Tag: worker shortage: Page 3

Workforce

Construction’s skilled worker shortage intensifies: 83% of firms tell AGC they can’t find enough craft workers

No. 13 Story in 2014 « No. 14 No. 12 »   The problem of not being able to find enough skilled craft workers is reaching nearly universal levels in the U.S. construction industry, according to a new survey. In response, the Associated General Contractors of America today released a workforce development plan aimed at repairing […]

October 22, 2014

Workforce

Northwestern Mutual sets out to hire 1,000 construction workers in Milwaukee

Northwestern Mutual is in the middle of a substantial construction project in downtown Milwaukee and the company is in need of a lot of hands to get it done. On Monday, the company hosted a job fair in Milwaukee in search of 1,000 construction workers to build its $450 million tower, according to a report […]

October 21, 2014

Workforce

Construction’s late recovery in Nevada heightens shortage of skilled workers as Tesla looms

After successfully wooing electric car maker Tesla to build its massive gigafactory through $1.25 billion in tax incentives, the state of Nevada is looking forward to an impact of $100 billion over the next 20 years. And the construction industry in the Reno area is looking forward to an infusion of 3,000 jobs to build […]

October 9, 2014

Workforce

How to stay safe while working with a small or short-handed construction crew

One of the lingering effects of the construction downturn is the difficulty contractors now face finding skilled workers. Whether construction workers have found other jobs, moved to a new city or left the industry altogether, skilled workers can be hard to find in some areas. If you’re making do with, or are part of, a […]

October 7, 2014

Workforce

How a “Circle of Retention” can bring better hires to construction companies

The biggest challenge facing the heavy equipment industry is the lack of qualified workers in any skill area. The problem is not impossible to solve but as with football or any other sport, winning requires preparation, planning, goal setting, training and mentoring. This is more work than many contractors and fleet managers anticipate and certainly […]

October 1, 2014

Business

Is construction “dead in the water”? Greenspan comment highlights industry’s mixed feelings about recovery

Despite many positives in the industry right now, Alan Greenspan is pointing a finger of blame in construction’s direction. According to a report from Bloomberg, Greenspan, who served as chairman of the Federal Reserve between 1987 and 2006, said Tuesday the U.S. economic rebound from the recession that ended five years ago has been held […]

September 10, 2014

Home

Construction firms are turning down work due to the labor shortage, but most are willing to pay more to find workers

A majority of construction companies across the U.S. are facing a shortage in skilled labor and a large number of them have been forced to turn down work in the last year because they didn’t have the workers needed for the job, according to a recent survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America […]

August 28, 2014

Workforce

Seattle may require construction companies to hire local workers

The Seattle City Council is mulling over creating an ordinance that would require construction companies contracted by the city to hire a certain number of local workers for each job. According to a report from KIRO Radio, Seattle City Council member Sally Clark said the council is taking action after an analysis of construction projects […]

August 13, 2014

Safety

OSHA official: Further increase in construction deaths likely; triggered by uptick in activity, less-experienced workers

If it seems like you’re hearing about a lot more construction-related deaths lately, you’re not alone. Anyone who pays close attention to news concerning the industry has likely noticed reports of construction worker deaths in the U.S. have come across the wire at a consistent click so far this year. Officials with the Occupational Health […]

July 29, 2014

Business

STEM graduates are finding a weak job market. Why that could be a big opportunity to fix construction’s skilled labor woes

A recent article at Business Insider revealed an odd wrinkle in the job market. According to Census Bureau statistics, less than half the college graduates with STEM degrees (science, technology, engineering and math) find jobs in STEM related fields. This wouldn’t be surprising except for the fact that so many people bleat on like a […]

July 11, 2014

Construction Equipment

Robotic welders called in on new Tappan Zee bridge after contractor has difficulty finding skilled workers

After troubles with the installation of the massive steel piles that will support the $3.9 billion replacement of the Tappan Zee bridge near New York City, bridge builder Tappan Zee Constructors has brought in robotic welders. About 1,000 of the steel piles will support the new twin-span bridge that crosses the Tappan Zee, a natural […]

June 12, 2014

Technology

Xbox-like remote control could make operating construction equipment as easy as playing video games (PHOTOS)

[imagebrowser id=87] Over the years, advances in controls have greatly improved intuitiveness and thus simplified the operation of construction equipment in many cases. Beyond that, ever-improving GPS technology and machines like Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control dozers and upcoming excavator, point to a not-so-distant future where a lot of operators could be doing so from outside of […]

June 5, 2014