The Strength of Our Industry Lies in the Strength of Our Workforce
By Evan Bender, NSSGA
The aggregates industry faces a historic workforce shortage, as operators experience increasing challenges in recruiting and retaining the aggregates workforce of tomorrow. The demand for construction materials remains strong, driven by infrastructure projects and urban expansion. Yet, the industry is grappling with a skills gap exacerbated by retirement, a shrinking labor pool and changing workforce expectations.
A significant generational shift is one of the most pressing challenges in the aggregates sector. Many industry veterans are retiring, taking with them decades of knowledge and experience that cannot be easily replaced. While companies are investing in training programs to onboard new talent, the fast-paced nature of the industry often means that new hires lack critical hands-on experience.
Since 2021, NSSGA has been working with members to bridge that gap through our Workforce Development Task Force, which is responsible for creating materials to assist NSSGA members in attracting and recruiting a skilled workforce. Comprised of several small teams, the task force is diligently working on gathering materials to support members in organizing tours, participating in career fairs and supplying educational resources to teachers. These resources include PowerPoints, lesson plans and activities designed to educate K-12 students and adult learners about the aggregates industry.
One small team of the workforce development task force has been tasked with creating resources to educate teachers, career counselors, job placement organizations, veterans/military organizations and other potential employment pools. The team has developed a webpage that provides an overview of aggregates, jobs and career pathways, education requirements, benefits of working in the industry, average pay and quarry locations in the United States. The team has also created fact sheets about individual jobs that include details about what workers can expect from individual jobs in aggregates and career paths.
The M&S division recently decided to create a Workforce Development Subcommittee. The subcommittee voted to make its first project a "Day in the Life" six-video series showcasing six career tracks available in the aggregates industry. NSSGA has hired a videographer (and M&S member) who previously collaborated with NSSGA on the Preventing Serious Injuries and Fatalities series with the Health and Safety Committee. The small project team, which includes both M&S and producer members, has had multiple meetings to discuss project goals, share the vision for the videos and select the job tracks and filming locations. The targeted deadline for completion is March 2025, so videos can be shared with membership during NSSGA’s Annual Convention in St. Louis.
Ultimately, incorporating education about the industry into academic curricula will help ensure a strong workforce for the future. That is why NSSGA has been fighting to reinvigorate and modernize career and technical education programs at the nation’s high schools and colleges that prepare students for existing, in-demand jobs. Another critical legislative initiative is the Mining Schools Act, which, if enacted, could provide scholarships to prospective students who wish to enroll in a program that increases the use of data analytics and machine learning to optimize mining production. These innovative programs will grow the talent pool for the next generation of miners and help drive key innovations that improve safety and sustainability.
The bottom line is that we must address both the short- and long-term needs of the industry. We can attract people today by reaching out to new talent pools and providing resources and information about our industry. By increasing awareness and educational opportunities for high schoolers, we will reap the benefits in a few years. Finally, by tapping into K-12 education and teaching children about aggregates when they’re young, we can sustain our workforce in the future.
A unified approach among industry professionals can lead to meaningful change as we navigate workforce development challenges. From improving recruitment strategies to fostering a culture of innovation, continuous investment in talent development is essential. Only by working together can we create an environment that attracts the next generation of skilled workers and ensures the ongoing success of the aggregates sector.
Looking to the future, it’s clear that addressing these challenges head-on will secure the industry for years to come and strengthen our local economies and communities that rely on the essential materials we provide. The strength of our industry lies in the strength of our workforce. NSSGA will continue working with our members to connect the dots and advocate for solutions to these workforce challenges.
If you would like more information about NSSGA’s Workforce Development Task Force or if you would like to join, please contact Evan Bender.
Originally published in the Jan./Feb. 2025 Stone, Sand & Gravel Review.