Between October 2020 and October 2021, nearly two out of three U.S. metro areas added construction jobs.

Without question, the building and construction industry has been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Approximately 1.1 million construction jobs were eliminated in the first two months of the pandemic prior to the industry’s designation as “essential.” While the industry has recouped nearly 80 percent of its workforce since then, companies will need to hire another 1 million workers over the next two years to meet the country’s insatiable demand for new home construction and improvement.

Rising construction materials prices appear to be starting to drive up the price of construction projects, according to an analysis released by AGC. 

Procore Technologies, Inc., a provider of construction management software, announced it has acquired LaborChart, a provider of workforce management software for specialty contractors and self-performing general contractors.

ClarkDietrich has launched a new interactive educational lunch-and-learn series called “Conversations With ClarkDietrich.” The series was kicked off with an event on October 15 at Dallas-based MAREK Design Studio and was focused on head-of-wall framing solutions.

It is no secret that the U.S. is suffering from a post-pandemic labor shortage. The commercial construction industry was already suffering labor losses prior to Covid-19 and is finding it even more difficult now to attract skilled and general labor.

AGC and Autodesk's survey results underscore how the coronavirus pandemic has created constraints on the demand for work even as it limits the number of workers available to hire.

Hylan announced the launch of  “Hylan Academy” as a direct response to the shortage of skilled utility construction workers across the United States.

During the past several years, there has been continuing concern about the scarcity of trade professionals. And how our industry can increase interest in careers within these professions. While many programs have been introduced to promote the home and building product channel as a viable — and rewarding — career path, these initiatives deserve further commitment.