TAMPA, Fla. — It's estimated the construction industry is going to need an additional 500,000 workers in 2024 alone to meet the labor demand.
That's a problem a newly formed coalition is hoping to help by creating a safe and supportive space for the LGBT community. It's called the Pride Construction Coalition.
Tommy Whitehead owns TomCo Solutions, a licensed contracting firm, and created the Pride Construction Coalition less than a year ago. He believes all construction workers need to feel comfortable and safe on the job.
"We invite everybody. It's not an exclusive organization," Whitehead said. "It's anybody that wants to advocate for equal rights in any industry, especially in the construction industry, to come out network and show your support."
Founder and CEO of ClearSet.AI Yasmine Gardiner has been supporting the coalition.
"I've always want to make an impact into the community that I'm a part of and Tampa is home for me," Gardiner said. "So the simple fact that they're making a strong impact into my home, I want to be a part of that and see if there's any way I can help."
It's estimated 40% of the construction workforce is set to retire in a few years, so more workers are needed to support the demand.
Right now, there's only one other organization like this in the country. Whitehead is hoping that in the future they can expand the Pride Construction Coalition across the state of Florida.
They hold networking events every few months and everyone is welcome. Earlier this month, one of the events focused on women in construction. Click here to find out more.