Construction Employers Add 228K Jobs Over Year, Industry Unemployment Rate Lowest Ever for Month

Construction employment increased by 228,000 jobs over the past year despite a weather-related dip last month and the industry’s unemployment rate fell to 7.4 percent, the lowest yet for March, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called for revitalizing and adequately funding career and technical education and training programs to ensure that employment in the high-paying industry would continue to grow. “Construction employment indicators are still signaling strong demand on an annual basis, even though unusually bad weather in several regions probably depressed hiring in March,” said Ken Simonson, … Read more

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Construction Employers Add 60K Jobs in February, 254K Over Year

Construction employment increased by 61,000 jobs in February to the highest level since June 2008 as rising pay rates enabled the industry to attract more workers, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. However, association officials cautioned that the Trump administration’s newly imposed steel and aluminum tariffs have the potential to undermine future employment growth for the sector. “Construction industry employment has accelerated over the past four months, and industry pay rates are now more than 10 percent higher than the private-sector average,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, steep … Read more

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Construction Employers Add 36K Jobs in January, Hourly Earnings Rise

Construction employment increased by 36,000 jobs in January to the highest level since August 2008, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said a possible new measure being discussed in Washington that would invest an additional $1.5 trillion in repairing and improving infrastructure would both help the sector continue to add jobs and attract new workers. “The construction industry has consistently added workers at nearly double the rate of the overall economy,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The outlook remains positive for further growth in the industry. But … Read more

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Construction Jobs Increase in 42 States December 2016 Year-Over-Year

Forty-two states added construction jobs between December 2016 and December 2017, while 32 states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between November and December, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said a new federal infrastructure measure would help guarantee continued employment gains in the sector. “Construction employment is expanding in many parts of the country in large part because of strong private-sector demand,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Any new public-sector investments, particularly for infrastructure projects, would help accelerate job gains in many parts of … Read more

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New Year, New Job

Resolved to get a new job? Here’s what to ask. By: Lisa Latronico A new year signals fresh beginnings and, for many of you, finding a new job may be at the top of your list of resolutions. Even if your desire to change jobs is driven by wanting a higher salary or greater responsibilities, don’t overlook whether a potential employer’s company culture is a good match. The interview process isn’t just an opportunity for the employer to judge your experience and your ability to think on your feet, it’s also your chance to ask about what’s important to you … Read more

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