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The Construction Industry in Brazil Faces a Labor Shortage Crisis Driven by Adverse Working Conditions. There Are Hundreds of Job Openings in the Country, but There Is a Lack of Experienced Professionals.
The construction industry, one of the most fundamental sectors for Brazil’s economic development, is facing an imminent crisis: labor shortages. This scenario is driven by various factors, ranging from adverse working conditions to the disinterest of new generations in the field. As a result, the future of the construction industry may be compromised, threatening the continuity and expansion of essential projects throughout the country. There are numerous job openings available in several Brazilian states, but few professionals have the necessary qualifications.
The Harsh Reality of the Construction Industry
The construction industry is notoriously known for its harsh working conditions.
Workers in this field are exposed daily to severe weather, facing sun, rain, wind, and dust.
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Additionally, the work involves significant physical effort, high accident risks, and a routine that is often exhausting.
These difficulties, combined with a low level of innovation in the sector, increasingly drive young people away, who seek opportunities in technological fields that are less physically demanding.
According to David Fratel, coordinator of the Human Resources Working Group (GTRH) at SindusCon-SP and executive director of Grupo Kallas, it is essential to make the construction industry more attractive to new professionals.
“The construction industry requires physical effort, dedication, and vitality. We need to improve conditions so that young people are interested in the field,” says Fratel.
The Shortage of Qualified Labor in Brazil
Another factor contributing to the labor shortage is the generational conflict present on construction sites.
With workers from up to four different generations coexisting, there is a significant divergence in terms of worldviews and work methods.
Young people are often more immediate and communicate in a more concise manner, which may not align with the experience and values of older workers.
Idailmo Sousa, a bricklayer from Picuí (PB) and finalist of the reality show Pedreiro Top Brasil, promoted by Quartzolit, exemplifies this reality. At 38, he follows in his father’s footsteps, who still works at 65.
Sousa highlights the need for more attention and incentives for professionals in the field, both public and private.
“We, bricklayers, build dreams and raise Brazil at the cost of our sweat,” he states.
The Impact of Labor Shortage
The lack of qualified professionals in the construction industry has significant consequences.
Ricardo Michelon, vice president of Labor Relations at the Brazilian Chamber of Construction Industry (CBIC), warns about the impacts on productivity, production delays, planning and management difficulties, and price inflation.
While he does not foresee a labor blackout in the short term, Michelon emphasizes that the absence of these workers would result in a reduction of the sector as a whole.
Rodrigo von Uhlendorff, CEO of the construction company Plano&Plano, emphasizes that the growing demand for housing exacerbates the situation.
“The real estate market is experiencing a growth phase, primarily driven by the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program.
The training of qualified professionals has not managed to meet this growing demand,” says Uhlendorff.
Solutions for Filling the Job Openings in the Construction Sector
To mitigate this crisis and fill the job openings, it is essential to organize and align efforts with stakeholders.
Uhlendorff points out that Plano&Plano prioritizes relationships with suppliers and contractors and heavily invests in training its professionals.
Currently, the company has 50 construction sites and over 22,000 units under construction, operating without delays or labor shortages.
Fratel from Grupo Kallas also emphasizes the importance of improving working conditions and attracting young people to the construction industry.
“We need to make the field more attractive, with better working conditions and growth opportunities,” he asserts.
A Look to the Future
The labor shortage in the construction industry is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach.
Investments in technology, improvements in working conditions, incentives for young people, and better organization of the sector are fundamental steps to ensure the future of the construction industry in Brazil.
Source: Imobi Report.
Porque nao qualificam os colaboradores que entram na Empresa ! E pague melhor! E vez de ficar dando entrevista para manipular todo mundo aí ! Rico só ferra pobre ! Tem jeito não?
Trabalho de construção civil tem muitos mas não pagão bem o proficional.. aí quando Trabalhamos ainda custa o pagamento não dão valor quem vem de longe a pessoa pra trabalha só querem ulmilhar o trabalhador…
Se tivesse um valor compatível ,não estaria faltando mão de obra….
Mentira estar faltado mão de obras, está faltando vergonha salarial, adesvalorisacao que o problema, isto está forçando eles à sair da construção