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The shortage of qualified professionals is a growing challenge in the construction industry. To address this reality, many companies are investing in technology and artificial intelligence. Solutions such as management software, drones, sensors and predictive algorithms help automate tasks, optimize resources and make more efficient decisions, ensuring competitiveness even in the face of a lack of technical labor.
The construction industry in Brazil faces one of the biggest challenges in recent decades: the lack of qualified professionals. This problem only grows with the time. Many experienced workers are retiring, projects are becoming more complex and there is increasing pressure for sustainable goals, which require new skills.
According to FGV IBRE, in your 2025 Construction Survey, around 82% of companies reported difficulties in hiring qualified professionals, especially in areas such as finishing and installations. The labor shortage has caused delays in construction and increased costs.
Another survey, carried out by Brazilian Chamber of Construction Industry (CBIC) with 800 companies, revealed that 7 out of 10 construction companies have difficulty finding qualified professionals. Among the reasons are the loss of attractiveness of the profession and the migration of workers to other sectors.
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To address this scenario, many companies are turning to technology. Digital tools, artificial intelligence, robotics and 3D printing are beginning to transform the way projects are planned, executed and delivered.
But this change also brings challenges. The high cost of new technologies, the complexity of implementation and the need to train workers are still barriers for a large part of the sector.
Artificial intelligence on the construction site
In recent times, artificial intelligence has come to occupy a central place in innovations in civil construction.
AI-powered project management systems help keep teams aligned, reduce errors, and increase efficiency.
These platforms organize project data in one place, allowing everyone involved to access up-to-date information, which reduces communication failures and delays.
Another important advance is the real-time monitoring systems applied in civil construction. During the concreting process in tall buildings, it is common to wait up to 28 days to ensure the concrete is completely cured.
By using this technology, which collects and transmits instant data on material strength, this time frame can be safely reduced.
3D printing and robotics
3D printing is starting to gain traction. Although still in its early stages of use, it is already being used in the production of walls, foundations, facades and smaller structures.
Technology has the potential to automate labor-intensive tasks, which helps address labor shortages. It also tends to reduce the size of teams needed in some phases of construction.
Robotics on construction sites is still limited, but there are advances. Robots that install drywall and machines that do masonry already exist. However, they need specific adjustments for each project. Walls of different sizes, different materials and varied structures require these robots to be recalibrated constantly.
Logistics are also complex, as transporting and assembling machines in different locations takes time and resources.
Even with these difficulties, the expectation is that advances in machine learning and adaptive robotics will make this equipment more viable in the future.
Small steps, concrete results
Despite the benefits of technology, many construction companies operate on tight profit margins. This makes it difficult to approve investments in new, untested tools.
One way to get around this resistance is to start with pilot programs. Smaller-scale projects that offer practical results can help convince both managers and workers.
Quick results — such as less time to complete a project or greater safety on the construction site — serve as proof that it is worth investing in innovation.
Gradual adoption also makes the learning process easier. Just as architects have migrated from drawing boards to drafting software, construction professionals will need to adapt to new tools.
Construction supervisors, for example, will be able to spend less time on paperwork. Instead, they will be able to monitor construction data in real time using sensors and drones.
Machine operators, in turn, will be able to stop operating manual controls and start coordinating autonomous machines in a network.
Culture of continuous learning in construction
For this transition to work, it is necessary to create a culture of learning. Training cannot be seen as a one-off.
Companies must offer ongoing training, with on-the-job courses, online programs and partnerships with industry institutions.
This strategy ensures that workers remain up-to-date and prepared to deal with new demands.
The more skilled they are, the greater the chance of success in adopting technologies.
Joint path
The future of construction depends on joint action. Industry leaders must be willing to invest in technological solutions that increase productivity and safety. At the same time, workers need access to training tools that prepare them to deal with these changes.
The shortage of qualified professionals is a problem that can be overcome. But to do so, we need to understand that innovation is not a threat, but rather an opportunity for growth.
When technology is seen as an ally, the entire sector benefits — from large construction companies to professionals working on the front line.
By adopting this new perspective, the construction industry will be better prepared to face the challenges of today and the future.
