During the past several years, there has been continuing concern about the scarcity of trade professionals. And how our industry can increase interest in careers within these professions. While many programs have been introduced to promote the home and building product channel as a viable — and rewarding — career path, these initiatives deserve further commitment.

Construction employment in April remained below the pre-pandemic high set in February 2020 in 36 states and the District of Columbia, despite increases from March to April in 26 states.

Drywall finishing, in many ways, is a fine art. The amount of finesse required to achieve a perfectly smooth interior finish takes time, resources, and skill—things that wall and ceiling contractors know all too well are not always in ample supply. 

As more Baby Boomers enter retirement, the need for skilled workers is increasing across the American economy. The construction industry is not immune. Add on the struggle with convincing young people that a college degree isn’t always the ticket to a good life and skilled trades are a viable career choice. How can the construction industry recruit good talent?

Most contractors expect demand for many types of construction to shrink in 2021 even as the pandemic is prompting many owners to delay or cancel already-planned projects, meaning few firms will hire new workers.

BLD Marketing, a results-based, full-service strategic marketing agency serving building materials manufacturers exclusively throughout North America and abroad, has forged a partnership with 84 Lumber to help the company meet its escalating recruitment and hiring needs across the country.

The Autodesk Certification Program, comprising eight new industry-aligned learning pathways and certifications to partner with professionals on their lifelong learning journey, with additional certifications and courses arriving next year. 

On Wednesday, October 28 at 2 p.m. EDT, the Associated General Contractors of America will release new data showing the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus on the construction sector and its impacts on metro area construction employment. 

Only eight states and the District of Columbia have recouped the severe pandemic-induced losses of construction jobs that occurred last spring.

The coronavirus has harmed the construction industry, prompting project delays and cancellations, layoffs and furloughs, yet it remains difficult for a majority of firms to find craft workers to hire, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Autodesk.