Project management, engineering design, procurement management and execution of construction, etc. require talented human resources. Client, contractor, and consultants discussing and complaining shortage trained workforce. It is phenomenal in construction projects and growing industry-wide.

This known – known (or sometimes Known -Unknown) threat has been predominately highlighted in the risk registers and dashboard reports to management. Grappling with this threat requires to understand root causes and find out the best possible solution out of many alternatives in the long-term. This is a strategic program or portfolio risk. 

Project manager alone can’t resolve or mitigate it alone. Salary/compensation and organizational culture, including the behavior of the immediate boss are the hidden root causes. that hindered to engage and retain a skilled workforce.

This risk impacts every construction project badly, irrespective of project execution region. Best way to mitigate this risk is to transform it into an opportunity. Identify your requirements and establish either training institute or partner with the training institute to have skilled workers/labors ready for current and upcoming construction projects. Construction productivity is directly impacted by the unavailability of skilled labor during construction. Let us understand the risk and discuss possible mitigation actions.  

Cause: Because of 1- Many projects executing in an area

      Risk: Unavailability/shortage of skilled labor for construction

Impact: 1- Schedule Delay

               2- Cost over run

               3- Poor Quality

The paradigm shift from threat to opportunity requires management support. It is a Business Risk. Mitigating this threat to opportunity requires the involvement of various key stakeholders. A high-level illustration is given below, and pictures show the transition from threat to opportunity.