Worker shortages rise as construction employment increases, says AGC
Construction employment expanded in 236 metro areas between September 2013 and September 2014, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. The AGC also reports that employment declined in 53 metro areas and was stagnant in 50. Association officials said that as firms expand their payrolls, many are finding a limited supply of available qualified workers.
“It is good news that construction employment gains have spread to more than two-thirds of the nation’s metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. “But there is a growing risk that contractors in many of these regions will have trouble finding qualified workers to complete the rising volume of projects.”