Construction Employment Trends

There are numerous occurrences that affect the growth of construction industries.  The number of projects initiated each year depends on factors including product availability, energy costs, natural disasters, and interest rates.  Companies that supply construction industries generally have winter lulls in which they restock products in preparation of sales during the spring and summer months.  Beginning in the winter of 2003, the cement industry never felt that decline in business.  In fact, the demand for cement has increased steadily with the growth of not only American construction, but also foreign construction.  This sharp spike has led to a shortage of this necessary material.  It is the smaller construction companies that feel these effects the most, due to the massive delays and postponements to all projects while waiting for materials.  The boom among foreign industries has added to the increased costs and difficulty to import such products. 

Energy costs have adversely affected the construction industry.  The skyrocketing fuel prices have not only made it more expensive to operate necessary machinery, but also transportation and material costs.  This has caused smaller companies to increase prices, and lose competitiveness with other organizations.  Companies attempt to cut many unnecessary costs before resorting to price increases, but, unfortunately it has been mandatory in order for companies to maintain business. 

In August 2005, many construction companies were hit with the uncommonly high demands for reconstruction of the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama areas.  The destruction caused by the natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina, created an immense need for construction contractors.  They were called in to rebuild the entire city in hopes of regaining the bustling metropolis that was destroyed.  Thousands of homes, businesses, and roadways needed immediate reconstruction, in a time where cement was scarce and fuel costs were high.  Although it was a difficult time, the construction industry boomed into action using as many workers as were available. 

Another factor involved with industry trends is interest rates.  They have a large impact on the number of loans issued each year in the housing industry.  When rates are low, construction escalates, but when rates increase, construction slows in response.  A more recent impact has been caused by acts of terrorism and war.  Since September 11, 2001, there has been a steady increase in the inspection and reinforcement of many existing structures, which has increased the need for more construction workers.  Unfortunately, there is a shortage on terrorism insurance which inhibits many banks from lending to commercial construction projects.  These attacks and fears will continue to cause fluctuations within the construction industry. 

Construction employment remains strong throughout the US, despite recent negative economic cycles. By 2012, the construction employment rate is expected to increase by 12 percent for architects, civil engineers, project managers, and superintendents due to anticipated demographic and economic changes. Evolving technologies may improve the employment outlook as skilled and knowledgeable managers are required in the construction process.

For additional information on construction employment, professionals recommend that you investigate some of the many resources available on the Internet:

• Housing Construction Trends
• Plunkett Research, LTD
• All Business Champions of Small Businesses
• National Guidance Research Forum
• Construction Trends

Construction managers, employers, recruiters, and human resources professionals are also advised to consult additional sources of employment information to better understand the compensation, benefits, and other incentives that prevail in today's employment market so that the best opportunities can be found and the best employees can be recruited and retained. 

Our construction job board is committed to helping construction candidates find the employment they want and employers find the qualified professionals they need. Our featured job titles currently include:

• Sales (Executives, Managers, Associates)
• Marketing (Vice President, Managers)
• Computer Aided Design Specialist/Drafter
• Purchasing
• Safety (Directors, Managers, Supervisors)
• Inspector
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Quality Control Manager

When you are ready to find employment in the construction industry or find a qualified candidate that matches your requirements, begin at iHireConstruction.