Construction jobs are back, and the industry is finally providing much-needed jobs to almost 6.4 million people, the most since 2009, says a report by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Another report went on to say that states like California, Florida, Texas and Washington are the hottest areas for construction jobs right now, but some states are still showing slow growth while others are actually seeing a decrease in job numbers.
Construction has always seemed to be the last sector to see job growth after a major economic downturn, and one of the worst parts about the this slow growth is the loss of skilled workers to other sectors. As one of our other posts points out, we cannot afford the shortage of skilled tradespeople in this country, especially as many seasoned workers will be retiring in the next few years.
It is becoming extremely evident to the contractors that need talented, experienced people on their job sites, that this is a major problem. Places like Port Tampa Bay, where ship repair and dry-dock businesses employ welders, ironworkers, pipefitters and electricians, feel the need for young workers, leading one of their executives to call the growing tide of aging workers the “silver tsunami.”
One thing is clear, we need more skilled tradespeople in this country. It can be hard, dangerous work, but it can also be fulfilling and lucrative. Update your profile today, or sign up for free if you don’t have one. We have all the best jobs for America’s hardest working people.
