Construction Employment Increases by 11,000 in May to 8-Year High

Construction employment increased by 11,000 jobs in May to the highest level since October 2008 and average weekly hours set a series high for May as contractors struggled to find enough workers to meet demand for projects, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged lawmakers and other public officials to address the growing shortage of available qualified workers by funding and re-invigorating career and technical education programs. “Construction firms continued adding new jobs at a faster rate than the broader economy during the past year as demand for their … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in 217 Out of 358 Metro Areas Between April 2016, 2017

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

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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

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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

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Construction Unemployment Rates Improve in 10 States Year-Over-Year, ABC Says

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Construction unemployment rates were down in 10 states and unchanged in three in January on a year-over-year basis, according to analysis released by Associated Builders and Contractors. For the nation and 37 states, rates were higher than in January 2016, ending 75 consecutive months of year-over-year declines. The national not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rate of 9.4 percent was up 0.9 percent from January 2016, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since these industry-specific rates are NSA, it is most accurate to evaluate the national and state-level unemployment rates on a year-over-year basis. In … Read more

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