Giannis Gkoumas on the Workforce Challenges Facing Greece’s Construction Industry
OFC Technical’s General Manager discusses one of the most pressing challenges currently facing Greece’s construction sector.
The rapid growth of the construction industry in recent years has created significant investment opportunities while simultaneously bringing one of the sector’s greatest challenges to the forefront: the shortage of skilled professionals.
In an interview with Construction Magazine, Giannis Gkoumas, General Manager of OFC Technical, shares his perspective on the root causes of this challenge, its growing impact on the market, and the initiatives required to ensure the sustainable development of Greece’s construction industry in the years ahead.
Drawing on his extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, he highlights the importance of investing in people as a fundamental prerequisite for the successful delivery of the demanding projects currently underway across the country.
Key Insights
Workforce shortages have become a structural challenge
According to Giannis Gkoumas, the shortage of skilled professionals is no longer a temporary issue but a structural challenge affecting the construction industry as a whole. An ageing workforce, the retirement of experienced professionals and the long-term impact of brain drain have created significant gaps across both engineering and technical disciplines.
Growing demand for projects is intensifying the challenge
The simultaneous delivery of major infrastructure, energy and development projects has generated unprecedented demand for engineers, skilled tradespeople, site supervisors and equipment operators. Despite widespread recognition of the issue, a considerable gap remains between the supply of qualified professionals and the industry’s actual workforce requirements.
The impact extends across the entire market
The limited availability of qualified personnel is driving higher construction costs, longer project delivery timelines and increased competition among companies seeking to attract experienced professionals. At the same time, rising labour, material and service costs continue to place additional pressure on the construction market and investment activity.
Quality and safety remain non-negotiable priorities
The interview also highlights that the shortage of experienced personnel may affect both project quality and workplace safety, making continuous training, skills development and long-term investment in people more important than ever.
A coordinated approach is essential
Giannis Gkoumas emphasises that addressing the challenge cannot rely solely on private companies. It requires close cooperation between the State, educational institutions and the private sector, with a focus on strengthening technical education, improving working conditions and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in the construction and technical professions.
Executive Overview – 3 Key Insights from the Interview
The shortage of skilled professionals has become one of the most significant challenges facing Greece’s construction industry today.
Investing in people is essential to maintaining quality, competitiveness and the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Addressing this challenge requires coordinated action between the State, educational institutions and the private sector.
Read the Full Interview
The complete interview with Giannis Gkoumas, General Manager of OFC Technical, was published in Construction Magazine, where he explores in greater depth the workforce challenges currently facing Greece’s construction industry, as well as the opportunities for strengthening human capital and supporting the sector’s sustainable growth.
