Seasoned Workers for Seasonal Work

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Dipping into retirement pool to fill worker shortage gap By Mary Kaeding Construction companies around the country always need to manage their project schedules around seasonal weather conditions, during the school year and sometimes over extended holiday periods. For example, crews will find the arctic blast in the north quite challenging to complete certain outdoor projects, so work is assigned accordingly. Similarly, major educational construction may not be feasible while schools are in session, so work is scheduled during the summertime. So how do construction companies – especially when there are labor shortages – find and hire seasoned workers for … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in 43 States Between April 2018, April 2019

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Forty-three states added construction jobs between April 2018 and April 2019, while construction employment increased in 32 states and the District of Columbia from March to April, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said the strong gains show demand for workers remains robust and they urged federal officials to enact immigration reforms to boost the supply of qualified workers. “Construction employment rose in most states over the past year, yet the record number of job openings at the end of March implies contractors would add even more workers if … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in 218 Metros from March 2018 to March 2019

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Construction employment grew in 218, or 61 percent, out of 358 metro areas between March 2018 and March 2019, declined in 83 (23 percent) and was unchanged in 57, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, new federal data on construction spending showed mixed results, as a steep decline in single-family homebuilding offset increases in multifamily and nonresidential construction. Association officials said the continuing demand for most construction underscores the need for federal enactment of immigration reforms to boost the supply of workers. “Fewer metros than in recent months … Read more

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ABC Members Invest $1.6 Billion in Workforce Development Annually, New Survey Finds

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According to the results of Associated Builders and Contractors’ 2019 Workforce Development Survey, ABC members invested $1.6 billion to educate their employees in 2018, up from $1.1 billion in 2013. The 45% increase in spending resulted in nearly twice as many course attendees—more than 980,000—receiving craft, leadership and safety education to advance their careers in commercial and industrial construction. “The increase in spending on education demonstrates ABC member contractors’ commitment to developing employees, which is producing results in recruiting and retaining a skilled, safe and productive workforce,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC’s vice president of health, safety, education and workforce development. … Read more

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Construction Sees Minor Job Growth in March, Says ABC

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The construction industry added 16,000 net new jobs in March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment is up 246,000 jobs, representing a 3.4% increase. Nonresidential employment added 3,200 net new jobs last month, with the bulk of growth among nonresidential specialty contractors, which added 5,500 net new jobs. Heavy and civil engineering added 600 jobs, while the nonresidential building category lost 2,900 positions. The construction industry unemployment rate fell to 5.2%, down a full percentage point from the previous month. Compared to the … Read more

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