Sean Brennan knows his way around a construction site. In 2006, he opened 7 Construction: a custom home framing business.
“We average 40 a year,” Brennan said.
Business these days is booming, so said Brennan.
There's just one problem.
Brennan can't find qualified employees for hire, forcing him to delay some of his projects. “I can't find the guys and I need to finish what I’m working on,” he said. Carpentry isn't the only profession hurting for help. All skilled trades are seeing a shortage.
Peter Coleman is executive director of the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance. It represents 1500 manufacturers across western New York. “We have 3000 open positions in Western New York right now,” Coleman explained.
The Northland Workforce Training Center is helping to fill the gaps in some industries. Carpentry isn't one of them. Coleman said the trade school is exploring whether it can add a program down the line. Right now, though, there's not enough space.
Subcontractors like Sean Brennan will continue to look for reliable employees. He offers a competitive salary and benefits, paid time off, and paid holidays.
“I could easily take another 12 just to get to where I’m not turning down so much work.”
For more information, contact Brennan at 7constructioninc@roadrunner.com.
