Construction employment increased in three-fifths of metro areas between August 2015 and August 2016—the smallest share in nearly three and a half years—as contractors in many areas report difficulty in finding qualified workers, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the new data underscores the need to make it easier for school officials to set up programs that teach skills like construction.
“While the number of metro areas with employment increases has been slipping, the number with decreases—76 in August—has held roughly steady,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Meanwhile, job openings have been at a 10-year high but hiring has stalled in many parts of the country. Together, these facts make it clear that the slowdown in hiring has more to do with workforce shortages than shortages of work.”
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