Analysis of federal labor data by the Associated General Contractors of America shows construction employment growth, but the report "shows the fragile and fragmentary nature of the industry’s recovery,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, in a prepared statement.
“Construction employment increased in 37 states during the past 12 months — the largest number with gains since early last year — but only two states have surpassed their pre-recession peaks, and barely a third of states added construction jobs between June and July,” he said.
North Dakota, which is experiencing growth from an energy boom, and Louisiana are the only states to see construction employment return to pre-recession levels.
Should demand for new construction expand, association officials say many contractors are expecting to face a shortage of skilled workers.