Construction employment increased in 217 out of 358 metro areas between April 2016 and April 2017, declined in 89 and stagnated in 52, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that construction firms in many parts of the country continue to expand headcount amid strong private-sector demand for their services. “Construction employment continues to expand in the majority of the nation’s metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Many firms are adding new employees as they work to keep pace with demand for new private-sector … Read more
Construction Employment Increases by 5,000 in April, Labor Shortages Limit New Jobs
Construction employment increased by 5,000 jobs in April to the highest level in more than nine years amid strong demand for new construction services, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned, however, that a shortage of available qualified workers likely limited the number of new jobs added last month. “Construction firms continued adding new jobs at a faster rate than the broader economy during the past year as demand for their services remains strong,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO. “But many firms would likely have added even … Read more
Thirty-Nine States Add Construction Jobs Between April 2016, 2017
Thirty-nine states added construction jobs between April 2016 and April 2017 amid growing demand for construction services, yet more than half the states lost construction jobs between March and April amid tight labor market conditions, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department recently released data. Association officials said firms in many parts of the country are having a hard time finding qualified workers, which is likely holding back broader employment gains in some states. “Demand for construction remains robust, so it is likely that a number of the monthly employment declines are being … Read more
Construction Association Unveils Steps to Improve Worker Safety
The Associated General Contractors of America unveiled a new study designed to improve the safety of construction workers as it announced that two-thirds of metro areas added construction jobs during the past 12 months. Association officials said the new safety study is designed to help construction firms prevent workplace fatalities and injuries. “We all share a common goal: getting to zero construction fatalities,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO. “This report offers the kind of data and recommendations needed to help construction firms achieve that goal.” The association unveiled the safety report at a time when construction employment is … Read more
Northwest Light Rail Extension Receives Alliant Build America Awards
TEMPE, Ariz. – The Northwest Light Rail Extension was recently honored with two 2017 Alliant Build America Awards during the Associated General Contractors of America Annual Convention. The awards honor AGC members who build the nation’s most impressive construction projects ranging across the building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure and federal and heavy divisions. The Northwest Extension was honored in the New Highway and Transportation category and in the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence category. Sundt/Stacy and Witbeck, a joint venture of Sundt Construction, Inc., and Stacy and Witbeck, completed the 3.2-mile extension to the Valley Metro light rail system … Read more