Concrete Trade Expected to Experience Widespread Labor Shortages

Nearly 90 percent of 1,350-plus respondents to an industry-wide Associated General Contractors of America survey conducted in July and August reported trouble finding qualified craft workers to fill key spots as demand for construction continues to rebound in many markets. Seventy-nine percent of responding firms nationwide cite difficulty filling one or more of 21 hourly craft professional positions, particularly carpenters (73 percent of firms that employ carpenters report difficulty), followed by sheet metal installers (65 percent) and concrete workers (63 percent).