Construction Headcount Dips in May, Qualified Workers are Scarce

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Construction employment dipped for the second consecutive month in May, but rising industry pay and plunging unemployment suggest contractors would be hiring more workers if they were available, according to a recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that worker shortages may be reaching the point where they undermine the sector’s growth. “Although construction employment slipped in April and May, the industry has added workers in the past year at double the rate of the overall economy,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Average pay in construction is rising faster than in the rest … Read more

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Field Frequency: Students Test Equipment-Tracking Technology, Present Research Findings

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While many college seniors were preparing for final exams, wrapping up the semester — for a group of university students from The University of Alabama — meant presenting the findings from a research project on technology used in the field to management at Brasfield & Gorrie. A program unique to the Culverhouse College of Commerce, STEM Path to the MBA allows undergraduates in engineering, science and mathematics to learn business skills and take an early track to earning an MBA. Each year, students in the STEM Path to the MBA program work on projects with local companies. Brasfield & Gorrie teamed with … Read more

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Western Specialty Contractors Performs Restoration of Historic Church

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Overlooking the shore of Corpus Christi Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas, stands the historic First United Methodist Church with its towering steeple and monument to Jesus. When the 53-year-old masonry and concrete church started to show signs of weathering, Western Specialty Contractors was called in to assess the damage and restore the landmark church’s façade. Due to its limited accessibility, Western crews and facility engineer Manny Gallardo had to get creative with how they surveyed the damage to the church’s 150-foot-tall steeple. “We used a telescope and stood across the street to try and view all … Read more

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New U.S. Bank Stadium is Ready for Game Time

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Construction of U.S. Bank Stadium is substantially complete and the building is ready for business. Finished six weeks ahead of schedule, the new stadium and home of the Minnesota Vikings features a bold, iconic design unique to Minnesota, fan-friendly elements and unmatched technology that make it a special NFL venue. Contractor Mortenson Construction symbolically turned over the stadium’s keys to the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, the building’s owner, and the Minnesota Vikings during the MSFA’s recent June board meeting. The architectural landmark totals 1,750,000 square feet and cost $1.1 billion to build. With seating for up to … Read more

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Industry Pulse

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Grooming the next generation, embracing ‘smart’ tools and technology By Justin Blubaugh The strong demand for quality superintendents is greater than it has ever been with companies and headhunters, alike, recruiting top talent. Contractors need to be diligent in retaining their current superintendents and explore ways to bring on new superintendents and train current talent into superintendent roles. According to the AGC of America’s 2015 Worker Shortage Survey Analysis, out of 1,400 survey respondents, 86 percent of firms report having trouble filling available positions, up from 83 percent in 2014 and 81 percent in 2013. The main reasons for these … Read more

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