Survey of 683 contractors reveals estimating, pricing, and project management lead skills deficits as professionals invest average of $1,005 in professional development to bridge gaps
ST. LOUIS, Mo., December 16, 2025. Contractor Training Center has today released the findings from its comprehensive Construction Industry Workforce Study 2025, which identifies the key skills gaps and professional development needs faced by today’s contractors. The study, which surveyed 683 industry professionals from August 15 to September 28, 2025, reveals that non-technical business capabilities dominate as the most critical deficiency among industry professionals.
The four biggest skill gaps identified in the study are estimating accuracy (41% of survey respondents), pricing strategies (33%), project scheduling and management (29%), and bookkeeping (28%). Other skill gap categories that were identified by a significant number of survey respondents include hiring and retaining skilled labor (28%), understanding overhead and job costing (26%), business marketing (24%), and writing contracts and change orders (20%).
The industry’s response to these skill deficits is substantial financial investment in professional development. Construction professionals are spending an average of $1,005 on exam preparation and licensing annually, demonstrating a clear recognition that business success requires capabilities beyond technical trade expertise. This significant investment level indicates professionals understand that addressing skills gaps is not optional—it’s essential for competitive survival and business growth in today’s market.
The study’s findings on training preferences directly align with identified skills gaps. Estimating and bidding job accuracy tops professionals’ training interest list at 45%, followed by project management training at 42%. Additional high-priority training areas include OSHA/safety compliance (35%), job costing and accounting workshops (35%), and technical skills specific to individual trades (34%), reflecting a comprehensive approach to professional development.
As the construction industry faces growing complexity and heightened competition, the growing focus on non-technical business skills is indicative of the sector’s broader evolution. In particular, professionals are increasingly tasked with balancing the demands of both managing projects and running a successful business. This shift highlights the industry’s recognition of the need for a more holistic skill set, where expertise in leadership, negotiation, and financial planning are becoming just as critical as technical craftsmanship. With the rise of complex project demands and tighter margins, contractors are forced to embrace a more comprehensive approach to business management, ensuring they can not only complete projects but also remain financially viable in the long term. This adaptability is particularly evident as the gap in project scheduling, pricing, and estimating becomes more pronounced. Contractors are now seeing their ability to forecast costs, manage timelines, and ensure profitability as equally important as their on-site technical skills.
These skills gaps also directly correlate with the industry’s most pressing operational challenges identified in the study. Material cost fluctuations were cited as the biggest challenge, affecting 35% of professionals, while cash flow management concerns came second, cited by 24%.
The emphasis on non-technical skills development represents a fundamental shift in how the construction industry views professional competency. While technical trade skills remain essential, the study reveals that sustainable business success increasingly depends on financial literacy, project management capabilities, and operational efficiency. This evolution reflects a maturing industry that recognizes the difference between being skilled at construction work and being successful at running a construction business.
“These findings validate what we’ve seen across 30+ years of training construction professionals,” said Patrick Hayes, General Manager at Contractor Training Center, by Colibri. “The biggest barrier to business success isn’t technical competency—it’s business fundamentals. Contractors who can’t accurately estimate jobs or manage project finances struggle regardless of their craftsmanship quality. That’s why we’ve expanded our training beyond licensing to include business skills development, recognizing the industry’s evolving educational needs”.
About Contractor Training Center
Contractor Training Center, part of Colibri Group, provides comprehensive exam preparation and continuing education for construction professionals seeking licensure and career advancement. With more than 30 years of experience, CTC has helped over 30,000 professionals in construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more achieve their licensing goals. The company serves professionals across multiple states with courses covering NASCLA, ICC, and state-specific licensing requirements.
Media Contact:
Karen Veliz, on behalf of Contractor Training Center
Email: Karen@axonomy.io
