Construction industry leaders are asking the federal government for help in easing the worsening shortage of workers.
According to a survey from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk, 80% of construction firms say they are having difficulty filling hourly and craft positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 300,000 vacancies in the construction industry this June. The industry is projected to need 747,000 more employees by 2026.
To fill these positions, AGC is asking federal officials to increase funding for career and technical education programs, and to allow more immigration. āWorkforce shortages remain one of the single most significant threats to the construction industry,ā said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGCās CEO.
In order to attract applicants and retain workers, about two-thirds of contracting firms said they have raised the base pay for craft workers. Nearly 30% are offering bonuses and incentives. Some firms are also investing in technology to take over some workersā duties.
Related Stories
| Jan 17, 2015
When is a train station not a train station? When itās a performance venue
You can catch a train at Minneapolisās new Target Field Station. You can also share in an experience. Thatās what āOpen Transitā is all about.
| Jan 16, 2015
Artsy lifeguard stations will brighten Torontoās snowy beach
Five winning designs have been unveiled for lifeguard stands that will double as public space art installations on Toronto's beach.
| Jan 16, 2015
New York City construction costs continue to climb
A study released by the New York Building Congress shows that construction costs in Manhattan have risen 5% in each of the last two years.
| Jan 15, 2015
A reconstructed Taliesin West is the largest Frank Lloyd Wright LEGO Model [slideshow]
Artist Adam Reed Tucker used 180,000 LEGO pieces and 420 hours of work to recreate Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West campus.
| Jan 15, 2015
Construction materials prices fall in November
Construction input prices dipped 1.4% during the final month of 2014 and are down nearly 1% on a year-over-year basis, according to the Jan. 15 producer price index release from the U.S. Department of Labor.Ā
| Jan 15, 2015
Libeskind unveils 'zig zag' plan for recreational center near Vilnius ski area
Perched on the highest peak between Vilnius' historic quarter and downtown, the Vilnius Beacon will be a hub for visiting skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.
| Jan 14, 2015
10 change management practices that can ease workplace moves
No matter the level of complexity, workplace change can be a challenge for your client's employees. VOA's Angie Lee breaks down the process of moving offices as efficiently as possible, from creating a "change team" to hosting hard-hat tours.
| Jan 13, 2015
Steven Holl unveils design for $450 million redevelopment of Houston's Museum of Fine Arts
Holl designed the campusā north side to be a pedestrian-centered cultural hub on a lively landscape with ample underground parking.Ā
| Jan 9, 2015
Santiago Calatrava talks with BBC about St. Nicholas Church on Ground Zero
Calatrava reveals that he wanted to retain the ātiny homeā feel of the original church building that was destroyed with the twin towers on 9/11.
| Jan 9, 2015
Nonresidential construction hiring surges in December 2014
The U.S. construction industry added 48,000 jobs in December, including 22,800 jobs in nonresidential construction, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics preliminary estimate released Jan. 9.Ā
