Hurricane Recovery Helps Construction Unemployment Rate Hit Lowest October Mark on Record

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The not seasonally adjusted national construction unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in October, down 1.2 percent from a year ago, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. It was the lowest October rate on record, matching the rate in 2006, according to analysis released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. Further, the construction industry employed 180,000 more workers than in October 2016. Construction unemployment rates were also down in 44 states on a year-over-year basis, unchanged in one (South Dakota) and up in five states. “Recovery from the various hurricanes that hit the United States appeared to … Read more

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Construction Industry Adds 11,000 Jobs in October and 187,600 During 2017, Hourly Earnings Continue to Rise

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Construction employment increased by 11,000 jobs in October to the highest level in nine years, while the industry’s unemployment rate fell to 4.5 percent, the lowest October rate since 2006, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that while hurricane recovery work may have helped boost employment in the sector, most of the gains are occurring because of strong demand for many types of private-sector projects across much of the country. “The construction industry continues to contribute to the nation’s economic expansion, adding jobs at double the rate of … Read more

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Construction Jobs Increase in 35 States, D.C. between September 2016 Year-Over-Year

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Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between September 2016 and September 2017, while 26 states added construction jobs between August and September as some state employment levels were impacted by recent hurricanes, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released recently. Association officials noted that construction employment in many parts of the country would have been higher if more qualified workers were available. “Contractors in most states still report they are busy and expect to stay that way for the foreseeable future,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for … Read more

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Lifting Gear Hire to Build Momentum on Lift & Move USA Careers Program

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Lifting Gear Hire will host the fifth Lift & Move USA careers event at its Bridgeview, Illinois facility in the Chicago, Illinois area on May 3 and it is expecting more than 800 students and veterans to attend. Lift & Move USA aims to inspire and educate the next generation of drivers, mechanics, welders, crane operators, safety specialists, CAD design engineers and riggers (ironworkers). As many as 2,000 students and veterans have already benefitted from the program and the LGH event in May promises to be one of the largest yet. Host company LGH, which rents a wide range of … Read more

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Construction Firms Struggle to Keep Pace with Growing Demand, Says AGC

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Thirty-nine states added construction jobs between January 2016 and January 2017 while 38 states and D.C. added construction jobs between December and January, according to a recently released analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that many firms report they are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to hire as they work to keep pace with growing demand. “Even as firms continue to find ways to expand their headcount, they are increasingly concerned about the lack of available, qualified workers,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. “There is only so much firms … Read more

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