Construction employment grew in 249 out of 358 metro areas between May 2018 and May 2019, declined in 57 and was unchanged in 52, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said firms in many parts of the country would likely have added more workers if it were not for an acute shortage of qualified workers.
“Many of our member firms report they are having a hard time finding qualified workers to keep pace with demand for construction services,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Even though firms are raising pay, boosting training and adding hiring incentives to recruit workers, many are still struggling to find as many employees as they need.”
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