Two-Thirds of Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs from October 2020 to October 2021

  • Posted on

Nearly two out of three U.S. metro areas added construction jobs between October 2020 and October 2021, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials noted that the job gains would likely have been larger and more widespread if firms weren’t dealing with the twin challenges of supply chain problems and labor shortages. “While it is heartening that construction is recovering from the lows of 2020 in much of the country, the pandemic is still causing major supply-chain problems and is keeping some workers from seeking employment,” said Ken Simonson, the … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , ,

2021 Impact Review Reports Progress toward Building Sustainable Residential Construction Workforce

  • Posted on

Nonprofit organization Building Talent Foundation has released its first Annual Impact Review highlighting the foundation’s progress toward building a sustainable residential construction workforce by 2030. BTF collaborates with builders, trade partners, manufacturers, foundations and educational partners to enhance people’s lives by connecting them with job skills training and career opportunities. Ultimately, BTF projects these connections will result in 10,000 job-ready candidates in the construction sector in the next year. As part of its effort to connect candidates with employers and training programs, BTF led 387 events during 2021, including hiring and career events, job fairs and presentations. Through these events, … Read more

Filed under: NewsTagged with: , ,

National Association Reports Construction Firms Add 44K Jobs in October, Struggle with Supply Chain Challenges

  • Posted on

The construction industry added 44,000 jobs between September and October as nonresidential construction firms posted back-to-back increases for the first time since January, according to an analysis of government date by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the employment gains were welcome news but cautioned that employment levels remain well-below pre-pandemic totals as firms struggle with supply chain problems, labor shortages and federal inaction on infrastructure funding. “It is encouraging to see continuing job growth in nonresidential construction but the industry remains far behind the overall economy in recovering all of the job losses from the pandemic,” … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, eNewsTagged with: , , , , , ,

Hiring Our Heroes: Military Vets Could Be Answer to Construction Staffing Challenges

  • Posted on

As construction companies struggle with finding skilled labor, military veterans are a segment of the labor force that deserves attention. Vets make up about 7% of the construction workforce and each year approximately 200,000 vets transition out of the military. Those construction firms that have been successful in recruiting and retaining veterans say their hard and soft skills, as well as attitudinal characteristics make them great new hires. In addition, several programs are in place that make it advantageous and cost-effective to train and hire vets. CONEXPO-CON/AGG is sharing the key benefits vets offer, how to recruit and how to … Read more

Filed under: eNews, NewsTagged with: , , ,

KAI Build Named MOWIT 2021 Breaking Barriers Contractor of the Year

  • Posted on

KAI Build has been named the 2021 Breaking Barriers Contractor of the Year by the Missouri Women in Trades organization. KAI accepted the award during MOWIT’s Blue Collar Black Tie Awards Gala honoring and celebrating women in the trades on Sept. 17 at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 Grand Hall in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2008, MOWIT works to expand opportunities for women to enter and succeed in apprenticeship and careers in the construction and building trades in the greater St. Louis area. MOWIT works with employers, unions, educational organizations and other entities to increase women’s equal employment … Read more

Filed under: NewsTagged with: , , ,