ABC Highlights Construction Worker Shortage during National Apprenticeship Week

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Associated Builders and Contractors commends the U.S. Department of Labor for declaring Nov. 13-19 National Apprenticeship Week. It’s the third consecutive year that business, labor, government, education and other partners are highlighting the tremendous job opportunities apprenticeships provide and the need for an infusion of Americans to pursue a skilled trade. “The construction industry has a critical shortage of skilled workers,” said ABC President and CEO Michael Bellaman, who this week participated in his first meeting as an appointee of the Trump administration’s newly created Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion. “ABC is thankful for the Department of … Read more

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National Survey Reveals 70% of Contractors Struggle to Find Qualified Craft Workers

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Seventy percent of construction firms report they are having a hard time filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce, according to the results of an industry-wide survey recently released by Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that many firms are changing the way they operate, recruit and compensate, but cautioned that chronic labor shortages could have significant economic impacts absent greater investments in career and technical education. “In the short-term, fewer firms will be able to bid on construction projects if they are concerned they will not have enough workers … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases by 5,000 in April, Labor Shortages Limit New Jobs

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Construction employment increased by 5,000 jobs in April to the highest level in more than nine years amid strong demand for new construction services, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned, however, that a shortage of available qualified workers likely limited the number of new jobs added last month. “Construction firms continued adding new jobs at a faster rate than the broader economy during the past year as demand for their services remains strong,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO. “But many firms would likely have added even … Read more

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