The construction industry could be facing a management crisis as legacy leaders in the industry are closing the page on decades-long careers. The National Center for Construction Education & Research predicts that approximately 41 percent of the current construction industry workforce will retire by 2031. This exodus of baby boomers will leave a significant gap in leadership that construction companies must address immediately. Associated Builders and Contractors of Nevada is addressing the construction industry’s leadership gap by preparing the next generation of leaders through its Leadership Institute.
As part of ABC Nevada’s Leadership Institute, the ABC Nevada Rising Leaders Training Camp is a four-month specialized program designed for current and emerging construction professionals. Through four full-day interactive training sessions, participants gain practical leadership skills with a strong emphasis on real-world application. The program uses leadership theory and sports-inspired coaching to build self-awareness, promote accountability and strengthen team collaboration.
Leading Vegas business owners including Donnie Gibson, president of Civil Werx, who said he was initially unsure about the value of sending his employees to the Rising Leaders Training program quickly noticed a meaningful improvement in their performance. Others said the program fosters a deeper understanding of the job site as a shared environment, where success depends on coordination among everyone from the architect to the laborer.
The impact is clear. Companies like Martin-Harris continue to invest in the program because they see strong results. Supervisors say their teams return from the sessions with renewed energy and sharper leadership instincts. Team members tackle problems more collaboratively and take ownership of their roles with a stronger sense of purpose.
Managers from Cobblestone Construction report excitement about developing their leadership skills, sharing the experience as both inspirational and validating. Many feel more comfortable exercising vulnerability and leading with empathy and clarity.
Investing in the ABC Nevada Rising Leaders program is a smart move for any company looking to grow from within. It shows employees that you believe in their potential, while also preparing them to step up as strong leaders who can guide teams to success. By building trust, communication and collaboration, this program sets the stage for future leaders who will help the company thrive in the years to come.
As the construction industry prepares for a massive transition, programs like ABC Nevada’s are more essential than ever. It is not just an investment in individual leaders, it’s an investment in the industry’s future. As companies capitalize on their employees’ leadership potential, they are showing faith in their current skill sets and encouraging them to become better versions of themselves.
By promoting a new generation with essential skills through programs like Rising Leaders, ABC Nevada’s Leadership Institute ensures that the construction workforce will continue to thrive, even as the industry undergoes significant changes. Companies looking to avoid the shortfall should look to internal talent and invest in developing a workforce with leadership skills that align with the evolving management landscape.
Stacey Hine, M.Ed., is director of professional programs and initiatives at ABC Nevada.