Construction employers added 16,000 jobs and the sector's unemployment rate fell to 7%, the lowest rate for September in years, according to an analysis released today by the Associated General Contractors of America, Washington, D.C. Association officials said the construction employment gains come as more firms report having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to fill available positions, citing the lack of local vocational training programs, especially at the secondary level.
Construction employment totaled 6,079,000 in September, the highest total since May 2009, with a 12-month gain of 230,000 jobs or 3.9%, Sandherr noted. Residential building and specialty trade contractors added a combined 11,800 employees since August and 129,400 (5.9%) over 12 months.