NCCER published a 2026 update of its report "Restoring the Dignity of Work" on October 6, 2026, according to its press release. The report was first published in 2018 through NCCER and the Construction Industry Institute (CII) Research Team 335. The 2026 update was led by NCCER, with guidance from CII and members of the original research team, and includes new data and current market indicators. What NCCER says: the update reaffirms the original findings that intentional and coordinated action is needed to overcome workforce challenges in the construction industry. The report describes these challenges as not "temporary fluctuations" but the result of "long-term structural misalignment between education systems, labor market realities, and societal perceptions of work." The seven short- and long-term policy proposals NCCER lists: 1. Establish and strengthen career awareness and education opportunities. 2. Revitalize work-based learning programs. 3. Measure performance and involvement in workforce development when awarding construction contracts. 4. Redefine measurement of quality in secondary education. 5. Increase the participation of underrepresented groups in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. 6. Establish and expand collaboration between industry, education, and government. 7. Develop a more balanced funding model between postsecondary CTE programs and higher education. What this does not tell you: the press release does not give the report's new data figures, and we did not open the full report. These are recommendations from an industry training organization, not government policy or a labor statistic. Source: NCCER press release dated October 6, 2026.