Every sector requires specific skills to ensure its proper functioning, and the infrastructure sector is no exception.

But what are those specific skills and professionals that are required and highly sought after in this sector? In this article, we’ll provide you with more information so you can make an informed decision.

What is the Infrastructure Sector?

First and foremost, when we talk about infrastructure, we refer to a set of facilities, services, and technical means that support the development of activities. It is commonly associated with public works, institutions, and systems of a country and its urban settlements, but it can also refer to the infrastructure of a company or organization.

If we want to get more specific, some examples include public buildings, road networks, telecommunications systems, waste management systems, service distribution networks, and so on.

Now, infrastructure can be divided based on characteristics such as:

1. Hard Infrastructure: These are the tangible or physical elements, such as roads, buildings, airports, and more.
2. Soft Infrastructure: This refers to the human capital and human organizations that bring infrastructure to life. They are the ones who ensure the proper functioning of the hard infrastructure.
3. Critical Infrastructure: This pertains to the essential elements, those that if weakened, sabotaged, or destroyed, pose a threat to a country’s security or the survival of an institution. Emergency services, communications, and financial services are examples of this.

What are the most in-demand skills in the infrastructure sector?

The skills demanded in this sector are varied. It is advisable to invest in workers with experience and solid skills that guarantee good results. While the required skills depend on the specific position within this sector, here are some of the general skills:

1. Contract management: The creation, negotiation, and management of construction or building contracts are crucial in any infrastructure development. This involves ensuring that all parties meet the agreed-upon deadlines and having professionals skilled in contract management on the team.
2. Business acumen: In today’s world, professionals with business acumen who can ensure profitability and project execution are highly valuable assets.
3. Compliance with regulations: The ability to enforce regulations regarding fire safety, health, and safety is becoming increasingly important in the sector, and professionals must be well-versed in these areas.
4. Cost management: Cost management is an important aspect of any infrastructure and construction project.
5. Flexibility and adaptability: Flexibility and agility are skills that professionals in the sector must possess to effectively address the changes and challenges that arise.
6. Asset management: The ability to manage a portfolio of assets is crucial, requiring specialized knowledge to ensure that infrastructures are well-maintained and compliant with regulations.
7. Investor group management: Managing investor groups is a fundamental skill as it involves developing communication management plans to engage and influence stakeholders, facilitating success.

These are just a few examples of the skills that are highly sought after in the infrastructure sector. The specific skills required may vary depending on the nature and scope of the projects.

Most In-Demand Professional Roles in the Infrastructure Sector

According to a study published by Statista in October 2023, the construction industry (and therefore, the infrastructure sector, which also drives economic activity in related sectors) is one of the main sectors in the Mexican economy and the most significant in terms of market value in all of Latin America. It attracts significant investments from both the public and private sectors. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2021 alone, this sector contributed approximately 6.8% to Mexico’s gross domestic product (GDP).

This field requires different types of workers and professionals, including skilled laborers (masons, laborers, formworkers, electricians, metal structure assemblers, crane operators, carpenters, among many others). However, specific professionals such as architects, civil engineers, and others are also needed, particularly in relation to trends in the construction and infrastructure market.

Regarding these trends, professionals with skills in renewable energies, digitalization, sustainability, or internationalization are expected to play a significant role in shaping the employment landscape in the construction and infrastructure sector in the coming years.

If your company or organization is in need of professionals in the infrastructure sector, Kilpatrick can provide talent search solutions to find individuals with the best skills to turn every project and challenge into a potential success.