Construction Employment Increases in 244 Metro Regions

According to federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment increased in 244 out of 358 metropolitan areas in the USA and was unchanged in 44 areas. 70 areas saw a decline between March, 2015 and March, 2016. AGCA data shows that the building recovery continues to be broad-based geographically and by construction type.  Declining areas are in the parts of the country that are most affected by declining energy prices. The data also indicates that skilled labor shortages will continue and will probably grow as demand for new building increases.  An AGCA survey showed that 70% of firms are having a hard time finding qualified workers.  Please spread the word to any young people you know that jobs in the construction industry are plentiful and that a college education isn’t necessary for most of them.  Masons, for example, can be collecting a paycheck with as little as 2 years of training.