Elevating the Craft of Supervision: Leadership Training that Reinforces Today’s Role

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By: NCCER Staff Superintendents hold one of the most complex and demanding roles in the industry by simultaneously managing production, safety, communication, scheduling and risk under constant pressure. As projects grow in scale and complexity — and as crews become more varied in experience and background — expectations placed on field leadership continue to rise. Even seasoned superintendents are navigating an environment that looks different than it did just a few years ago; structured leadership training is emerging as a meaningful way to reinforce and expand the skills the role now requires. Shifting workforce The broader workforce landscape is shifting. … Read more

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How Superintendents Can Expand Talent Pipelines, Protect Jobsite Performance

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By: Alan Limoges Ask any superintendent what keeps a project on schedule in 2026 and the answer is simple: skilled operators. As the second quarter approaches, labor shortages and workforce development challenges continue to plague the construction industry. A 2025 survey conducted by Associated General Contractors found that 92% of construction firms in the United States struggle to hire qualified workers. Contractors have traditionally relied on hiring proven, experienced operators, but the constraints of the labor shortage make this an enduring challenge. Veteran operators are simply unavailable in sufficient numbers to meet demand. An aging workforce, increased infrastructure investment and … Read more

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What Superintendents Really Leave Behind

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Advocacy, mentorship + developing next-gen leaders   By Kiersten “KZ” Kaplan In more than 25 years in the industry, I’ve built almost everything except a bridge or a stadium. Today, I’m leading a major project in Baltimore, Maryland that will add more than a half-million square feet of life sciences research space. But it’s also an opportunity to reach more than 1,000 people, from carpenters and laborers to young professionals starting their careers. I’m at a point where I’m not just building projects; I’m building people. And that means I can help affect how my company shows up in our … Read more

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The Real Work of Leading in Construction

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Building trust, culture + people By Kurt Zuegel Ask anyone who’s spent real time in construction what the job demands, and you’ll get some familiar answers. Fast decisions. Clear communication. Problem-solving on the fly. Keeping schedules moving, trades aligned, clients informed. But here’s what doesn’t get said enough: if you want to lead a team that can actually handle all that, you’d better be building more than just buildings. You need to be building trust, building culture and building people.In the field, leadership develops over time. It’s not about control. It’s about consistency. It’s about showing up in a way … Read more

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3 Strategies to Bridge Experience Gaps on the Jobsite

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Lessons learned from systematic approach to knowledge sharing By: Josh Young The construction industry faces a critical challenge: Valuable lessons learned on one project often don’t make it to the next, leading to repeated mistakes and lost institutional knowledge. As experienced workers approach retirement, this knowledge transfer problem becomes even more urgent. The following are three proven strategies to bridge experience gaps and create a culture of continuous learning. Tip 1: Implement regular jobsite lessons learned meetings The strategy: Incorporate structured lessons learned sessions into your regular meeting schedule to capture insights while they’re fresh and actionable. How it works: … Read more

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