Why Construction Companies Should Never Cut Training

Cutting construction training budgets during a downturn is a mistake. Here's why investing in your team creates long-term growth.

Many firms slash budgets when the economy tightens, viewing staff development as an expense rather than an asset. During COVID, while others cut their training, one contractor kept developing its people. When the market rebounded, its crews were ready to scale. That company grew 30 percent.

Jennifer Wilkerson, VP of Innovation and Advancement at NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research), joins Ryan Ware on Activating Curiosity to show construction and AEC leaders why workforce training is a strategic investment, not an expense.

• Why cutting training in a downturn costs you future work
• How one contractor kept investing through COVID and grew 30 percent
• How training improves productivity, reduces rework and strengthens safety

The Shift: effective construction leadership isn't just about managing projects. It's about building a workforce capable of capturing the next opportunity. When you stop viewing construction training as optional, you gain a competitive edge your competitors can't hire their way into.

Watch the full episode: Why Construction Companies Need to Invest in Training

How does your firm approach training during a downturn?

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