contractors alike that will help them succeed in their industry,” he explains.“It’s about keeping businesses healthy through a multitude of different programs and priorities.” Musgrave describes how the organization supports its members’ success. The association doesn’t just provide surface-level support; it offers substantial resources that translate into real, measurable results. According to Musgrave,“We share various priorities with them that are not just focused on the present but also geared toward their future sustainability in Vermont.” ADDRESSING VERMONT’S WORKFORCE CHALLENGE The construction industry in Vermont is facing a daunting challenge: finding enough skilled workers to replace a rapidly retiring generation. Musgrave paints a bleak picture. “We’re seeing around 2,000 people retire every single year, but we’re only getting between 1,500 to 2,000 back,” he states. The issue goes beyond simple numbers, touching on the state’s aging population and its impact on the construction workforce. Over the past two decades,Vermont’s demographics have shifted significantly. The population of 25- to 35-year-olds, once a robust 190,000, has now dwindled to just 90,000. Musgrave emphasizes the gravity of this change.“That cohort is essentially the garden we farm to bring people into the industry,” he explains.As the number of young people shrinks, the gap left by retiring workers grows ever wider. Despite these challenges, Musgrave and his team are committed to finding solutions. The association has spearheaded successful job fairs, including Vermont’s most prominent career fair, which saw participation from several hundred businesses and thousands of attendees over the past two years. Yet, with the state’s unemployment rate below 2%, Musgrave acknowledges that attracting new workers remains an uphill battle. “We’re looking at creative ways to bring people in and showing pathways to be more inclusive.” “Workforce is one of our top priorities because it’s one of the top challenges,” Musgrave stresses. 73 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09 THE ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF VERMONT
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