Where Have the Construction Workers Gone?

Staffing Companies May Have the Answer
Construction unemployment fell to 9.8 percent in June, the lowest June level since 2008. Despite signs of recovery, the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT) has projected there will be a shortage of two million commercial construction workers by 2017.

Many construction workers left to find other jobs during the recession; subsequently there is a serious lack of skilled laborers in the construction market.

In a March 2013 survey of its members, the Association of Builders & Contractors found that labor shortages have grown across a variety of positions and professions compared to the same time period in March 2012.

• 38% of companies currently report "some shortage" of carpenters for rough work, up from 24%

• 57% report no shortage, compared to 71%

• 23% reported some shortage of roofers, up from 14% in 2012

A similar trend holds, across many other construction-related occupations, including electricians, bricklayers, plumbers and workers in framing crews. While these figures may indicate a strengthening industry, they also could signal future constraints on growing firms looking for workers.

In addition, shortages of framers and wallboard installers are evident in certain individual markets. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of carpenters fell from 969,670 in 2007 to 471,350 in 2012, a 51% decline.

Future worker shortages might still be averted with renewed interest and investment in vocational, educational programs designed to help prepare students for careers in construction and manufacturing as they enter the workforce.

In the meantime, many contractors are turning to temporary staffing agencies to help reduce recruiting costs. Across America, temporary work has become a mainstay of the economy. Every year, a tenth of all U.S. workers finds a job at a staffing agency. Last year, more than one in every 20 blue-collar workers was a temp. 


If your business can benefit from a more flexible workforce, or if you need recruiting resources from an experienced construction staffing company, don't hesitate to contact usor call 1.866.532.6777. See how we have helped other contractors.