Virginia needs to add thousands of construction workers to keep up on projects

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Business
Virginia needs to add thousands of construction workers to keep up on projects

by: Brett Hall
Posted: Oct 30, 2024 / 12:08 AM EDT
Updated: Oct 30, 2024 / 06:17 AM EDT

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Progress takes people, and an association representing construction firms says currently, the industry doesn’t have enough people for the work that lies ahead. ... The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there are 288,000 unfilled construction jobs across the country.

While the exact shortage in Virginia isn’t known, the local CEO for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) estimates the commonwealth will need nearly 270,000 craft professionals working by 2026. Current estimates place Virginia’s construction workforce at roughly 207,000. ... The increase in infrastructure projects across the country alongside the retirement wave of baby boomers is helping to create the need for rapid hiring.

Ken Simonson, the chief economist for AGC, is hopeful doubling down on efforts to attract more people to construction careers will help bridge the current gap. ... “With the federal government investing billions in new industrial institutional and infrastructure projects here and across the country, it is essential to take steps now to prepare the next generation of workers,” Simonson said.

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Tuesday, the AGC released new findings that found the market added 4,500 new construction jobs between September 2023 and September 2024, representing an 11% increase from 41,300 workers to 45,800. ... Ron Lauster, president of W.M Joradan, one of the largest construction companies in the region, believes they can keep that momentum going through teamwork.

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[Lonestarblue]

1. And Trump wants to deport millions of the undocumented who work in construction.