Construction Jobs Increase by 21K in June, 224K during Past Year as Sector Unemployment Rate Decreases to 4%

Construction employment increased by 21,000 jobs in June and by 224,000, or 3.2%, over the past 12 months, while the number of unemployed jobseekers with construction experience fell, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that firms continue to increase pay as they work to attract new hires from an ever-tighter labor market. “Construction firms continue to go to great lengths to recruit and retain workers during one of the tightest labor markets many of them have ever experienced,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO. “Making matters worse, … Read more

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Build Your Future Florida to Expand Qualified Construction Workforce

Recognizing the need to address the shortage of skilled craft professionals in Florida, the Construction Workforce Taskforce partnered with Build Your Future to establish Build Your Future Florida. With a wide range of information to help people interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry, Build Your Future Florida aims to provide a collaboration between construction associations, employers and government to satisfy the increased demand in skilled construction workers by attracting interested applicants. Build Your Future Florida’s goal is to provide a platform for Florida residents to learn about a career in the construction industry, find necessary training centers, … Read more

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Seasoned Workers for Seasonal Work

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

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

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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