Construction employment declined in 127 metro areas, was stagnant in 51 and increased in 180 between June 2014 and June 2015, according to a new analysis of federal employment data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the declines come as the House and Senate struggle to enact legislation to extend federal transportation investments beyond the July 31 expiration of the current program. “It is hard for construction firms to invest in new employees if they don’t know what business conditions will be like for the rest of the year,” said Ken Simonson, the … Read more

Construction employment held steady in June at the highest level in six years, while the number of unemployed workers with construction experience fell to the lowest total since 2001, according to a recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the new data indicates contractors are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to meet growing demand in many parts of the country. “Expanding job opportunities throughout the economy make it increasingly difficult for contractors to find experienced construction workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “This scarcity shows up in record work weeks … Read more