Construction employment increased in 257 out of 358 metro areas between February 2017 and February 2018, declined in 50 and stagnated in 51, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the employment gains are occurring as construction firms in many parts of the country are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to keep pace with demand.
“Growing private-sector demand for construction services is prompting construction firms to hire more people to complete projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Yet tight labor markets, particularly for qualified construction workers, is making it increasingly difficult for firms to find people to bring on board.”
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