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Construction employment increased in 274 out of 358 metro areas between August 2016 and August 2017, declined in 52 and stagnated in 32, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the construction job gains come even as 70 percent of responding firms reported having a hard time finding qualified craft workers to hire.

Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between August 2016 and August 2017, while 30 states added construction jobs between July and August amid strong demand for construction work in most parts of the country, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today. Association officials said that more states likely would have added new construction jobs except for the fact 70 percent of firms report having a hard time finding craft workers to hire.

Construction employment increased by 28,000 jobs in August, following a dip in hiring and spending in July, but contractors face a lack of experienced workers, according to an analysis of new government data and a new workforce survey by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said construction job growth would have been even higher but a majority of firms report having a hard time finding qualified workers.

Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between July 2016 and July 2017, yet only half the states added construction jobs between June and July amid declining public-sector investments in infrastructure and other construction projects, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today. Association officials said firms in parts of the country that build infrastructure projects are seeing less demand for their services amid overall declines in public-sector spending.

Construction employment increased in 264 out of 358 metro areas between June 2016 and June 2017, declined in 57 and stagnated in 37, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that even though most metro areas added construction jobs, the employment gains were particularly pronounced in the western third of the country.

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. and Bloomington, Ill. Experience Largest Year-over-Year Gains; Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas and Grand Forks, N.D.-Minn. Have Biggest Annual Declines

Forty-one states added construction jobs between June 2016 and June 2017 amid continuing widespread demand for construction services, while 25 states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between May and June, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today. Association officials said the smaller number of states adding workers in the latest month may indicate a shortage of qualified job seekers, rather than a slowdown in demand for construction.

Construction employment increased by 16,000 jobs in June to the highest level since October 2008, signaling a new burst of hiring after three months of pause, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged federal, state and local lawmakers to enact measures to make it easier for school officials, local associations and construction firms to set up construction training programs.

Construction employment increased in 245 out of 358 metro areas between May 2016 and May 2017, declined in 59 and stagnated in 54, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that construction employment gains in many parts of the country are occurring even as most firms report having a hard time finding qualified workers to hire.