WorldWide Drilling Resource

C&G Making Room for Millennials at the Jobsite Adapted from Information by the Association of Equipment of Manufacturers Embracing technology should also include embracing millenial workers. Construc- tion companies are looking for new ways to change the mindset of those working at the jobsite. The younger generation, known as millennials, have grown up with apps and solu- tions to solve just about any problem that arises. This is one of the reasons the latest technological advances appeal to them. Some of the emerging technology millennials appear to be comfortable with on the jobsite include: • Drones • Artificial Intelligence • Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality • Smartphone Apps • Tablets • Wearables “Millennials have grown up attached to technology. Jobsites today are so far removed from what millennials have come to expect in their daily lives. They expect new solutions to do their job better, to get rid of manual processes,” said Chad Hollingsworth, cofounder and president, Triax Technologies. This generation isn’t afraid of inno- vation, and is willing to try new things. If a solution doesn’t work, they search for a newer, better solution which will. One of the chal lenges is closing the gap between seasoned construction profes- sionals, which might be more reluctant to try new technology, and the younger, more tech-savvy generat ion which doesn’t have as much traditional con- struction experience. “Older generations look to millenni- als for how to incorporate the tech into the jobsite,” said Paul Gomori, application engineering manager, JCA Electronics. According to Barry Peyton, product manager with Intelliwave Technologies, in addition to attracting a younger work- force, hav i ng more sof tware and devices on the jobsite can also improve efficiency and productivity compared to older manual processes. “The right construction technology can centralize information and commu- nication, improve safety, and reduce the amount of time spent on non-value- added tasks,” stated Hollingsworth. “It is something that [workers] can use to develop their ski l ls, streaml ine dai ly tasks, and ultimately become better at their jobs.” The attitude and outlook millennials have toward their life and job can help entice them to work in the construction field. “Mi l lennials want to add value, make an impact, and find meaning in what they're doing. This carries over to their professional lives.” After all, what can be more rewarding than turning piles of dirt into buildings, roads, bridges, and other construction feats? 12 SEPTEMBER 2018 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®