CIRT Breakfast Meeting Highlights Construction Inclusion Week and Workforce Development
CIRT Breakfast Meeting Highlights Construction Inclusion Week and Workforce Development
The recent Construction Industry Round Table Breakfast Meeting featured Rodney Pope from Turner Construction Company, emphasizing the importance of workforce development during Construction Inclusion Week.
At the recent Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) Breakfast Meeting, Rodney Pope from Turner Construction Company addressed critical issues surrounding workforce development in the construction industry. As a founding member of Construction Inclusion Week (CIW), Turner Construction Company has been a leader in promoting initiatives that enhance workforce engagement across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. Launched in 2020 alongside industry leaders such as Mortenson, McCarthy Building Companies, Clark Construction Group, Gilbane Building Company, and DPR Construction, CIW has seen participation from more than 3,000 companies, with expectations for even greater involvement this year.
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During his address, Pope highlighted one of the industry's most significant challenges: the shortage of skilled labor. "One of our biggest obstacles is the shortage in labor, with the demand for craftspeople at its highest: engineers, managers, far exceeding the available talent of openings," he said. This labor shortage underscores the urgency of CIW's mission to create awareness and promote pathways into the construction industry. Pope emphasized the need for collective action to address this challenge, urging industry leaders to focus on recruitment and retention strategies that foster a sense of belonging.
Pope elaborated on the importance of creating welcoming environments within the industry. "Recruitment is just the beginning. Retention depends on how we treat these people when they come to our jobs, when they come to our offices," he explained.
"One of our biggest obstacles is the shortage in labor, with the demand for craftspeople at its highest: engineers, managers, far exceeding the available talent of openings,"
— Rodney Pope, Turner Construction Company, Co-chair for Construction Inclusion Week 2025
Pope further stressed that fostering a workplace where individuals feel respected and valued is crucial for retaining talent. "If we do that, they will stay. They will grow. They will contribute to the needs of our industry," he added, highlighting the long-term benefits of a well-supported workforce.
Looking ahead, Pope called for a broader approach to meet workforce demands. "It requires us to look beyond traditional recruitment channels and actively welcome people from everywhere," he said, mentioning students, military veterans, and individuals from various communities as potential candidates. He concluded with a powerful message about the construction industry's potential to transform lives: "If we get out there and we show them what they can be, that construction is an immediate highway to the middle class, we can make a difference." As Construction Inclusion Week approaches, the insights shared by Pope serve as a reminder of the industry's commitment to enhancing workforce development.
About the CIRT
The Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) is a nonprofit organization that brings together leaders from the construction industry to address key issues and promote best practices. CIRT focuses on enhancing the industry's performance through collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit their website at cirt.org.
