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Construction Employment Rises in 39 States Between June 2015 and 2016, But Half of States Shed Jobs from May to June as Qualified Workers Grow Scarce

Construction employment increased in 39 states between June 2015 and June 2016, although half the states shed construction jobs between May and June, according to analysis of Labor Department data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the flattening of monthly employment gains and losses indicates the urgency of beefing up programs to attract, train and retain construction workers.

“Construction demand is still growing strongly in all regions and among many types of owners,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association.  “But contractors appear to be struggling to fill jobs in the short run.”  As evidence of the challenge in filling jobs, he noted that recent data show a spike in job openings at construction firms and a huge decline in the number of experienced construction workers available for hire.

Read full press release here.