Issue link: https://mastery.commandalkon.com/i/1440159
13 | Embark Danny Garcia In the asphalt industry, each piece of the supply chain puzzle must do its part to make sure that when a paving job starts, it comes in at or below budget, and that the environmental impact of the operation is low. However, like most markets in the heavy building materials industry, asphalt producers face a range of challenges that are exacerbated by a shrinking workforce. Sandy Lender, Editor at AsphaltPro magazine, and Dan Bauman, Asphalt Operations at Glenn O Hawbaker, shared their insight into what the asphalt market is facing. The Workforce is Aging Out The shortage of skilled tradespeople is a nationwide dilemma, and it's become particularly difficult for asphalt producers and contractors to recruit and retain sufficient labor to meet productivity demands and quality standards." We're only operating at 60% of what our capacity is; the Infrastructure Bill is investment we have never seen before, but we have enough equipment and facilities to get it done," said Dan. "However, we need new talent to be able to deliver on the lofty goals of the legislation." "One of the ways that we can recruit new talent into the industry is by speaking with high school students," said Sandy. "Part of the issue is that students are taught that the only way to be successful is by going to college, when in reality there are other opportunities in this industry that pay well and deliver instant gratification at the end of the day." Once new talent can be recruited, they have to be trained. Attitude is part of what makes someone successful, but they also have to know what they are doing. "Knowledge transfer in this industry isn't something that can be done remote," said Dan. "There's not enough volume of future generations to replace the Baby Boomer generation that is retiring or making plans to retire, but one way to combat this is to bring these retirees back to help train the new crew part-time." Another way to persuade more workers to join the industry? Show them the money. Wages need to increase to make the asphalt space a desirable field to enter. A Asphalt Perspective Key challenges and trends for asphalt producers. Asphalt Perspective.