Case Study: Skilled Trades Gap Causes Delay in Colorado Hydroelectric Plant Construction (2017)
Project Overview
• Name: Glen Canyon Hydroelectric Plant Upgrade
• Location: Glen Canyon, Colorado
• Year: 2017
• Project Size: $290 million
• Scope: Replacement of turbines, piping, and control systems in hydroelectric plant
• Lead Agencies/Contractors: Bureau of Reclamation /
Category of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
• Skilled Trades Shortage
• Workforce Development
Summary of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
The project struggled to find certified pipefitters, electricians, and machinists with hydroelectric experience. Local labor markets were saturated, and training new workers for such specialized roles required longer lead times.
Root Cause Analysis
- Specialized trade certifications for hydroelectric systems limited in the region.
- Insufficient workforce planning for long lead times required for certifications.
- Owner and contractors had limited coordination on workforce development.
- Geographic remoteness made recruitment difficult.
Impacts Due to the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
• Project schedule delayed by 6 months in mechanical and electrical systems installation.
• Increased project costs due to premium wages and subcontractor sourcing (~$4.7 million).
• Operational startup postponed, impacting regional power supply forecasts.
Corrective Actions Taken
- Joint owner-contractor workforce development initiative launched with local technical schools.
- Incentive programs created to attract out-of-state skilled tradespeople.
- Project schedule revised to align work with workforce availability.
Lessons Learned
- Specialized trade certifications can create bottlenecks in project staffing.
- Collaboration between owner, contractors, and training institutions is vital for workforce readiness.
- Remote project locations require proactive labor market strategies.
Audit & Prevention: Project Control Questions to Ask on Future Projects to Help Control the Situation
- Are skilled trades requirements and certifications fully understood and planned for?
- Is there a strategy for workforce development and recruitment in place early?
- Are incentives and relocation support considered for remote projects?