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August 29, 2024 In Blog

Pathways to Success: Careers in Delaware’s Construction Industry

By: Guest Contributor, Edward Capodanno, President, Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware

Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware Chapter is an organization that represents the Construction Industry – a lifeblood of Delaware’s economy and one that for years has driven economic growth in the state and nationally. The industry provides a direct pathway to personal prosperity and the ability to earn a high-quality living without the burden of excessive college debt.

This is a message our association and our members try to communicate daily.  We feel that, when effectively communicated, it inspires individuals and their families to be even more focused on their opportunities for future success.

Nationally, the average age of a construction worker is 47 and for every five people leaving our industry, just one is entering.  At this rate, and over the next three years, the shortage of new workers could stall Delaware’s economic engine that is now restarting.

As an improving economy, supported a renewed focus on thoughtful economic development creates new opportunities in Delaware, the need for well-trained, certified, skilled workers become more important.

The opportunities that are available to new workers entering the industry is immense.  The following careers and numbers shown below are average annual salaries and do not include overtime, company incentives or benefits:

Boilermakers – $58,856

Carpenter – $54,157

Electrician – $57,741

Heavy Equipment Operator – $61,091

HVAC Technician- $42,026

Plumber – $51,830

Mason – $54,860

Pipefitter – $59,558

All of these opportunities and more are available to Delawareans who are willing to make a career commitment to the industry. This is truly a pathway to a good life and the opportunity to begin a career without the burden of debt.

A quick look at industry statistics, updated quarterly, shows that in Delaware alone there are over 10,000 positions awaiting workers representing more than 20 skilled trades. While antiquated regulations and land use restrictions are factors in the shortage of affordable housing in Delaware, this lack of capable and skilled trades workers has more of an impact than other causes. And, as the crisis grows, affordable housing is an issue that is getting more attention by policymakers.

ABC Delaware stands committed to developing the construction workforce of tomorrow.  In fact, we, along with a broader group of interested leaders, are meeting regularly with Delaware educational leadership to help shape a new direction, redefine curriculum, and build a digital campaign designed to help Delaware students and their parents better understand the multitude of opportunities provided by the construction industry.

Edward J. Capodanno has served as President of Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware Chapter and the Construction Education Foundation of Delaware since 1993. Ed also serves on a number of governmental task forces, including the Delaware Workforce Investment Board, and Governor’s Workers’ Compensation Oversight Panel. He previously served on the Governor’s Procurement Council, the Governor’s Prevailing Wage task force, the Department of Education School Construction Committee, Delaware Blue Collar Jobs task force and the New Castle County Vocational School District mentoring program. He has received numerous community and civic awards and recognition for his service.