The data center boom isn’t just reshaping the digital world. It’s redefining the physical one too. What started as a quiet revolution in infrastructure has exploded into one of the fastest-growing sectors in construction. But this next wave isn’t just about racks and cooling systems. It’s about rising cities, rapid timelines, and the surge in demand for a skilled, flexible workforce. As digital infrastructure expands at lightning speed, the construction industry must adapt just as quickly to meet the challenge.

Under the bright lights of the 2025 NRCA International Roofing Expo, six elite teams stepped onto the stage, each fighting for the top spot. After months of rigorous preparation, only one could claim victory.

Texas A&M’s Old Army Roofing Team rose to the challenge, securing 1st place in the prestigious Roofing Alliance Competition, a testament to their dedication, skill, and teamwork. This win wasn’t just about the competition; it was the result of months of hard work, expert mentorship, and unwavering support from industry leaders like King of Texas Roofing Company and Texas A&M’s dedicated faculty. Let’s take a closer look at the journey that led them to this incredible achievement.

On a busy construction site, a foreman checks his clipboard, flipping through pages of handwritten timecards. Workers line up, reporting their hours while the sun sets behind half-finished structures. By the time payroll processes the data, errors have already piled up, missing hours, miscalculations, and costly overtime disputes.

This outdated timekeeping process is more than an inconvenience, it’s a major factor in project delays and budget overruns. According to McKinsey & Company, construction projects run 20% longer than scheduled and up to 80% over budget, often due to inefficient productivity tracking. But what if timekeeping wasn’t a burden? What if real-time tracking could eliminate manual errors, improve efficiency, and give project managers the insights they need to stay ahead?

Starr Electric Company, SEC, a trusted electrical contractor serving the Carolinas and beyond since 1928, continues to set the standard for excellence. Guided by their mission, “We exist to energize people who bring buildings and communities to life”, SEC embodies core values of family, integrity, relationships, and quality in every project they undertake. Their unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve is evident in both their work and their dedication to helping others.

This past year, SEC received two ABC Carolinas Excellence in Construction, EIC, Awards for their outstanding contributions to the CaroMont Regional Medical Center project in Charlotte, North Carolina. These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in construction, craftsmanship, diversity, and safety, further cementing SEC’s reputation as an industry leader.

Over 70% of construction companies have adopted at least one new technology in the past year, revolutionizing the way projects are planned, executed, and managed. As technology becomes an integral part of the industry, workforce management teams are tasked with ensuring both full-time and temporary workers are trained and up to speed on the latest advancements. While some companies seamlessly adapt, others may need a bit more guidance. Let’s explore best practices and solutions to help bridge the gap and make technology integration smoother for all.

The National Association of Home Builders, NAHB, reports that 80% of construction firms face challenges in finding skilled workers, highlighting the critical role of temporary labor in maintaining a compliant workforce. One of the most effective ways to meet these demands is through a diverse temporary skilled workforce.

 By integrating a broad range of experiences, backgrounds, and expertise, businesses and workers benefit from the flexibility, commitment, and dedication this model provides.  Especially when it comes to labor and safety compliance for the critical roles your project needs.

In construction, staying on budget and tracking project progress in real time is essential for success. That’s where Work in Progress, WIP, reporting comes in. By monitoring financial health and project status, WIP ensures contractors avoid billing mistakes, manage resources effectively, and maintain profitability.

With a 54% turnover rate with the skilled workforce (Associated Builders and Contractors, 2023), construction companies face ongoing challenges in maintaining a stable and reliable labor force. High turnover impacts productivity, safety, efficiency, and long-term industry sustainability, making retention a critical priority. Addressing this issue requires strategic workforce planning, and skilled temporary labor can play a key role in bridging gaps, ensuring project continuity, and strengthening team efficiency. Let’s explore how leveraging temporary skilled labor can transform this challenge into a competitive advantage.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, skilled trades jobs are projected to grow by 10% over the next decade, creating over 3 million job openings across multiple industries. From construction and electrical work to HVAC and welding, skilled labor is the backbone of urban development and infrastructure expansion.

