Report: Revitalizing US Workforce Development System Remains a Critical Need
The United States’ workforce development system continues to require change to address shortages in the construction industry, according to a 2026 update of the acclaimed research report, “Restoring the Dignity of Work.”
Originally published in 2018, the updated report includes new data and current market indicators. The updates reaffirm core findings of the original report: intentional and coordinated action is needed to overcome modern workforce challenges.
According to the report, these challenges are not “temporary fluctuations,” but the result of “long-term structural misalignment between education systems, labor market realities, and societal perceptions of work.”
The report proposes a series of short- and long-term policies that can be implemented across industry, education and government to improve alignment and better support the skilled trades, including:
- Establish and strengthen career awareness and education opportunities
- Revitalize work-based learning programs
- Measure performance and involvement in workforce development when awarding construction contracts
- Redefine measurement of quality in secondary education
- Increase the participation of underrepresented groups in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
- Establish and expand collaboration between industry, education, and government
- Develop a more balanced funding model between postsecondary CTE programs and higher education
“Restoring the Dignity of Work” was originally published through collaboration between the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and the Construction Industry Institute (CII) Research Team 335. The 2026 update was led by NCCER, with guidance from CII and members of the original research team.
To read the 2026 report, click here.