U.S. Construction Industry in Best Shape Since Financial Crisis

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PHOENIX, Ariz. – Rider Levett Bucknall reports that the U.S. construction industry “is in the best shape that it has been since the depths of the financial crisis,” following continued upward trends in construction activity and steady growth in the last half of 2015. The firm notes that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics construction unemployment is down to 6.2 percent – nearly at economic full employment – and that its research shows that activity is up in virtually all areas with the possible exception of the oil centers. The firm reported its findings in its newly released Fourth … Read more

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Revised Training, Assessment Products Now Available for Construction Industry

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ALACHUA, Fla. — NCCER recently revised its Construction Craft Laborer Level 1 and Level 2 curricula as well as its Hydroblasting Technician assessment and Performance Verification. Construction craft laborers perform a variety of crafts and operate many types of tools, instruments and equipment as they travel to different jobsites. The Construction Craft Laborer curriculum introduces trainees to a variety of trades, including carpentry, masonry, ironworking, electrical, welding, heavy equipment and cranes. Upon completion of this two-level course, trainees will have the basic knowledge needed on any jobsite. The curriculum covers subjects such as site layout, reinforcing concrete and electrical safety. … Read more

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DPR Construction Set to Move its Washington D.C. Area Office in 2016

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – DPR Construction’s Washington, D.C. area office will debut its new Reston, Virginia, location in spring 2016. Relocating from Falls Church, Virginia, DPR will complete the 20,000-square-foot renovation with plans to achieve Net Zero Energy Building Certification from the International Living Future Institute. DPR, along with Architect, SmithGroupJJR, plan to include a new front entrance, multiple skylights, area for a large training room, exercise space, an open-plan workplace, highly efficient mechanical systems, the latest in LED lighting technology and solar panels to achieve energy independence. DPR has previously completed four net-zero energy projects across the country, three of … Read more

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Sundt Establishes Center for Craft Excellence Amid Industry Worker Shortage

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TEMPE, Ariz. — Sundt Construction, Inc. has responded to the construction industry’s skilled labor shortage by opening its own training center for craft employees in Phoenix, Arizona. The Center for Craft Excellence is intended to give Sundt a leg up in the race to find, develop and retain quality craft workers in a competitive marketplace that is struggling to rebuild following the loss of more than 2 million jobs during the Great Recession. “What’s unique about Sundt is that our training goes far beyond an apprentice program. We provide an opportunity for 100 percent of our craft to engage in … Read more

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Swinerton Builders Completes New Downtown Courtyard by Marriott

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SAN DIEGO, Calif. — In late October, downtown San Diego, California’s hotel options expanded with the opening of the new Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Gaslamp/Convention Center. Built by general contractor Swinerton Builders, the hotel is owned by J Street Hospitality. The 14-story, 90-room hotel contains all the luxuries of a Courtyard by Marriott — with a European boutique feel. The hotel’s crowning jewel is its rooftop lounge, The Nolen, which offers sweeping views of the city skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Island and the Pacific Ocean. The 2,500-square-foot upscale hangout has its own dedicated entrance and elevator that heads … Read more

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