White House Sees ‘Robust’ Job Growth, Calls for More Training

July 13 (Bloomberg) — White House economic advisers expect “robust” job growth during the next decade in such industries as health care, green energy, transportation, construction and education, according to a report that calls for a “comprehensive strategy” to better prepare workers. The report, released today by President Barack Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, is based on the group's analysis of labor-market data. Health-care jobs will remain “a large source” of the projected growth, particularly for information-technology workers, registered nurses, laboratory technicians and physical therapists, it said. The CEA report is part of an administration response to Republican critics who … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, NewsTagged with:

AGC Releases Construction Employment Data

Construction employment fell in 288 of the nation’s largest 311 metro areas from April 2008 to April 2009, according to a new analysis of government data conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America’s chief economist Ken Simonson. The data highlights the critical need for the federal government to move quickly to invest stimulus funds without needless requirements that could hamper recovery efforts, he noted. “Job loss figures like these are exactly what prompted Congress and the Administration to craft a stimulus package designed to get Americans back to work as quickly as possible,” said Simonson. “Putting these funds to … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, NewsTagged with:

Trading Helmets for Hardhats, Veterans Find Construction Jobs Despite Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — While the nation pauses this Memorial Day to remember its fallen soldiers, at least one group remains on active duty to help our veterans find work during these tough economic times. High unemployment rates have made it harder for recently discharged servicemen and women to transition into civilian careers. And with homebuilding down, the construction industry would seem to offer slim opportunities for our returning heroes. Yet despite these challenges, Helmets to Hardhats has been able to launch nearly 2,000 veterans into careers in the building and construction trades last year alone. Helmets to Hardhats is a … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, NewsTagged with:

Architecture Billings Index Points to Possible Economic Improvement

Unfavorable business conditions remain, but inquiries by potential clients continue to grow Washington, D.C. — May 20 — After an eight-point jump in March, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) fell less than a full point in April. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the April ABI rating was 42.8, down from the 43.7 mark in March. This was the first time since August and September 2008 that the index was above 40 for consecutive … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News

AGC Economist Predicts Nonresidential Construction Spending Will Continue To Dip Before Recovery

May 4 — Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America issued the following analysis of today's Census Bureau data on nonresidential construction spending: “The increase in nonresidential construction spending for March reported today by the Census Bureau is a reminder that construction is often a lagging indicator of economic activity. Increases in manufacturing construction are being propelled by huge refinery and steel-mill projects that were begun well-before the economic downturn. These large projects are eclipsing broader negative trends. However, as they are completed or scaled back in the coming months, we will get a fuller picture … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News