Construction Employment Up in 3/5 of U.S. Metro Areas, August 2015-2016 Words: Dan Kamys29 September 2016 — According to analysis of federal employment data by the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment increased in three-fifths of U.S. metro areas between August 2015 and August 2016. This was the smallest share in nearly three and a half years, as contractors in many areas report difficulty in finding qualified workers. Association officials said the new data underscores the need to make it easier for school officials to set up programs that teach skills like construction. Construction employment increased in 220 (61%) of 358 metro areas in the past year, held steady in 62 areas, and declined in 76 areas. The number of areas with gains was the smallest since April 2013. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colo. added the most construction jobs during the past year (11,400 jobs, 12%), followed by Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif.; Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Fla.; Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Ga. and Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, Calif. The largest percentage gains occurred in Boise City, Idaho (24%, 4,500 jobs) and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford. The largest job losses year-over-year were in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas (-3,700 jobs, -2%), followed by Birmingham-Hoover, Ala. and Louisville-Jefferson County, Ky. The largest percentage declines for the past year were in Bloomington, Ill. (-16%, -500 jobs); Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, Ala.; Dothan, Ala.; and Lawton, Okla. Firms in many parts of the country are still having a hard time finding enough workers to hire. "Many firms would be hiring more people if only they could find qualified applicants to bring onboard," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer, who urged the Senate to act quickly on a House-passed measure to reform and boost funding for career and technical education programs. "Making it easier for school officials to offer programs that prepare students for high-paying careers in construction will certainly help overcome chronic workforce shortages in the industry." For the complete analysis, visit www.agc.org.