Workforce development and leadership succession remain central issues across the construction industry as firms confront labor shortages, technology shifts and increasing project complexity. During the recent Groundbreaking Women in Construction conference, industry executives and educators highlighted the need to expand mentorship opportunities and prepare future professionals for technology-driven project environments.
Among the announcements at the event, construction law firm Peckar & Abramson introduced a new scholarship initiative aimed at supporting women pursuing careers in architecture, engineering and construction fields.
The newly established Melinda S. Gentile Future Groundbreaker Scholarship was created in recognition of retiring Peckar & Abramson partner Melinda Gentile, who helped establish the Groundbreaking Women in Construction conference and contributed to its programming over multiple decades.
The scholarship program will provide financial support to selected students, high school educators and mentors participating through the ACE Mentor Program of America. The organization connects high school students with professionals from the design and construction sectors to encourage career exploration and industry participation.
Recipients will also receive support to attend the conference as part of the program’s professional development component.
Conference discussions also focused on how artificial intelligence is being integrated into engineering, design and construction operations.
Doris Espiritu, district-wide dean of engineering for City Colleges of Chicago, said students entering the workforce must understand how to apply critical thinking when using AI technologies in technical disciplines.
Executives speaking at the event also noted that while AI can streamline technical and administrative functions, construction organizations continue to place significant value on communication, collaboration and field experience.
Lucy M. Labruzzo, CEO of Engineering Partners Inc., said stakeholder coordination and team communication remain among the most time-intensive aspects of project delivery despite advances in technology tools.
Emily Kay, CEO of Balfour Beatty California operations, said the use of AI for technical tasks such as data management can allow employees to spend more time gaining field experience and learning construction operations.
Construction and engineering firms continue to increase investment in workforce development initiatives as demand grows for technical talent across infrastructure, building and technology-related sectors.
Industry organizations, contractors and educational institutions have expanded scholarship programs, mentorship efforts and career outreach initiatives in response to ongoing labor shortages and increased competition for engineering and construction professionals.
The growing use of AI across project management, engineering and data analysis has also increased focus on balancing technical automation with practical construction knowledge and leadership development.
For contractors, owners and developers, workforce readiness remains a critical factor affecting project delivery, labor availability and long-term operational capacity.
Programs that connect students and educators with construction industry professionals may help strengthen future recruitment pipelines, while discussions around AI adoption reflect broader efforts to integrate technology without reducing the need for field expertise, communication skills and project leadership.
Source: Balfour Beatty.
