At its nadir during the recession, construction employment fell below 5.5 million nationwide. No industry felt the squeeze of that period in the late 2000s-early 2010s quite like construction, and the climb back has been slow. However, with total construction employment in Summer 2016 sitting a bit below 6.7 million -- still 1 million below its peak in 2007 -- construction employers have encountered a new problem. They have more work available than people to complete projects. The National Association of Homebuilders released a report saying there are roughly 200,000 open jobs in construction as of August 2016. An increase ...
Construction careers have been hit hard by this recession, which makes applying for a new job - or applying for a better job - that much more daunting. For those seeking construction employment, there has never been a better time to get creative, think outside the box, and invent a way to stand out. Sometimes off-the-wall strategies are the best way to gain a potential employer's attention. In the current construction market, there can be hundreds - if not thousands - of applicants vying for the same position. While this might be intimidating, it also provides a way for an ...
Confidence among U.S. homebuilders improved in May for the first time in five months as buyers rush to take advantage of near record-low mortgage rates. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo index of builder confidence rose to 44 from a revised 41 in April, the Washington-based group reported today. The median forecast in a Bloomberg survey called for an increase to 43. Readings below 50 mean more respondents said conditions were poor. “Builders are noting an increased sense of urgency among potential buyers as a result of thinning inventories of homes for sale, continuing affordable mortgage rates and strengthening ...
A report issued by the Associated General Contractors of America finds the top hiring metropolitan areas are the Dallas-Plano-Irving area, which added 11,700 jobs; the Los Angeles-Long-Beach-Glendale area, which added 10,000 jobs; and Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, which added 8,200 jobs. These areas are leaders in the ongoing improvement for the construction industry, as it recovers from the recession. Baton Rouge has seen substantial throughout its downtown, and as a result the metro area's construction is also among the nation's best, per the AGCA report. CONTINUE READING AT NOLA.COM
Employment numbers through the first half of 2015 show that, in areas where the hiring outlook has improved, the construction industry is a key cornerstone. Similarly, regions with higher overall unemployment rates are lagging in construction hiring. For example, Washington State posted its best employment in seven years in June 2015. The Seattle Times reports statewide unemployment of 5.3%. "The construction sector played a key role in that, adding 17,700 jobs statewide between June 2014 and June 2015, second only to the professional and business-services sector, which added 20,800," the report says. Conversely, NJ.com reports losses in construction in New ...
After the economic recession, careers in construction management have taken a significant hit, as companies have implemented budget cuts that eliminate staff and contract work. Despite the changes in the job market, careers in construction management are growing more and more competitive, but the manager position remains an essential job in the construction field. Those with careers in construction management who aim to hold a steady job, or climb in their career should work to distinguish their skills and stand above the rest in the field. These goals can be met by improving education, highlighting beneficial areas of the resume, ...
Construction employment increased in 170 out of 339 metropolitan areas between April 2012 and April 2013 as demand for construction continues to grow in many parts of the country, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. A majority of metro areas are adding construction jobs as private sector demand accelerates in many parts of the country, the association said in a report released Wednesday. Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist, said private sector investments in new residential, energy and "supply chain facilities" like factories, rail lines and warehouses are driving the gains in construction employment. "These private sector gains ...
Construction firms added jobs in 36 states between August 2013 and August 2014 while construction employment increased in 28 states between July and August. Florida added the most new construction jobs, 43,500, an 11.8 percent increase between August 2013 and August 2014. "The number of states with increases in construction employment over the last 12 months moderated in August but remained strongly positive as construction activity continues to spread across most of the nation," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. CONTINUE READING AT NOLA.COM
There is a shortage of skilled workers in the construction trades in Alabama and elsewhere, creating opportunities for young people to begin good-paying careers without taking out big student loans, according to the web site for the Go Build Alabama initiative. Young workers ages 18-30, as well as veterans, the underemployed and others looking for a new career direction, can learn more about these opportunities in the construction trades at an expo in Birmingham. The CareerCast.com Construction Network's robust database of construction jobs feature some with on-the-job training. But, if you're seeking additional resources, many states offer comprehensive programs. Check ...
We don’t need to remind you that the building industry took quite a hit during the last recession. This year’s forecast for construction employment , says the Dodge Outlook Report , is also pretty iffy. Single-family and multifamily housing will show about 10% improvement – not great, but at least it’s trending in the right direction. Industrial construction is forecast to slip in 2012. Don’t expect a flood of opportunity in public works – due to budget cuts, new projects are harder to come by. Looking for work? You’re not alone. Construction employment is challenging, but the jobs are out ...