Construction Employment Declines Amidst Qualified Worker Shortages

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Construction employment slipped from July to August for the fourth time in five months, but year-over-year job gains and recently released spending data suggest the recent weakness is due to firms having a hard time finding workers rather than lack of demand, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said its recent survey that found two-thirds of contractors are having a hard time finding qualified craft workers underscores the need for measures to boost recruitment and training on new workers. “A variety of indicators suggest contractors would be adding to headcount if they could … Read more

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Knutson Adds Assistant Superintendent Tim Jacobson to Rochester Office

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ROCHESTER, Minn. – Knutson Construction welcomes Tim Jacobson in the capacity of assistant superintendent in its Rochester, Minnesota office. Jacobson has over 24 years of industry experience and has spent the last 16 years as a superintendent for a Minneapolis drywall and plaster contracting company. His portfolio includes work for the University of Minnesota Bio-Med Discovery District, the Mall of America and the Mall of America Office Tower. His most recent work included partnering with Knutson on the Mayo Civic Center addition, where he played an instrumental role in maintaining the building’s aggressive schedule. “Tim brings an impressive amount of … Read more

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July Construction Unemployment Rate Lowest Since 2000

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WASHINGTON, D.C., — In July, not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates improved in 43 states and the nation, adding 209,000 workers on a year-over-year basis, according to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data released by Associated Builders and Contractors. The national NSA construction unemployment rate of 4.5 percent was 1 percent lower than a year ago, the lowest July rate since 2000 when it was 4.4 percent. “The drop in the construction unemployment rate from July 2015 adds yet another month to the unbroken monthly series of year-over-year rate decreases that started in October 2010,” said economist Bernard … Read more

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Construction Spending Remains Steady in July, Up by 5.6% for First Seven Months of 2016

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Construction spending remained steady in July compared to June but is up by 5.6 percent for the first seven months of the year compared to same period in 2015, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the growth in construction spending is occurring as most construction firms report they are having a hard time finding skilled craft workers to keep pace with demand. “On balance, there is still strong demand for construction, especially for multifamily and private nonresidential structures, while home building continues an uneven recovery,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. … Read more

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Data on Severity of Construction Worker Shortages to be Released Aug. 31

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At 1 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Aug. 31, the Associated General Contractors of America will release new data showing the severity of construction worker shortages nationwide and by region and state* during a media conference call at 800-874-4559 (verbal pass code TURM15731). The new data is based on a comprehensive survey of construction firms and includes data on how many firms are coping with labor shortages and what some of the possible causes are for tight labor conditions. Stephen Sandherr, the association’s CEO, will release the new worker shortage data and identify measures public officials should take to increase the … Read more

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