Construction

Collaborating with industry stakeholders to address regional workforce needs.

15,000

15,000

new jobs expected in the next 10 years

Construction Is EssentialExpandingin High Demand

The demand for skilled tradespeople is rapidly increasing due to current and future building trends, both public and private. However, one-fifth of the region’s construction workforce is nearing retirement, and more than 40% of current workers are 45 years or older. With construction careers outpacing other industries in the region, and contractors searching to fill positions, collaboration is essential to address the industry’s training and workforce needs and seize the opportunity to develop a supply of locally trained workers.

Construction Crane over New Buildings and Trees

2023 Regional Industry Facts

Average Wage:

$105,525

Number of Jobs:

51,625

Number of Firms:

5,429

5 Year Job Growth:

8%

Top 5 employers:

Primary Occupations

Carpenters

Jobs:  6,925

Avg. Hourly Wage $31.82 

Construction Laborers

Jobs:  5,529 

Avg. Hourly Wage $24.41

Electricians

Jobs:  4,594

Avg. Hourly Wage $47.24

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Jobs:  2,563 

Avg. Hourly Wage $41.17

Training Pathways:

Supporting Growth & Success

The Portland-Vancouver Metro Area’s construction industry is thriving, adding over 19,800 jobs since 2015—the most of any sector—with a 33% growth rate. With 14,325 more high-paying jobs projected by 2032 and many workers nearing retirement, the demand for skilled labor is urgent. Worksystems, along with our partners at the Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative, have developed a Construction Workforce Plan to meet the unique needs of our region. The plan aims to:

  • Connect youth to jobs, training, and apprenticeship opportunities

  • Break down barriers and enhance access to the construction industry

  • Improve retention of existing apprentices and workers

  • Connect “career changers” to jobs, training, and career opportunities

Construction Industry Panel

The Construction Industry Panel is made up of key stakeholders across the Construction Industry including Unions, Trade Associations, Apprenticeship Committees, General Contractors, Pre-Apprenticeships, Public Owners and BOLI to name a few. The Industry Panel provides valuable insights into the region’s construction sector forecast, both long and short term, to best position Worksystems’ strategy. They are also an integral part of the Construction Sector Workforce Plan.

Community Construction Training Program

Worksystems’ Community Construction Training Program (CCTP) aims to connect job seekers to construction careers by investing in BOLI-Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs. These programs expand the pool of qualified candidates equipped with the skills needed to succeed and stay in Registered Apprenticeships.

Worksystems’ funding currently supports Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs with:

Since July 1, 2024:

141

individuals joined our partners’ pre-apprenticeship programs

They’ve achieved a

94%

completion rate

32%

identify as female 

65%

identify as BIPOC

14%

identify as both BIPOC and Female

More than

1/3

of graduates have transitioned to Registered Apprenticeships or similar construction careers

The Construction Career Pathways Funder Collaborative meets monthly with Worksystems to review CCTP program outcomes and explore new investment strategies to advance goals. Additionally, we are active members of the Metropolitan Alliance for Workforce Equity (MAWE), which oversees regional efforts to ensure the inclusion of minorities and women in city-owned construction projects. 

  • Department of Labor
  • Metro
  • Prosper Portland
  • Multnomah County
  • Washington County
  • City of Portland
  • TriMet
  • Urban League of Portland
  • Central City Concern
  • Laborers Community Services Agency

Employer Champions