Construction workforce shortages are the leading cause of project delays as new immigration enforcement efforts have impacted near one-third of construction firms, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and NCCER. Noting that 92 percent of contractors report they are having a hard time filling open positions, construction officials called for more funding for construction education and new, lawful ways for people to enter the country to work in the industry.
“As the survey results show, construction workforce shortages aren’t just a problem for the construction industry,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, during a virtual media briefing to release the results. “Construction projects of all types are being delayed because there aren’t enough qualified workers available for firms to hire.”
MATERIALS:
FACT SHEETS:
STATE FACT SHEETS:
RESULTS BY UNION OR OPEN-SHOP:
RESULTS BY FIRM’S SIZE
RESULTS BY PROJECT TYPE