AGC: 74% of construction firms have trouble finding workers

Seventy-four percent of construction firms nationwide have reported difficulty finding qualified workers to fill key spots in their ranks after the industry shed jobs during the recession.

An industry-wide survey by the Associated General Contractors of America shows that finding qualified craft workers is becoming increasingly difficult for construction companies, with the most difficulties reported in filling carpenter, equipment operator and laborer positions.

Fifty-three percent of firms are having a hard time filling professional positions, especially project supervisors, estimators and engineers.

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“Many construction firms are already having a hard time finding qualified workers and expect construction labor shortages will only get worse,´ said Stephen Sandherr, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America.

During the recession, many construction companies were forced to lay off employees as building shut down, but as the economy recovers, builders are prepared to hire once more.

The problem is that many of the workers who were laid off have found new professions or moved away from the area. Additionally, Northern Colorado construction companies have said that the younger generation of workers is less inclined to participate in the manual labor that is usually required in construction work.

Officials with the Associated General Contractors of America said in a statement Wednesday that the solution lies in immigration reform and skills-based education programs.

Colorado survey results can be found here.