October 13, 2025

Open to all: reimagining how construction attracts talent

Lee

As a construction company, we often ask ourselves, who gets to see themselves in this industry? At Skanska, we believe the answer should be “everyone.” That belief guides how we attract talent and how we nurture it once people arrive.

We are investing early, often, and authentically. We're meeting students in classrooms and on jobsites, connecting them to mentors and real projects, and building workplaces where every person is respected and able to grow. By creating opportunities for students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, we aim not only to open doors but also to help shape an industry made stronger and more innovative by their contributions. Here's how we do it.

INVEST IN PROGRAMS CREATING INCLUSIVE PATHWAYS

Creating a more inclusive construction industry starts with equity — making sure students from communities historically excluded from the field have clear pathways in.

Five years ago, Skanska launched Youth in Construction in collaboration with the African American Male Achievement initiative in Seattle Public Schools. The program was designed to give young Black students, many of whom had little exposure to the construction industry, a clear pathway into careers that had historically overlooked their community.

Photos courtesy of Skanska USA Building [enlarge]

Skanska employees volunteer at the company’s back to school “Lined Up for Success” event.

What began as a simple jobsite visit has evolved into a sustained effort to build relationships and deepen exposure to the field. Through Construction 101 classroom presentations, hands-on tours, and paid high school internships, students engage directly with professionals, gain hands-on experience, and begin to envision themselves in construction careers.

These touchpoints are designed not just to inform—but to inspire, connect, and support students as they explore opportunities in an industry that is actively working to welcome them in.

Similarly, Rainier Scholars supports Seattle students of color and first-generation college students. Skanska has built a unique and enduring relationship with the program — what began as a fundraising partnership has evolved into mentorship, career development and long-term support for its scholars.

Through these investments, the goal is not only to provide students with opportunities to see the work happening behind the fence, but also to help them see themselves as part of it. By opening these doors early, we are fostering talent that better reflects the diversity of our communities and ensures that more students from underrepresented backgrounds step confidently into the industry.

BUILD STRONG PARTNERSHIPS TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITY

Expanding access to construction careers requires more than one company's effort — it takes deep partnerships with schools and nonprofits that are already trusted voices in their communities. Skanska works alongside these organizations to create hands-on experiences that introduce students to the industry and connect them with real, long-term career opportunities

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Skanska’s high school interns and internship coordinators, Josiah Mooi (front) and (article author) Justin Lee on a project walk where they observed various trades performing work.

Through our partnership with ACE Mentor Program of America (ACE), Skanska employees volunteer to guide students through mock projects that mirror real preconstruction and delivery challenges. Our collaboration with ConstructDiversity introduces students to leaders across general contractors, trade partners, and electrical firms, while our work with Sawhorse Revolution gives young people the chance to experience construction through creative, community-driven projects. We also connect students and families with the city of Seattle's Priority's Hire Programs, which ensure that local new graduates have first access to jobs in their own neighborhoods.

Together, these efforts ensure that opportunity isn't limited to students who already have industry connections. Instead, it's extended to communities who bring fresh voices and perspectives that make construction stronger.

EXPOSE STUDENTS EARLY AND OFTEN

The earlier we start introducing students to their career options, the more momentum students gain. I came to construction as a second career, and I often wonder how different my path might have been if I'd discovered this field sooner. That's why we emphasize early and repeated exposure: visiting classrooms, hosting tours, and welcoming students back each summer.

Importantly, we also equip teachers and counselors with the resources to guide interested students. Educators are often the first door students knock on, and we make sure that door opens to clear, practical guidance. Social media also plays a role, as students research salaries, training paths, and day-in-the-life videos online. Meeting them there with credible, human stories ensures construction feels real, attainable and inclusive.

BREAK DOWN STEREOTYPES BY SHOWING ROLE DIVERSITY

The feedback we hear most often is, “I never knew I could do that in construction.” That shift happens when students realize the industry is far broader than the hard hats and tool belts they picture from the outside. A pillar of our mentorship approach is exposing students to the diversity of roles that exist across the industry, helping them see that there are many ways to contribute beyond the traditional trades.

Alongside carpenters and ironworkers are engineers, estimators, safety leaders, drone pilots and accountants. Students who are passionate about robotics may discover opportunities in 4D modeling; those drawn to photography can explore construction's drone usage for project data captures; others interested in math and planning uncover paths in estimating and scheduling, and students who care deeply about climate and sustainability can pursue careers in green building design, renewable energy integration, or sustainable materials innovation. These sparks of connection are what turn curiosity into career exploration.

FOSTER BELONGING TO KEEP TALENT IN THE INDUSTRY

Attracting diverse talent is only the first step — retaining it requires a culture of belonging. At Skanska, that commitment shows up in employee resource groups like the Skanska Women's Network, in our mentorship programs, and in our Inclusion & Diversity commitment, which sponsors efforts like Youth in Construction and ACE Mentors. These structures, combined with the informal networks that develop when colleagues support each other through challenges, create a culture where people feel safe, valued, and heard.

Psychological safety is more than a principle; it's lived daily in how teams collaborate and problem-solve. When employees from all backgrounds thrive, their voices influence how projects are delivered and how the industry evolves.

ENVISION AN INDUSTRY REFLECTING OUR COMMUNITIES

Looking ahead, our vision is simple: we want our project teams to reflect the diversity of the communities where we live and build. That means growing Youth in Construction into more school districts, transforming jobsites into living classrooms and inviting clients and partners to join us in making workforce development part of every project.

As emerging technologies like drones, 4D modeling, and data analytics reshape how buildings come to life, they also open new entry points for students who may not have considered construction before. By aligning these innovations with education and mentorship, we can spark curiosity and turn interest into opportunity.

The future of construction will be defined by those who bring a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences — and that future is one we are committed to building.

Justin Lee is a commercial manager at Skanska USA Building, serves as co-coordinator of Skanska's Youth in Construction (YIC) program and is an active member of Skanska's Inclusion & Diversity Council.

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