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The Construction Industry Is Breaking Records, but Faces a Major Obstacle: The Shortage of Skilled Labor! Rare Professionals, High Costs, and Delays in Projects Are Just the Tip of the Iceberg.
The construction industry in Brazil is in full expansion but faces a major challenge: the shortage of skilled labor.
This scenario, which is a reflection of the lack of specialized professionals, is generating a chain reaction: the increase in project costs and significant delays in project deliveries.
According to a survey by the Getulio Vargas Foundation, 82% of companies in the sector are facing difficulties in hiring new workers, a problem that is directly affecting the progress of constructions in the country.
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The demand for labor in the construction sector has intensified in recent years, mainly due to the growth of the economy and the increase in projects throughout the national territory.
Sylvio Pinheiro, director of G+P Soluções, reveals that the lack of qualified professionals has been the main bottleneck for companies, which often face a shortage of up to 30% of workers on construction sites.
Among the most affected specialties, the most experienced professionals are the hardest to find.
Sylvio highlights the lack of electricians, construction workers, foremen, plumbers, and installers, essential roles for executing medium and large-scale projects.
The situation is even more concerning when considering the growing difficulty in hiring qualified professionals, such as experienced carpenters, who used to be a common presence on construction sites.
Rising Costs and Delays in Projects
The rise in costs also reflects the shortage of labor. The survey indicated that, in the last 12 months, labor costs in construction increased by 9.75%, the highest inflation rate recorded among construction components, which include materials and equipment.
This has impacted not only large enterprises but also smaller projects, such as residential renovations.
The increase in labor prices has resulted in a series of delays in projects.
Approximately 21% of companies in the sector report that they are unable to meet delivery deadlines due to a lack of workers, which reflects how critical the labor market situation is in construction.
Additionally, 18% of companies are revising their service prices to try to offset additional labor costs, which consequently raises the overall cost of projects for clients.
Impact of the Lack of Professionals on the Renovation Market
The labor shortage affects not only large construction companies but also individuals looking to make small renovations in their homes.
Ana Maria Castelo, coordinator of Construction Projects at FGV/Ibre, explains that the lack of qualified professionals in the construction sector has generated a cascading effect, affecting everything from small projects to large constructions.
She emphasizes that the widespread demand for workers in various sectors of the economy, such as retail and supermarkets, has exacerbated the situation.
The case of Rebeca and Fernando, who are trying to undertake a renovation in their home due to an air conditioning leak, is a clear example of this reality.
The work, which has already lasted two months, depends on the tight schedule of the bricklayer, a professional who is overwhelmed due to high demand.
“Good professionals are in high demand, and you end up having to wait for them to ensure a good project,” comments Fernando Santos, an architect.
Historical Challenges and Future Perspectives
The shortage of qualified labor is not a recent problem.
It has been observed since the beginning of Brazil’s economic recovery, when many professionals in the sector opted to migrate to other more lucrative areas.
Moreover, the lack of investment in professional training has hindered the replenishment of specialized labor on projects.
The shortage of qualified professionals is compounded by the lack of ongoing training and the delay in the education of new workers in the sector, which implies a vicious cycle that has no end in sight.
With the shortage of qualified workers, companies end up hiring less experienced individuals, which not only raises costs but also compromises the quality of the work and delivery deadlines.
This cycle affects not only the construction of large buildings but also the simpler renovations carried out by families looking to improve their homes.
Impacts on Material Costs and the Market
Another important point is the increase in construction material prices, which have reflected the general inflation of the Brazilian economy.
Although the rise in labor prices has been the highest in the last 12 months, the cost of materials and equipment has also increased, contributing to the overall increase in project and renovation values.
According to data from the construction index, material inflation was 6.2%, a rate lower than the increase in labor costs, but which, when combined with the salary increase of professionals, still generates a considerable impact.
Projections for the Future of the Construction Industry in Brazil
The lack of qualified labor in the construction industry reflects not only the reality of the sector but also the challenges faced by the Brazilian economy as a whole.
With a growing demand for qualified professionals and a limited supply, the scenario is likely to worsen in the coming years, which could lead to a slowdown in the pace of projects and even higher prices.
The construction industry is breaking records in projects and growth but faces a harsh reality: the country lacks enough professionals to meet the growing demand. What will be necessary to reverse this situation and regain the pace of constructions?
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