Published on: 2026-04-24
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
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Speech by Viktoria Vinogradova
On April 23, the IV National (All-Russian) scientific-practical conference with international participation “Topical Problems of Economics and Management in Construction” started at the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. The event brought together representatives of government authorities, the construction business, educational organizations, and the scientific community.
The key event of the first day of the conference was the strategic session “Labor market in construction: challenges and prospects.”
The work of the presidium included the participation of the Vice-Rector for Continuing Education of SPbGASU, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Construction Economics and Housing and UtilitiesVictoria Vinogradova,Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management at SPbGASU, Doctor of Economic Sciences, ProfessorGalina Tokunova,and also chairman of the subcommittee on building materials of the Committee on Engineering Architectural and Construction Design of the National Association of Designers and Surveyors (NOPRIZ), vice president of NP “Association of Building Materials Manufacturers”Oleg Razgulyaev.
Victoria Vinogradova addressed the participants with a welcoming word. She noted that the discussed topic requires an interdisciplinary approach and the unification of efforts from all industry participants: “The labor market in construction is currently undergoing a serious transformation, and the quality of our decisions directly affects sustainable development. Our task is to develop comprehensive solutions that define the strategic directions for the industry’s development, taking into account modern challenges and national priorities.”
Victoria Vinogradova emphasized that the key tasks of the strategic session are to increase the coordination of actions between the government, business, and the education system, develop mechanisms for forecasting staffing needs, as well as enhance the attractiveness of construction professions. As a practical result of the work, it was proposed to formulate a final resolution with specific initiatives and steps.
A comprehensive look at the personnel agenda
The work of the strategic session was built around several directions: analysis of the current state of the labor market, the influence of technological and institutional factors, personnel policy of construction organizations, and the development of the education system.
Participants noted that the industry is facing contradictory trends. On the one hand, there is intense competition among applicants, especially among managerial personnel. On the other hand, there is an acute shortage of labor, which, according to expert assessments, reaches 20–30 percent of the needs of construction organizations.
Labor shortage and the role of migration
One of the central topics of discussion was the shortage of skilled workers. Representatives of educational institutions emphasized that employers increasingly make requests specifically for working specialties, whereas the secondary vocational education system is primarily focused on training mid-level specialists.
A significant portion of the personnel shortage is compensated by foreign labor. At the same time, employers face tightening migration policies, the impossibility of officially employing foreign workers, and their adaptation.
Special attention was paid to issues of linguistic and cultural adaptation, as well as risks associated with the organization of labor at the construction site.
The problem of professional prestige
Discussion participants agreed that one of the key reasons for the personnel shortage is the low attractiveness of construction professions among young people. Despite the high salary level in some specialties, graduates are often not ready to work on construction sites and prefer more comfortable working conditions.
Career guidance and work with youth
Special attention was paid to the issues of early career guidance. Participants talked about the development of specialized classes, interaction between schools, colleges, and universities, as well as the involvement of employers in the educational project.
Effective methods of involving youth in the specialty were recognized as career guidance programs and excursions, student participation in practical activities, promotion of the profession through modern formats, including social networks, and, consequently, the formation of a positive image of the builder as a creator.
Some experts separately highlighted the indispensability of working with parents as an important factor in choosing a profession.
Practice-oriented education
Representatives of educational organizations have identified the need to involve practicing teachers and develop internships at enterprises. This is essential for updating educational programs and improving the quality of specialist training.
Employers, in turn, are interested in closer cooperation with universities and colleges, including participation in personnel training and the formation of educational trajectories.
Reliability of system solutions
During the discussion, it was noted that existing problems require a comprehensive approach. Among the key directions:
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development of a personnel needs forecasting system;
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Strengthening interaction between the state, business, and education;
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increasing the prestige of construction professions;
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Creation of conditions for retaining young specialists in the industry.
Following the strategic session, the preparation of a resolution is planned, which will record the key agreements and directions for further work.
Participants expressed confidence that the decisions made will contribute to the development of the human resource potential of the construction industry and strengthen its role as one of the drivers of the economy.
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