Sutherland releases new report on construction workforce shortages

SALT LAKE CITY (August 14, 2025) – Today, Sutherland Institute released a new research publication on the state of the construction workforce shortage and how policymakers, industry leaders, and educators can work together to address it.

Publication highlights:

• Utah’s overall workforce shortage is greater than the national average, with only about 72 workers per 100 available jobs, and this shortage acutely impacts construction and the skilled trades.
• Craft labor positions and first line supervisors are consistently difficult to fill positions with many openings, on both the national and state levels.
• Apprenticeships are an underutilized tool that addresses both skills gaps and talent pipelines. The state should explore ways to expand and enhance apprenticeable positions across occupations in construction and the skilled trades, as well as other industries.
• Construction firms and local schools and school districts should explore ways to enhance and expand partnerships, with a particular focus on work-based learning opportunities and the scope of opportunities in construction and the trades.
• Legislators should prioritize the protection of funding that supports work-based learning programs at the school district level.

The findings and recommendations are highlighted in Sutherland’s newest publication, available here: