Construction Spending Continues Strong Year-Over-Year Gains in September But Dip in Monthly Nonresidential Total Points to Workforce Tightness

Construction spending in September reached a new seven-year high and climbed at the fastest rate since early 2006, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America.  However, total spending on nonresidential construction declined by 0.1 percent...

Construction Employment Declines in 144 Out of 358 Metro Areas Between September 2014 and 2015 as Labor Shortages Make it Hard for Firms to Hire

Construction employment declined in 144 out of 358 metro areas between September 2014 and September 2015, while construction was stagnant in 55 and increased in 159 metro areas, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.  Association officials said many contractors are having a hard time finding qualified workers to fill available positions, which may account for the underwhelming employment figures.

Construction Employment Rises in 35 States and D.C. Between September '14 and '15; But Only 23 States Add Jobs from August to September

Construction employment expanded in 35 states and the District of Columbia between September 2014 and September 2015 yet only 23 states added jobs between August and September, according to an analysis released today of Labor Department data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the fact as many states lost construction jobs as added them last month was likely due to a combination of labor shortages and uncertainty about a host of federal investment programs.

Construction Unemployment Falls to Lowest September Mark in 15 Years as Hiring Slows Amid Growing Worker Shortages

The number of unemployed workers with construction experience dropped to the lowest total for September since 2000, as hiring continued to slow despite robust demand for construction, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that the hiring slowdown most likely reflects a lack of available workers that could lead to project delays unless more students and workers join the construction sector.

Construction Spending in August Reaches Highest Level Since 2008 and Fastest Growth Since 2006; Skilled-Worker Shortage May Limit Future Gains

Construction spending in August reached a seven-year high and climbed at the fastest rate since 2006, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America.  Association officials noted that growing demand for construction was likely to add to the challenges many firms are having finding qualified workers.

Construction Employment Declines in 153 Out of 358 Metro Areas Between August 2014 and 2015 Amid Federal Funding Uncertainties, Labor Shortages

Construction employment declined in 153 out of 358 metro areas between August 2014 and August 2015, nearly matching the 163 areas that added construction jobs, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.  Association officials noted that the number of metro areas losing construction jobs is on the rise amid growing uncertainty about federal funding for construction programs and growing shortages of qu

Construction Employment Rises in 3 States and D.C. Between August '14 & '15; but Only 25 States Add Jobs From July to August Amid Worker Shortages

Construction employment expanded in 36 states and the District of Columbia between August 2014 and August 2015 while only 25 states added jobs between July and August, according to an analysis today of Labor Department data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that job gains may be lagging as many firms report they are having a hard time finding qualified workers to employ.

AGC to Expand Highway Work Zone Safety Training Program Thanks to New Federal Grant

The Associated General Contractors of America will continue to provide highway work zone safety training classes next year thanks to a new federal safety grant the association earned.  The association will use the $120,000 Susan Harwood Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to offer the safety training classes designed to prevent injuries among highway, street and bridge construction workers, officials said.

Nationwide Survey Finds 86 Percent of Contractors Have Difficulty Filling Key Craft and Salaried Jobs as Demand for Construction Increases

An overwhelming majority of construction firms report trouble finding qualified craft workers to fill key spots as demand for construction continues to rebound in many parts of the country, according to the results of an industry-wide survey of 1,358 construction firms released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called for new career and technical school programs, as well as other workforce measures to offset the labor shortages that are forcing firms to change how they operate and pose risks to workplace safety.

Fewer Than Half of the Nation's Metro Areas Added Construction Jobs Between July 2014 and 2015 as Federal Infrastructure Measures Languish

Construction employment increased in fewer than half of the nation’s metro areas between July 2014 and July 2015, the weakest expansion since late 2011, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.  Association officials noted that the new jobs data comes while a series of vital federal infrastructure funding measures, notably the surface transportation program, languish unfinished in Congress.

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