Construction sector faces labor shortages and generational gaps

The construction sector is facing a significant labor shortage driven by a lack of generational replacement. In Spain, data from BBVA Research indicates that workers under 30 have dropped from 20% of the workforce to less than 5% over the last two decades, while those over 45 now comprise 65% of the sector.

In Zaragoza, business owners report being unable to accept new contracts due to a lack of qualified personnel. Challenges cited include a cultural shift among younger generations, bureaucratic hurdles for apprenticeships, and low job satisfaction, with only 23% of construction workers reporting satisfaction with their trade.

Similarly, in Andorra, the Association of Construction Contractors (Acoda) has warned that the shortage of workers could lead to delays in ongoing projects. Despite government measures to increase hiring quotas for residents and border workers during the summer, the industry maintains that current measures are insufficient to meet demand and is awaiting further government response to stabilize staffing levels.