Construction employment increased in 228 out of 358 metro areas, was unchanged in 48 and declined in 82 between June 2015 and June 2016, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged Congress to act on legislation to reform and increase federal funding for career and technical education to encourage more high school students to pursue high-paying careers in construction.
“Contractors are adding employees in most parts of the country, while construction job losses are primarily in areas that are most affected by the steep decline in oil and gas drilling,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, adding that construction employment hit new peak levels in 32 metro areas. “However, increases in construction employment are becoming less widespread as more contractors run into difficulty finding qualified workers.”
Read full news release here.