The CMIC Yucatan is encouraging the arrival of new workers and training them in other skills to cover the needs in the construction sector.
The shortage of workers for construction has decreased since mid-year, as over 1,300 employees have been trained, exceeding the annual target. However, it is expected that around 6,000 workers, mainly bricklayers, will be needed to achieve 100% completion on construction projects, according to Raúl Monforte González, president of the Mexican Construction Industry Chamber (CMIC) in Yucatan.
He pointed out that the Industrial Welfare Parks announced by the state government are an opportunity for the chamber to participate, even with investments if allowed, to give workers a new chance. He also mentioned that the rainy seasons are planned situations in construction projects; this does not delay material delivery or work, and he stated that there have been no reported effects from this.
Regarding the deficit detected earlier, Monforte González said they are working to incentivize the entry of new workers, training them in new skills and abilities for better quality and production. This year, over 1,300 construction workers have been trained by the chamber, exceeding its annual target.
He also emphasized that the 100% has been met in masonry (albañilería), which is the most demanded sector in construction projects, as well as working with plumbers and electricians among others. Additionally, he stated that workers are becoming more aware of safety measures and equipment use due to the large constructions they face every day.
Monforte Gonzalez said they will continue training on construction sites, as each week 20-100 bricklayers participate. So far, there is no exact data on the shortage, but it is estimated that at least 6,000 workers are needed to achieve 100% completion in construction projects.
Why doesn’t Yucatan have enough bricklayers?
Since 2020, a deficit of workers has been registered in construction projects, including masons, plumbers, electricians and other occupations, requiring over 9,000 construction workers to meet the demand for projects in Yucatan.
This is because is increasingly difficult to attract people to take up these jobs, mainly among young people who are not interested in this sector.
This “temporary shortage” was caused by the growth of projects such as the Mayan Train, which absorbed many construction workers, as well as private works.
Even the Mexican Construction Industry Chamber (CMIC) indicated that personnel is occupied and also has an attraction towards industrial sectors, foreign companies that pay good salaries in technology sectors.
In this situation, the chamber began taking measures such as worker training and other incentives to motivate them to stay on construction sites and attract more workers.
