Across the country, the construction industry is facing a shifting labor landscape. Recent projections show that workforce demand may not be as great as previously expected, but that doesn’t mean the need for skilled trades is going away.
In fact, for communities like ours, the role of local tradespeople may become even more important in the years ahead.
The Labor Gap Is Shrinking — But the Need for Skilled Workers Remains
Recent industry estimates suggest construction will need roughly 350,000 additional workers in 2026 to meet demand. That’s lower than the half-million workers projected in previous years.
However, economists caution that the outlook could change quickly.
According to construction economist Anirban Basu, published in a recent article by ConstructionDive the forecast could prove conservative if economic conditions shift.
“Project financing costs decline unexpectedly or if lingering policy uncertainty resolves itself quickly and favorably,” Basu said demand could increase beyond current projections.
In other words, if borrowing costs fall or policy uncertainty improves, construction activity could accelerate and demand for workers could rise again.
Some Sectors of Construction Are Already Hiring
Even with mixed economic signals, parts of the industry are still expanding their workforce.
“Nonresidential specialty trade contractors have added 95,000 jobs since August 2024, demonstrating that certain sectors of nonresidential construction hiring are going strong,” Basu said.
That growth reflects ongoing investments in infrastructure, commercial development, and emerging industries.
Retirement Is Driving Much of the Labor Demand
One of the biggest challenges facing the construction workforce is demographic.
Many experienced tradespeople are approaching retirement, creating a gap that younger workers will need to fill.
“Given current assumptions regarding prospective industry growth, a majority of new worker demand in 2026 will be attributable to retirement rather than increased demand for construction services,” Basu said.
For communities across the Cape Fear region, this reality matters. The experienced electricians, framers, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and carpenters who helped build our neighborhoods and infrastructure are gradually stepping away from the workforce.
That creates both a challenge and an opportunity.
A Generational Shift in the Skilled Trades
The construction industry has long faced an aging workforce. The median construction worker is closer to retirement age than the broader U.S. labor force.
But there is some encouraging news.
Research from the National Association of Home Builders shows that Gen Z workers are increasingly entering construction careers, helping to replenish the pipeline of skilled labor.
For younger residents across Wilmington and surrounding communities, the trades offer:
- Strong earning potential
- Hands-on careers that build real communities
- Opportunities to start businesses
- Less student debt compared to many traditional college paths
Policy and Immigration Remain Uncertain Factors
Labor availability may also depend on broader economic and policy conditions.
Basu noted that immigration policy could act as a “potential wildcard for the industry’s labor force dynamics.”
Recent data indicates that:
- The flow of undocumented workers entering the country fell sharply in 2025
- Voluntary deportations increased, potentially affecting workforce participation in construction
These shifts could further tighten labor availability across the industry.
The Impact on Growing Communities Like the Cape Fear Region
The Cape Fear region continues to grow as more families and businesses relocate to coastal North Carolina.
But growth requires the skilled professionals who build the homes, roads, schools, and infrastructure that support our communities.
In fact, building a single home can involve more than 24 different subcontractors, each bringing specialized expertise to the project. CFTA Website Content
From framing crews and electricians to plumbers, HVAC technicians, roofers, and finish carpenters, local tradespeople are the foundation of the region’s progress.
Now Is the Time to Strengthen the Workforce Pipeline
Industry leaders say the construction sector must take proactive steps to address the workforce challenge.
As ABC President and CEO Mike Bellaman put it:
“The construction industry does not have to fall off the workforce shortage cliff. To avoid this outcome and shore up the talent pipeline, now is the time for action—not complacency—to reaffirm that the construction industry offers careers of choice in today’s complex job market.”
That message applies directly to communities like ours.
Encouraging young people to pursue careers in the skilled trades, supporting local training programs, and recognizing the value tradespeople bring to our communities will help ensure the Cape Fear region continues to grow in a sustainable way.
Supporting Local Trades Supports Our Community
The homes we live in, the schools our children attend, and the infrastructure that supports our economy are all built by skilled trades professionals.
Supporting local trades means supporting the future of New Handover, Brunswick, and Pender County, and the entire Cape Fear region.
When the trades thrive, our communities thrive.