Construction employment climbed in 31 states from July to August, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. The gains come even as the vast majority of contractors report they would have added more workers if they could find them, according to a survey the association released at the end of August. Association officials urged government officials to invest in new construction focused education and training programs to get more people into the industry.
“Despite an overall rise in construction employment, too many openings remained unfilled due to a lack of qualified workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “As a result, many projects are being delayed or even canceled.”
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