New Industry Outlook Reports on Industry Struggles with Declining Demand, Growing Project Delays + Cancelations

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Most contractors expect demand for many types of construction to shrink in 2021 even as the pandemic is prompting many owners to delay or cancel already-planned projects, meaning few firms will hire new workers, according to survey results released by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate. The findings are detailed in The Pandemic’s Growing Impacts on the Construction Industry: The 2021 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Report.   “This is clearly going to be a difficult year for the construction industry,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO. “Demand looks likely to continue shrinking, … Read more

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One-Third Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs in Latest 12 Months

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Only 30% of the nation’s metro areas added construction jobs in the past year, according to an analysis of new government data that the Associated General Contractors of America released. Association officials said construction employment in most parts of the country was being impacted by the pandemic as businesses and local governments curtail planned construction projects. “The pandemic has devastated the finances for businesses, institutions and state and local governments, leading to widespread postponements and cancellations of construction projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “As contractors use up the funds from Paycheck Protection Program loans, even more job … Read more

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NCCER Releasing Updated Construction Curricula in 2021

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Revised versions of NCCER’s Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills, Concrete Construction Levels 1 – 2, Electronic Systems Technician Levels 3 – 4 and Roofing Levels 1 – 2 will be released in 2021. Written in conjunction with national subject matter expert committees, these curricula offer the standardized training and portable credentials trusted by the industry. NCCER’s updated Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills adds a new module highlighting the successful career pathways in construction. The revised edition features new and more rigorous performance tests, as well as a number of enhancements to the NCCERConnect online version of the curriculum. … Read more

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Construction Sector Adds 84,000 Workers in October, Project Cancellations Undermine Future Gains, says AGC

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Construction employment increased by 84,000 jobs in October, with jobs added in both nonresidential and residential categories, according to a recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials cautioned, however, that the pandemic is causing a growing number of construction projects to be canceled or delayed, according to a survey the association released in late October.   “The employment data for October is good news, but our latest survey found that only a minority of contractors expect to add to their workforce in the next 12 months,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. … Read more

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Crane Industry Services Offers Virtual Training Courses

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Crane Industry Services, LLC is now offering custom virtual training courses in order to accommodate COVID-19 safety regulations. Converting OSHA- and ANSI-accredited courses from classroom instruction to a virtual environment ensures that training can continue. Virtual training courses include OSHA 10, Leading Safety Works, Site Safety for Construction Supervisors and Utility Supervisors, Use Load Charts Like A Pro and Crane Site Safety. “The impact of COVID-19 on training schedules throughout the heavy construction industry is unlike anything we have ever seen. Naturally, the demand for virtual training has skyrocketed. Offering virtual training classes allows us to do more for our … Read more

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