The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) has launched its second discussion paper for the annual benchmark event for the construction industry, Foundations and Frontiers (FF24), focusing on the future workforce.

Setting the stage for the paper, ACA CEO Jon Davies said, “At a time when industry productivity is at its lowest in 60 years, the demand for construction workers has never been higher.”

“At the same time, the industry is facing significant workforce imbalances,” said Mr Davies.

“Just 12 per cent of the construction workforce are women, highlighting a significant underutilisation of half of the potential workforce, and more people are leaving the industry than joining it.

“In the eyes of the next generation of workers, construction is an industry that is stuck in the past.

“If the construction industry is to survive and thrive, we need to find ways to attract more people into the industry, keep them in the industry for longer and deliver more projects with them when they are working.”

The future workforce paper focuses on the themes of attraction, retention and productivity. The feedback from the discussion paper will shape the conversations at the FF24 event, set to take place in Sydney on 8 August 2024.

“FF24 is more than just a platform for discussing challenges; it is dedicated to finding solutions and improved ways of working together within the industry,” said Mr Davies.

“We invite all stakeholders to engage with the questions in the discussion paper and help shape the future of Australia’s construction industry at #FF24.”

Download the discussion paper.