Most construction firms report they are having trouble finding qualified craft workers to fill key spots as the industry recovers from its years-long downturn, according to the results of an industry-wide survey released today by AGC of America. Association officials called for new career and technical school programs, as well as other workforce measures to offset the labor shortages.
“As the survey results make clear, many construction firms across the country are having a hard time filling available positions,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors. “Considering how much the nation’s educational focus has moved away from teaching students career and technical skills during the past few decades, it is easy to understand why the construction industry is facing such severe labor shortages.”
Read the full release here.
Materials:
National Survey Results
2014 National Worker Shortage Survey Analysis
Regional Results and Analysis:
State-specific Results and Analysis:
Alabama
California
Colorado
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Missouri
Nebraska
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
You can also find Preparing the Next Generation of Skilled Construction Workers: A Workforce Development Plan for the 21st Century here - the plan created by AGC of America to address growing worker shortages.