Telecommunications, or telecom, refers to the technology and infrastructure that enable communication over distances. This includes everything from phone lines and fiber optic cables to cellular towers and satellite systems. In an increasingly connected world, the demand for robust and efficient telecom networks is greater than ever. However, building and maintaining this infrastructure is no small task. From the initial installation of hardware to ongoing upgrades and repairs, the telecom sector relies heavily on a skilled and adaptable workforce. Temporary labor plays a critical role in ensuring these projects are executed efficiently and on time.

The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing sectors serve as the backbone of modern construction. From intricate HVAC systems to advanced electrical grids and plumbing installations, MEP+ ensures every structure's functionality, safety, and sustainability. These systems are vital to building performance and the comfort and efficiency of the people and organizations who rely on them. Skilled temporary labor in this sector is indispensable, offering flexibility and scalability for contractors navigating tight project deadlines and fluctuating demands. The importance of these workers cannot be overstated, as these individuals directly impact the success of every project they touch.

In the fast-moving industry, staying compliant with prevailing wage laws is essential for success. These laws, designed to ensure fair compensation for workers on public projects, present both opportunities and challenges for operations and financial teams, particularly when managing a temporary labor workforce. Navigating these complexities effectively is not only critical for legal compliance but also for maintaining financial stability and operational efficiency.

What Are Prevailing Wage Laws and Why They Matter

Prevailing wage laws establish a minimum hourly wage and benefits rate for workers on federally funded or assisted construction projects. These rates, determined by the Department of Labor, are based on local wage surveys and set a compensation standard for specific geographic areas. For companies, compliance with these laws helps mitigate penalties, maintain contract eligibility, and ensure the fair treatment of their workforce

Worker safety has always been a cornerstone of sustainable business practices, particularly in construction, where hazards are prevalent. In 2024, advancements in compliance monitoring and verification systems are revolutionizing workplace safety. These systems provide enhanced oversight and ensure adherence to regulatory standards, significantly reducing workplace accidents and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

The pandemic reshaped our world in countless ways, but one of its most transformative impacts has been the renewed focus on healthcare. As communities continue to grow and heal, the demand for innovative, patient-centered medical facilities has soared. From state-of-the-art hospitals to welcoming outpatient centers, the healthcare construction boom is paving the way for a brighter future. Behind this progress lies a skilled and adaptable workforce, driving change and building spaces where lives are saved, and futures are made.

Have you ever wondered where your Google searches, social media posts, and cloud-stored files live once they leave your device? Meet the data center, a sprawling, technology-filled warehouse that powers the digital world. These facilities store, process, and secure vast amounts of data, ensuring seamless connectivity and performance for the apps and services we rely on daily.

Building and maintaining these sophisticated hubs require meticulous planning and execution, with checks and balances to ensure safety, reliability, and performance. This complexity drives a booming demand for temporary skilled labor essential to data center construction and operational phases.

National Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on the transformative power of apprenticeship programs, which provide individuals with a direct pathway to meaningful, sustainable careers. These programs have become essential to workforce development, combining hands-on experience, mentorship, and industry-relevant training. 

Let’s explore how apprenticeships are shaping career success and why they might be the perfect fit for you.

The construction industry is doubling down on safety and compliance. A big part of this progress comes from training and certifications, which empower workers to handle risks while fostering a culture of safety.

One key player in this movement is NFPA 70E, a gold-standard guideline for electrical safety. This standard provides a framework for protecting workers from electrical hazards like arc flashes and shocks. By integrating training courses and education into practices, companies ensure workers are equipped with the tools and knowledge to handle high-risk tasks safely.

Everywhere we turn, technology is advancing, reshaping industries, and opening doors to innovation, and construction is no exception. Once seen as a purely physical field, the construction industry now thrives with the support of cutting-edge technology that enhances efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Last week, we had the privilege of supporting our partners at TDIndustries, TDI, during their annual Bent Iron Golf Tournament. Through this event, they are championing a critical cause by supporting the Construction Education Foundation, CEF. Together, we are building the next generation of skilled professionals ready to drive the construction industry forward.

With Careers in Construction Month upon us, it’s the perfect time to examine what it takes to advance in this industry. Behind the physical structures lies a roadmap to personal and professional growth, one that’s filled with purpose, progression, and limitless potential. Here’s a strategic look at the steps that help professionals in construction rise from entry-level roles to influential leadership positions in construction.