2 min read November 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Paul Lawson, vice president and general manager at Turner Construction Company, highlighted how technological innovations have allowed for enhanced progress tracking and scheduling, how prefabrication can address rising labor costs, and why Turner is actively involved in workforce development.
What is the overall contribution of Turner in Middle Tennessee?
We’ve always considered community engagement a fundamental pillar of our business. Our commitment to the community is longstanding, given that we’ve been in Nashville since 1975. Giving back to the community has always been a core value for us, and one of the ways that comes to life locally is through our workforce development initiatives.
We initiated the Turner School of Construction Management, a program aimed at supporting and growing the capabilities of local underrepresented business enterprises (including those owned by minorities, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community) that specialize in trades and services related to the construction industry.. We have proudly hosted this educational program in Nashville for 30 years resulting in over 400 graduates. It’s a comprehensive eight-week course covering a range of essential skills, from trade-specific knowledge to financial aspects like bonding and banking. This program equips them with the business acumen necessary to succeed and we are honored to have played a role in their personal and professional growth.
Taking this further, we’ve introduced on-the-job training for a specific project in Nashville. This comprehensive program not only upskills them but also offers an opportunity for employment in the construction industry, not just as a job but as a lifelong career. Furthermore, we are launching an apprenticeship program in partnership with Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Nashville. The challenge in many apprenticeship programs is that they often require people to commit significant time outside of their work hours. However, we have tailored our program to be more accessible, with on-the-job training from Monday to Thursday and classroom sessions at TCAT Nashville on Fridays.
In Middle Tennessee, skilled trades and companies are actively seeking employees who can work five days a week, making it challenging to fit in traditional apprenticeships. Our program aims to offer non-traditional apprenticeships, ensuring that participants get the same level of training while maintaining a work-life balance.
How is Turner aiming to educate the next generation of skilled workers?
In terms of education, we are targeting high school students by enabling them to obtain certifications while still in school. We have seen success with the implementation of National Center for Construction Education & Research programs, allowing students to graduate with certifications that make them immediately employable in various trades. This could lead to them earning $20 to $25 an hour, depending on their chosen trade.
Notably, we are now starting our efforts in elementary schools to promote awareness of the construction industry at a young age. We have designed programs that not only create awareness and engagement but also teach mathematics through practical application. This initiative has yielded positive results, resulting in improved math scores. Our programs have been implemented in Rutherford County, and we are working with Metro Nashville Public Schools on a similar initiative.
Our approach to workforce development has evolved from focusing only on adult learners to starting awareness initiatives from kindergarten through high school and for adult learners. By building awareness in elementary schools, we aim to create a pipeline of talent. The ultimate goal is to have an impact in the long term, with students and families gaining a better understanding of careers in construction.
Lastly, the construction industry offers a low barrier to entry, primarily requiring a strong work ethic and a commitment to the craft. By helping individuals secure careers in well-paying fields, we make a positive and lasting impact on their lives and families, especially in low-income communities. The opportunities provided by a career in construction are both valuable and accessible.
How will the rising costs of materials and labor in construction impact project slowdowns?
Based on Turner’s continuous research on local and national market trends, there may be ongoing increases in commodities, materials, and labor costs. This trend, however, is expected to be regional, with some areas experiencing slowdowns in the next few years. Middle Tennessee may be somewhat insulated due to a substantial project pipeline. Nevertheless, we still grapple with a shortage of skilled labor, which will exert ongoing pressure on labor costs.
In the past eight to ten months, Turner has observed a significant slowdown in the rate of cost increases, and it has become more predictable. In contrast, the market in 2020 and 2021 was highly unpredictable. Now, we are experiencing a steady and more predictable increase in costs.
Prefabrication will continue to play an essential role in addressing these challenges. By shifting more of our work to controlled environments, such as warehouses, we can enhance productivity and reduce labor costs. Prefabrication is expected to play a significant part in this regard, and we need to continue investing in this approach to ensure our productivity and cost control are well-maintained.
Can you provide an overview of the project timelines and features for the new Titans Stadium that Turner is involved in with the Tennessee Builders Alliance?
I can confirm that we are on track, with our timeline indicating an early spring start and a projected completion date in Feb. 2027. This project is shaping up to be highly exciting, especially for Nashville. The East Bank area overall holds a unique position in the city, and there’s no equivalent in any other market across the country. Having such a prime riverfront location with downtown access and proximity to the interstate is truly unparalleled. I am eager to witness how these projects unfold over the next 10 years. It’s an exciting time for sure.
What role does the construction industry play in the ongoing growth of the region with the influx of new residents and businesses?
We are actively involved in building the future. It’s not just about construction; it’s also about giving back to our local communities. As an industry, we must invest in our workforce to ensure our continued success in this thriving Middle Tennessee market. Workforce development is a key area that demands substantial investment, and it’s essential for our industry to continue its upward growth trajectory in the Mid-South. Focusing on workforce development will remain a key priority for our industry.
In the ever-evolving tech landscape, what innovative developments have had the greatest impact on your industry and daily work?
We have a dedicated Virtual Design and Construction department that specializes in 3D modeling, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and cutting-edge technologies. They are always at the forefront of technological advancements in our industry.
Recently, we have been exploring innovative camera software with artificial intelligence capabilities on our project sites. This software allows us to track productivity on projects, including the percentage of work completed as we walk through a project. It’s a game-changer for tracking progress by trade and ensuring they meet their anticipated productivity goals. This not only streamlines our tracking processes but also assists our trade partners in better planning and scheduling. It brings more stability and predictability to scheduling and forecasting, benefiting everyone involved.
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