Construction employment increased in 44 states in March from a year earlier, while only 20 states added construction jobs from February to March, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials said most contractors report they are still eager to hire but have been stymied by a lack of qualified applicants. They urged officials in Washington to strengthen employment-based immigration and fund more career and technical education.
“A one-two punch from a pullback in homebuilding and unusually severe weather, especially in California, caused employment to drop in most states from February to March,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Construction employment continued to expand almost everywhere in March compared to a year ago, as demand for apartments, nonresidential building and infrastructure remains strong in many states.”
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