Career Development Series #1

Navigating the Talent Shortage in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is at a crossroads. As demand for skilled professionals grows, the talent pool is shrinking—particularly in the 35-to-50 age bracket. Many seasoned professionals are nearing retirement, leaving a significant gap in leadership and experience. At the same time, younger individuals are stepping into senior roles earlier than ever, often without the time to gain the necessary hands-on experience.

For Kindred Construction, tackling this talent shortage requires rethinking how it attracts, develops, and retains emerging leaders. One key strategy is their internship program, which nurtures young graduates by building their capability from the ground up.

“It’s not just about finding the right skill set; it’s about finding the right attitude,” explains Sean Binns, Project Director at Kindred. “We want interns who are eager to learn and make the most of this unique opportunity.”

This philosophy drives Kindred’s approach to career development programs, designed to equip aspiring professionals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take on the industry’s challenges.

From Intern to Project Administrator: Abbie’s Journey

At Kindred, internships serve as the foundation for building meaningful, long-term careers. By tailoring roles with individual interests, the company offers interns exposure to diverse career pathways in project management, construction, and beyond.

Abbie’s journey is a perfect example. She began her time at Kindred as an intern through the Architectural Construction Engineering (ACE) program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Interested in how architecture and construction intersect, she joined Kindred to explore how the two disciplines come together in real-world projects.

Today, Abbie is a full-time Project Administrator, while continuing her studies part-time at BCIT for an Architectural and Building Technology certificate. In this role she’s learning how to manage RFIs, submittals, tracking materials for Passive House applications, and provide ongoing support to the Vienna House project team. The skills she is building now—both technical and interpersonal—are laying the groundwork for her next career step. “Every responsibility I’ve been given has helped me build confidence and sharpen my skills,” Abbie shares. These experiences are preparing her to transition into the project management track, a goal she is eager to achieve.

Beyond technical expertise, Abbie is mastering soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management. It hasn’t been without challenges—starting with no prior background in construction meant overcoming a steep learning curve—but she credits her success to persistence and the supportive environment at Kindred.

What sets Kindred’s internship program apart? It’s the blend of opportunity, exposure, and mentorship. Interns dive into the heart of construction, gaining experience across a variety of projects—from luxury custom homes, multi-family, institutional to community-focused developments.

As Sean explains, “We don’t follow a cookie-cutter approach. Each intern’s experience is customized to their interests and aspirations, providing a real platform to grow and develop.” By empowering interns with the right tools and experiences, Kindred ensures they are prepared to step into leadership roles and make lasting contributions to the industry.

Preparing the Next Generation of Construction Leaders

As the construction industry continues to evolve, investing in the next generation has never been more critical. Kindred’s internship program not only addresses the talent gap but also creates a pipeline of future leaders who embody the company’s values of teamwork, growth, and excellence.

“We’ve built a culture where everyone has the chance to thrive,” says Sean. “Whether you join as an intern or a project manager, the opportunities here are endless.”

For Abbie, the future is full of promise. She envisions a long-term career in construction, moving into a leadership role and inspiring others to pursue similar paths.

“Ask questions, stay curious, and get involved,” she advises aspiring interns. It’s this mindset that helped her overcome challenges and discover her potential in the construction industry.

Her goal? To grow into a project manager and continue contributing to the construction industry.

Join the Team-Built Journey

Kindred Construction is not just building projects; it’s building careers. For students and aspiring professionals looking to break into the construction industry, this is your chance to gain invaluable experience and grow with a company that values your potential.

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