Why Construction Leaders Can't Hire Their Way Out of the Labor Shortage

The construction industry has a changing workforce. But are the ways we recruit, hire, and develop people changing with it? In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Bryce Batts, Co-Founder of Career Collective and a recruiter with 20 years of experience in the AEC industry, to explore a different question: Can construction really hire its way through a changing workforce? Bryce has watched the AEC recruiting and talent landscape shift dramatically over the past two decades. The 2008 recession helped create a “missing middle” of experienced professionals, the balance between employers and candidates has changed, and today great candidates may be available for only days. But finding people is only one part of the challenge. Ryan and Bryce explore why architects and engineers leave firms, how culture and career development affect employee retention, and what happens when companies approach staffing as a reaction to project needs instead of a long-term business strategy. They also dig into onboarding, mentorship, the expectation that new hires should “hit the ground running,” and how AI is changing recruiting for employers and job seekers alike. As more of the hiring process becomes automated, the conversation comes back to something distinctly human: creating workplaces where people can grow, contribute, ask questions, and see a future for themselves. The workforce is changing. The question is whether construction leaders are willing to get curious about why people join, why they stay, and why they leave. What You'll Learn  How the AEC recruiting market has changed over the past 20 years   Why great candidates can disappear from the market quickly   How the 2008 recession contributed to today's missing middle   Why reactive staffing can keep firms stuck in a cycle of filling holes   Why culture and career growth influence whether people stay or leave   What firms get wrong when they expect new hires to “hit the ground running”   How onboarding and mentorship affect employee success and retention   How AI is changing recruiting, resumes, sourcing, and candidate screening   Why human connection may become more valuable as hiring becomes more automated   What AEC firms can do to become places the next generation wants to join  Who This Episode Is For Architecture, engineering, and construction leaders, firm owners, HR and talent acquisition professionals, recruiters, operations leaders, project managers, emerging professionals, and AEC professionals interested in recruiting, employee retention, career development, workplace culture, AI, leadership, and the future of the AEC workforce. Chapters 00:00 – Why AEC Firms Struggle to Stand Out 01:07 – The Human Side of Staffing and Recruiting 05:44 – How AEC Recruiting Has Changed 09:41 – When Employers Stopped Holding All the Cards 11:55 – Great Candidates May Be Gone in 10 Days 12:32 – How 2008 Helped Create the Missing Middle 13:30 – Stop Staffing Projects and Start Thinking Strategically 16:25 – Why People Leave: It's Not Just About Compensation 17:30 – Your Firm Sounds Like Everyone Else 22:17 – From Filling Positions to Building Careers 24:18 – The Problem With “Hit the Ground Running” 28:51 – How AI Is Changing Recruiting 37:17 – Why Human Connection Still Matters 44:08 – Building an Industry People Want to Join Guest Bryce Batts is the Co-Founder of Career Collective, a business consultant, speaker, bestselling author, podcast host, Certified Career Coach, and recruiter with 20 years of experience in the AEC industry. Throughout her career, Bryce has placed more than 800 professionals while helping organizations rethink how they attract and retain talent. Her work focuses on strengthening talent acquisition strategies, creating career opportunities, and helping firms and professionals navigate a changing AEC workforce. Bryce also hosts the Wine After Work podcast, where she creates candid conversations around careers, life, and the experiences shaping the people behind the work. https://www.mycareercollective.com/ Overcast Innovations Helping project teams coordinate building systems earlier for more predictable outcomes. New Lyfe Accounting Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals Connective Consulting Group Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Have feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note or leave a VM—we’re listening! Follow Ryan at the following:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/ https://connective-coaching.com/ https://ryanware.me/ Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry. If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going. ⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.