Construction Industry 2014 Outlook Is Promising

Posted by admin  at January 22nd, 2014

The construction industry, which has slowed significantly since the Financial Crisis of 2008, is being tipped to have a strong year in 2014 with one catch – firms will succeed if they find workers who are qualified enough.

Out of eight hundred major construction firms surveyed, 41 percent came back with a response stating intent to hire skilled workers to bolster new projects. A mere 2 percent of the firms surveyed announced plans to lay off workers. The rest are undecided on their new year strategy. A troubling 60 percent of firms surveyed responded that they may have significant challenges filling both professional positions as well as craft positions for major projects.

The biggest increase in construction demand is being seen in private-sector builds: office buildings, manufacturing plants, retail, warehouses, and lodging. It is estimated that marine construction demand will diminish this year.

The firms that were surveyed came back with feedback that strong training programs for new construction workers are few and far between. These firms are calling on Washington, D.C. to enact policies to allow qualified candidates a chance at a construction career through approved comprehensive training programs. The firms were quick to call out Washington for aiding in hurting the industry with the steep rise in health insurance costs issued in 2013. A staggering 60 percent of the firms surveyed are calling for a repeal of the Affordable Care Act by Congress.

The firms that were surveyed also conveyed construction industry specific concerns. These included disagreement over new regulations that require firms to keep data on all job applicants, as well as account for workers exposed to silica.

 Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/news/news-wire/2014/01/21/outlook-improves-for-construction—.html?iana=ind_cre