Tag: skills gap

The Strategic Necessity of Staff Training for Skilled Trades

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor.  In 2026, the skilled trades are facing a reality check that is impossible to ignore: A significant rift has opened between the priorities of organizational leaders and the priorities of their employees, especially as […]

Skilled Trades Labor Shortage Reaches ‘Critical Inflection Point’

As the United States grapples with aging building stock and the need for infrastructure modernization, a critical workforce challenge threatens the commercial real estate sector’s ability to maintain, modernize, and operate the built environment. JLL’s latest skilled trades talent research reveals that by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades positions for electricians, HVAC technicians, […]

Exploring the Adoption of Digital Tools and Trainings by Facilities Managers

The rapid advancement of digital technology, the focus on climate-resilient buildings, and the movement toward renewable energy are just a few of the many factors disrupting the skilled trades industry. Workers in fields like facilities management, electrical, engineering, and fire service face the daunting challenge of keeping up with these trends so they can do […]

Can Online Training Help Build and Retain Top-Notch Maintenance Teams?

It’s hard for a resource-strapped business to watch a once-eager new hire walk out the door. Yet, despite knowing the familiar pain of employee turnover all too well, most businesses consistently report ongoing challenges related to the training and retention of maintenance teams. To combat turnover of top performers, many companies strategically invest in training […]

A Call to Action: Empowering Women in Facilities Management

Editor’s note: This FM Perspectives op-ed was written in honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8). Facilities management is a dynamic field crucial to the smooth operation of businesses and institutions worldwide. Yet, despite its significance, the industry remains male-dominated. A recent study found that men outnumber women nine to one in […]