Industry Workforce Shortages Loom as Employment Grows
Construction employers added 15,000 workers to payrolls in February despite harsh winter working conditions, raising industry employment to the highest level since June 2009, according to a recent analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. However, association officials noted that as the industry adds jobs, many firms report they are already having a hard time finding skilled workers.
“The rate of construction hiring has outpaced job growth in the overall economy for the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “During that time, all construction segments have added workers.”