The construction industry added 9,000 jobs in April — the fewest since August 2022 — as a downturn among residential remodelers and subcontractors undercut job gains at nonresidential construction firms, according to an analysis of new government data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that demand for workers remains high among nonresidential firms, and they urged government officials to enhance support for career development and more employment-based immigration. “It appears that high interest rates are dragging down remodeling, homebuilding and apartment construction,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But firms working on infrastructure, data … Read more
Construction Employment Rises by 11,000 Jobs in September, Labor Conditions Remain Tight
The construction industry added 11,000 jobs in September as unemployment rates for the sector remained at historically low levels, prompting contractors to raise pay faster than for other jobs, according to an analysis of new government data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the number of people working on nonresidential construction projects declined for the month as firms struggle to find enough workers to hire amid tight labor conditions. “Construction firms have plenty of projects but a dip in nonresidential employment last month shows how hard it has been to find enough skilled workers,” … Read more
AGC Analysis: Construction Employment Increases in 45 States and D.C. From July 2022 to July 2023
Construction employment increased in 45 states and the District of Columbia in July from a year earlier, while 27 states added construction employees from June to July, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Between July 2022 and July 2023, 45 states and D.C. added construction jobs, while industry employment declined in four states and held steady in Vermont. Texas added the most construction jobs over the year (25,200 jobs or 3.2%), followed by California (13,800 jobs, 1.5%), Ohio (13,100 jobs, 5.6%), and Georgia (10,200 jobs, 4.8%). Arkansas had the … Read more
Gilbane Building Company’s Rising Contractor Initiative Continues Rapid Growth
As part of the company’s commitments to drive economic opportunity and build the capacity of diverse-owned businesses, Gilbane Building Company celebrates 76 new graduates of its Rising Contractor Program. Since being reimagined in 2020, the program has graduated over 270 diverse and disadvantaged businesses. The Rising Contractor Program is an integral component of Gilbane’s economic inclusion strategy, as it offers participants an opportunity to expand their industry knowledge, while providing formal mentorship to support capacity for sustainable growth. The program is designed to foster partnership and promote opportunities to work on Gilbane projects. Gilbane is committed to generating $100 million … Read more
AGC Reports 3/4 of Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs January 2021-2022, Soaring Job Openings Indicate Lack of Workers Kept Employment Totals Down
Construction employment increased in nearly three out of four U.S. metro areas in January compared to a year ago, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials welcomed the widespread job gains but cautioned that contractors in many areas are having trouble finding enough qualified workers to return to pre-pandemic levels amid tight labor market conditions. “Construction employment is now increasing in most areas after a rough first year of the pandemic,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But contractors recently have had more unfilled positions at the end … Read more