Has anyone noticed the asphalt industry workforce is getting older? According to the career site Zippia, 47% of the workers in the asphalt industry are over 40, and only 25% are between 20 and 30 years old. The average age for the entire construction industry is 41. The Virginia Asphalt Association office reflects the industry we represent: 80% of the staff are over 50, and—well, we will not discuss our average age. For nearly a decade, our association and the entire asphalt industry have asked a seemingly simple question: where are the workers? In Matthew 9:37, Jesus tells his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” While not an apples-to-apples analogy, the same applies to construction work across the United States. What is plentiful is funding. Virginia Legislators and Governors have secured and increased funding for transportation since 2013. While the federal gas tax has not moved since 1993, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) added more federal funds, allowing VDOT to cover the inflationary costs while keeping the program pace steady. Although this is not the case in all states, the funding potential is plentiful in Virginia. So, why are the workers few? For one, the housing recession of 2008 had a significant impact on workers. Plumbers, carpenters, and electricians found other work and never returned to their original trade. Most residential and commercial development stopped in its tracks, and in various parts of the state the building of roads and parking lots did as well. Over the last five years, the growth in other employment sectors, such as e-commerce and warehousing, has enticed employees away from construction. At the same time, the birth rate and legal immigration rate have declined in the U.S. This has created challenges for construction and was part of the impetus to establish the Virginia Infrastructure Academy in partnership with the Virginia Community College System. PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Where Are the Workers? Trenton M. Clark, PE, President, Virginia Asphalt Association This industry has a wonderful story that few know. There are so many career opportunities. Workers make more than a living wage. Their crew becomes their family. Yet, the days of people beating on the contractor’s doors to get a job are gone. Today’s workforce is different from 30 years ago. Salary is essential, as is personal and family time, not to mention the conditions of the work environment. As you’ll read from David White, site safety is paramount. What does the future workforce look like? How will technology play a role? Will it require a blend of properly trained laborers working with highly skilled equipment operators utilizing technology to provide quality asphalt pavements cost-effectively? How do we reach a new workforce, and how long will it take? It sure won’t happen overnight. However, by working with equipment manufacturers, trade schools, community colleges, and companies willing to take the bold steps required to make this transition, the future is closer than we think and brighter than we can imagine. Stay Safe. Today’s workforce is different from 30 years ago. Salary is essential, as is personal and family time, not to mention the conditions of the work environment. As you’ll read from David White, site safety is paramount. 08 SPRING/SUMMER 2024
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