It’s Not All Hard Work And Dirt

Construction is booming in both the housing and infrastructure sectors, yet there is a massive workforce shortage. Reports that the average age in the industry is increasing, suggest a failure in the industry to recruit the next generation and to market the industry as providing viable and rewarding career options.

Data from Infometrics reveals that the industry needs 21,000 workers over the next five years to meet the job growth in the sector. It further highlights that the average annual earnings are at $70,500 — which is $12,700 higher than the NZ average across all sectors.

We had a chat with in-house heavy construction expert James French to get his views on the perceptions of the industry, and the influence of technology in the sector.

Q: What are your thoughts on the perception of the construction industry?

A: I think the wider perception of the industry is a bit outdated. People often think that construction is low skilled, low paid and low tech. Where, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s not all hard work and dirt. Technology and new practices are really changing the industry – it’s safer, more efficient, and there’s a lot of high skilled, high paying careers. The industry needs to promote how tech savvy it’s become.

Q: How is technology influencing the construction industry?

A: Technology has turned construction into a high-tech industry — it’s changing the way construction is done. We’ve come a long way over the last 10 years, especially in this region of the world. The smaller scale of businesses in New Zealand and Australia make them prime candidates for early adoption. Plus, there’s a culture in this region of innovation and thinking outside the box. Massive leaps are being made in 3D mapping, aerial drone imaging, computerised excavation, GPS tracking , telematics and more. It’s telling that the manufacturers are now supplying 3D machine control systems — they wouldn’t do it if there wasn’t a growing demand. We can do quite advanced tasks now, like creating virtual drive throughs of new roads and printing 3D building parts. It’s all there, we just need to bring it together.

Q: What part does GPS fleet tracking and telematics technology play?

A: We work with the idea of the connected site. The tracking of assets and vehicles alongside integrations with other software and hardware builds an accurate, robust view of what’s going on. This makes it easier to effectively manage and analyse where efficiencies can be gained through effective asset and labour utilisation, and reduced paperwork, time frames and costs.

Currently, I don’t think telematics are being used as effectively as they can be to raise productivity and bring down costs. If you’re not managing and using the data coming through, it just becomes a noise. Another aspect is that the real-time tracking and maintenance side of fleet management is making the workplace safer — which should be highlighted to prospective employees.

Q: How is technology changing jobs and careers in the industry?

A: There are a range of career opportunities in construction that are rewarding, technology focused, and highly paid. There are careers opening up in the industry for people who can write software, manage and analyse data, and work on bringing projects to life on screen.

These days, heavy equipment operators sit in air-conditioned cabs with comfortable operating stations and powerful computers do a lot of the work. With joysticks to control machines and all sorts of hardware inside the cab, operating a bulldozer or excavator is a bit like a video game. Traditional thinking around job descriptions and career paths needs to move with the times too.

Construction in the 21^st Century is a whole new ball game. Teletrac Navman is helping the sector achieve digital transformation and develop smarter, data driven businesses.

Bio - James French

James French is an Australasian Solution Specialist for the construction industry at Teletrac Navman. James has worked for more than 20 years in the construction industry and shares his expert knowledge and passion for GPS asset tracking with construction businesses to fulfil their needs.