SHAWN HUTCHINGS
ASPHALT ANSWERS
Who Will Replace the Retiring Paving Foremen?
SHAWN HUTCHINGS
W ith the nation’ s infrastructure workload continuing to grow, many contractors are facing a shrinking pool of experienced workers. Not only are more projects competing for skilled labor, but many of the industry’ s most seasoned professionals are nearing retirement. The big question is: How are we going to fill this talent gap? More importantly, who will be stepping into the shoes of tomorrow’ s asphalt paving foremen? Throughout my career in the asphalt industry, I have had the opportunity to educate people on asphalt paving applications and provide technical and mechanical training on various lines of asphalt equipment around the world. It has been incredibly rewarding to help people better understand the industry and find success in a demanding but fulfilling profession. I still run into many of these individuals during my travels. Some were mechanics I trained when I was in my early twenties. Others were business owners just getting started who didn’ t know how to operate a paver or a mill. Some were dealer representatives looking to become better resources for their customers. It is always a great feeling when someone tells me that something I taught them years ago helped advance their career, improve their business, or provide for their family. That feeling is one of the reasons I continue sharing everything I know with anyone willing to learn. Over the years, I have met countless young workers on asphalt jobsites who were on their first day or first week with a company and had little knowledge of the industry. I cannot tell you how many people I have taught to rake a joint, properly use a shovel, or understand the basics of paving operations. Then, years later, I return to find that same individual serving as a paving foreman and leading a successful crew. So how does someone go from an entry-level laborer to a paving foreman? The process usually takes years of exposure, hard work, and dedication. Day after day on paving projects, these individuals
learn what it takes to produce quality work efficiently. They gain an understanding of material requirements, delivery timing, crew coordination, and production management. They become skilled at identifying and correcting imperfections caused by inexperienced operators, changing weather conditions, or unforeseen jobsite challenges. Many learn to operate nearly every piece of equipment on the jobsite. In many cases, they become highly skilled paver operators capable of handling even the most demanding paving applications. Most importantly, they learn from the experienced men and women who came before them. In smaller companies especially, mentorship often happens on the jobsite. While some old-school training methods can be tough on new workers, the best mentors challenge younger employees while passing along invaluable knowledge gained through decades of experience. Future foremen also learn by attending industry trade shows, manufacturer training programs, and educational events. There is no better way to gain knowledge about equipment, paving techniques, and operational efficiency than by learning directly from equipment manufacturers and networking with contractors facing similar challenges.
Industry leaders recognize the shortage of experienced foremen and are actively working to bridge the gap. Equipment manufacturers continue developing machines that are easier to operate and more productive. Today’ s rollers can provide real-time compaction feedback, and modern pavers offer advanced controls that simplify operation and improve consistency. Manufacturers are also investing heavily in operator and technician training programs. These programs help workers understand not only how equipment functions but also how to maximize performance and uptime in real-world paving applications. At the same time, manufacturers continue listening to contractors and redesigning equipment to address the challenges crews face every day.
PHOTO BY Ironhorse Asphalt- Pocatello, Idaho
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