'The son of the mason no longer wants to be a mason', says CEO of construction company to a high-end audience
The CEO of Benx highlights a labor shortage in Brazil's construction sector, attributing it to changing aspirations among the new generation.
Luciano Amaral, the CEO of Benx, has expressed concerns about a significant labor shortage in Brazil's construction industry, which is jeopardizing the ongoing boom in the real estate sector, particularly in the capitals. He emphasizes that the lack of skilled labor is severely impacting the launch of new buildings and the timelines for ongoing projects. This issue stems from an evolving mindset among younger generations who no longer wish to pursue careers in traditional construction roles, such as masonry.
According to Amaral, this changing attitude signifies a broader socio-economic trend where the children of builders are reluctant to follow in their parents' footsteps. He highlights that this lack of aspiration is further compounded by increased competition in the construction market, driven by government initiatives like the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program. In response to these challenges, he reveals that Benx is focusing on the luxury market segment to avoid stiff competition in the more economically viable ranges affected by such programs.
Amaral has taken proactive steps to address the labor shortage, including traveling to China with a team to explore technological solutions that could alleviate dependence on traditional labor. His comments raise crucial questions about the future of the construction industry in Brazil, particularly regarding how evolving job market perceptions will affect construction practices and the potential need for innovation and adaptation in the sector.