Construction Industry Adds 16,000 Jobs in August, but Nonresidential Contractors Struggle to Fill Slots Amid 3.9 Percent Unemployment Rate
Association official notes that 91 percent of contractors are having a hard time finding workers, according to a new survey, likely limiting the number of jobs added during the past month in the sector
Construction firms added 16,000 jobs in August, according to an analysis of federal employment data released on Sept. 2 by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said their newly released survey, conducted with Autodesk, showed contractors are eager to hire more employees but are being stymied by a dearth of qualified workers.
“Nonresidential construction activity is growing, but contractors universally report difficulty hiring as many workers as they need,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “With the industry unemployment rate hovering below 4%, finding qualified applicants is sure to remain a major challenge.”