Thirty-two states added construction jobs in 2016 as a dearth of experienced workers kept contractors in many states from hiring as many employees as they would have preferred, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the new Trump administration could help by including workforce development measures as part of its promised new infrastructure program.
"Although the number of states reporting construction employment increases has dwindled, contractors are more upbeat than ever about the construction market and intend to hire more workers this year," said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. "However, the shortage of workers is their top concern and nearly three-quarters of contractors say they are having a hard time filling positions."