Construction Industry Adds 8K Jobs in September, 184K Throughout Year

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Construction employment increased by 8,000 jobs in September to the highest level since October 2008, amid a tight labor market that may be keeping contractors from hiring as many workers as they need, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said construction employment gains would have been higher if more high school students were exposed to construction as a possible career option. “Construction firms added employees over the past year at a much higher rate than the public and private sectors as a whole, and contractors have been boosting pay … Read more

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Construction Spending Increases in Most Categories from July to August, Mixed Year-Over-Year Changes

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Most major construction spending categories increased from July to August but activity was mixed compared to spending levels a year earlier, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that big drops in public investments mean infrastructure will continue to deteriorate and impede economic growth. “It is encouraging that spending rebounded in August for many types of residential, private nonresidential and public projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, the August numbers also show that public and private nonresidential construction is continuing to slow or fall below last … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases by 6,000 Jobs in July, Annual Growth Rate Doubles Hiring Pace

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Construction employment increased by 6,000 jobs in July to the highest level since October 2008, amid a tight labor market that may be keeping contractors from hiring as many workers as they need, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged local, state and federal leaders to enact measures designed to expose more high school students to high-paying careers in construction to offset growing labor shortages. “Construction firms added employees over the past year at a much higher rate than the public and private sectors as a whole, but the … Read more

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Construction Spending Decreases as Public Investment Tumbles, Private Outlay Grow Slows

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Construction spending in June declined from May but increased from a year ago as public investment shrank for nearly every type of structure, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that the significant declines in public-sector construction spending come at a time when much of the nation’s public infrastructure is deteriorating due to age or overuse. “Construction spending is still increasing overall but growth has become much more uneven across categories in recent months,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “There has been a steep decline in public … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases In 264 out of 358 Metro Areas Between June 2016, 2017

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Construction employment increased in 264 out of 358 metro areas between June 2016 and June 2017, declined in 57 and stagnated in 37, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that even though most metro areas added construction jobs, the employment gains were particularly pronounced in the western third of the country. “Western metro areas, from southern California and Nevada to Oregon and Washington, logged many of the largest absolute and percentage increases in construction employment in the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. … Read more

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