Construction employment in August numbered 6.64 million, a decrease of less than 0.1 percent (about 6,000 workers) from July but a 3.08 percent increase year-over-year, according to The Associated General Contractors of America.
The decrease comes despite year-over-year job gains, increases in construction spending and higher average hourly wages, which AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson said points to a dearth of qualified workers.
“A variety of indicators suggest contractors would be adding to headcount if they could find qualified workers,” he said.
The workforce shortages could undermine the construction industry’s recovery and impede further economic growth, according to the AGC.
“While contractors in many parts of the country are eager to hire new workers, they are having a hard time finding qualified candidates,” said Stephen Sandherr, the association’s CEO. “The best way to ensure continued economic growth is to enact measures to attract more young people into high-paying construction jobs.”
