The Future of Work: How Emerging Trends Are Reshaping Skillsets in Construction
When’s the last time you set aside some time to learn about new software and technology?
If the answer is not lately and you are looking to be involved in construction, you might want to do this. Nowadays, these sites are full of new tools that are calling in people who excel in this new world.
There’s no going back to the way things were done before for construction sites and engineers, once incredible tools such as introducing AI and further developing the use of BIM. Very key to having this trend continue is having workers who are competent with these new tools.
And that’s where we want to take this newsletter; focusing on the technology and associated skills future construction workers need to know.
First off, what emerging trends?
According to Parker Huggett, what’s interesting to note about these trends and the roles resulting from them is that their presence and importance on the construction site shows that it’s not an industry dominated by hard labour or very trades focused.
Of course trade roles are very critical to construction, but they couldn’t do their job without these roles and the people who can successfully use the tools of the future.
The job sites of today and those of the future heavily rely on skills such as: design, estimating, planning, scheduling, risk management, project coordination, project management, and supply chain management.
Here’s a list of key tools and the associated roles needed in the industry. We highly recommend noting the ones you are interested in, researching what they entail, and seeing if we have openings on our job boards.
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Imagine having a crystal-clear, 3D view of every detail of a project before a single brick is laid. That’s the power of Building Information Modeling (BIM). This game-changing technology creates a digital representation of a building’s physical and functional aspects, giving architects, engineers, and project managers a shared platform for collaboration.
BIM doesn’t just make projects look good on paper (or screens); it helps identify issues early, streamlines resource use, and ensures projects are completed more accurately and efficiently. In an industry notorious for budget overruns and delays, BIM is a breath of fresh air, paving the way for higher-quality results with fewer surprises.
To learn more about BIM, check out our previous newsletter on this here.
Role: BIM Specialist
Responsible for creating and managing digital models using BIM software, BIM specialists play a critical role in optimizing design and construction processes.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
What if your construction site could think ahead for you? That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in. AI is transforming construction by analyzing data to predict delays, flag safety risks, and optimize site layouts.
AI-powered tools also help reduce downtime by predicting equipment maintenance needs, keeping projects running smoothly. And when repetitive tasks are automated by AI-driven machinery, crews can focus on what really matters—innovation, precision, and safety. It’s a win-win for efficiency and working conditions.
Role: AI Engineer
AI engineers work on developing machine learning models that can predict project outcomes, enhance safety, or automate processes. They can also serve to use AI to help analyze data and see patterns.
3. 3D Printing
Think 3D printing is just for small gadgets? Think again. This technology is building houses—literally. From custom components to entire structures, 3D printing is speeding up timelines, reducing costs, and offering incredible precision.
In disaster-stricken or remote areas, 3D printing shines by enabling quick, scalable solutions, like creating temporary shelters where traditional methods fall short. It’s not just fast—it’s sustainable, too, making it a true trailblazer for the future of construction.
Role: 3D Printing Technician
Specialists in 3D printing manage the creation and assembly of construction components, often working in fields requiring rapid or custom-built structures.
4. Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented reality (AR) brings digital plans to life, overlaying BIM models or structural designs onto real-world views. Picture workers using AR-enabled devices to see exactly where piping or wiring should go, reducing guesswork and errors.
AR is also revolutionizing training. New employees can “step into” a project virtually before working on-site, boosting their understanding and safety. It’s a smart, immersive way to prepare teams for the challenges ahead while fostering innovation.
Role: Architects, Engineers, and Builders
Most roles that only focus on AR are those involved in its manufacturing and programming. In the construction and engineering fields, it is architects, engineers, and builders who apply this tool to see what their project could look like. Finding these people who are trained in AR is key to today’s construction site.
What now?
We’re curious to know what you think of these jobs associated with these trends.
What skills do you or your company already have and/or would like to have?
Do you feel ready to apply or hire for these sorts of jobs using some or all of these tools?
For candidates, this is a great time to be alive when these tools are still new. It will help position you as a leader in this evolving landscape. Whether it’s mastering BIM or bringing AI insights to life, the demand for forward-thinking professionals has never been greater.
For companies, this is an exciting chance to attract talent that thrives on innovation—people ready to harness these tools to push the boundaries of what’s possible. By investing in the right people now, you’re not just keeping up; you’re leading the charge into the future and reducing future costs of adoption.
The future of work is here, and it’s bursting with opportunities. Let’s build it together.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore exciting job opportunities or find your next hire at www.mygreatrecruitment.com.