The construction industry added 21,000 jobs in May and 251,000 jobs over the past year, with increases at both nonresidential and residential construction firms, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that nonresidential contractors report continuing difficulty filling positions despite the job gains, and they urged government officials to boost support for career development and allow more employment-based immigration.
“Construction firms have been adding workers at a faster clip than most sectors,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But contractors say they are still having trouble finding enough skilled workers to meet the demand for data centers, manufacturing plants, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects.”
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