractor explained, why not give the construction and mining industries a try?
With so many jobs these days requiring specific education or experience requirements, it’s true that shifting jobs and careers overnight is not only lofty, but perhaps impractical. If you’re looking for a career in construction or a related industry, though, a willingness to learn and a proven work ethic will likely get you in the door.
If your company struggles to find the right employees, don’t forget that the pool of those looking for work is as full as it’s been in a while.
After all, life is all about timing and opportunity. The timing is right to introduce our industry to a whole new population of workers. Now, it’s on you to provide the opportunity.