CONEXPO – CON/AGG Podcast: Construction Business Insights For Contractors
Modern Construction Recruiting for a Diverse Workforce with Amy Henningfield
Heavy civil contractors across North America are desperate for talent, but many wait until high school graduation to start recruiting. Amy Henningfield, Director of Workforce Development at Superior Construction, argues the industry doesn't have a labor shortage - it has a visibility shortage. By the time students reach their senior year, they have often been told construction is a "dirty" fallback plan for those who can't make it in college. Superior Construction breaks this cycle by reaching kids in middle school and exposing young women to heavy equipment early. Amy explains why treating people like high-value infrastructure - using preventative maintenance and mentorship - is the only way to secure the industry's future. By showing students technology like drones and VR, contractors can replace outdated stereotypes with a high-tech career path. BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [4:10]: "It’s not just a workforce shortage, but again, it’s a visibility shortage. Getting people in the workforce doesn’t happen when you fill out an application. We have to bring awareness to it." OTHER KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: ⚠️ PIPELINE RISK [9:40]: Amy explains why human assets matter more than iron for long-term survival. "You can buy another piece of equipment, but you can’t buy that generation of skilled workers. We have to invest in those people." ✨ GROWTH OPPORTUNITY [25:52]: Paychecks don't stop turnover. Amy highlights how genuine support and inclusion build loyalty. "Recruiting will get them here, but I think what our leadership does is what will keep them here. You have to give them a reason to stay. You’ve got to believe in them." ⚡ PERSONAL BREAKTHROUGH [33:55]: Shrinking to fit in sabotages potential. Amy discusses the power of authenticity in a male-dominated field. "Just be you. Don't change for anyone. There are so many opportunities out there for women in construction… just believe in yourself." CHAPTERS: 00:00 - How Amy Found Her Purpose in Construction 02:24 - Solving the Construction Labor Shortage Through Visibility 05:08 - Workforce Development Ideas Every Contractor Can Use 08:44 - Why Investing in People Drives Long-Term Success 12:54 - How Girls’ Construction Camps Inspire Future Tradeswomen 18:06 - Recruiting the Next Generation of Construction Talent 25:08 - How to Build a Culture That Retains Great Employees 28:36 - Why Mentorship Creates Future Construction Leaders 34:24 - Why Construction Is a Career Full of Opportunity 39:58 - How EmpowerHER Is Changing the Future of Construction CONEXPO-CON/AGG: CONEXPOCONAGG.com CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOCONAGG.com/industry-news#sign-up CONNECT WITH AMY HENNINGFIELD & SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION: • Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhenningfieldmba/ • Superior’s Website: https://superiorconstruction.com/ • Superior Women in Construction (SWIC): https://www.superiorconstruction.com/our-company/superior-women-in-construction-swic/ #ConstructionWorkforce #WomenInConstruction #WorkforceDevelopment
