New Government Data Reveals Steady Increase in Construction Jobs, Richard Zahn Commends Industry

PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 15, 2013

As a construction industry professional, Richard Zahn has experienced many economic trends that have impacted the field, both positively and negatively. Notably, many in the industry agree that the past few years--as a result of housing market issues and the recent recession--have been difficult in terms of project growth and steady employment. However, as the American economy makes a turnaround, new trends are emerging that suggest steady growth in the construction industry and employment within it--a pattern that Zahn believes is worth celebrating.

Richard Zahn points to a recent article from Construction Equipment Guide that reveals, "Construction industry employment climbed for the tenth consecutive month in March, as the sector added 18,000 jobs and surpassed 5.8 million employees for the first time since September 2009, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America." Zahn responds, "It is encouraging to see a rebirth in the construction industry, and that many skilled workers are having a chance to explore new employment opportunities."

However, the article also notes that some are not so optimistic about the growth. For instance, Ken Simonson, the chief economist at the Associated General Contractors of America, explains in the article, "Unfortunately, the [unemployment rate] decline is less a result of the 370,000 construction hires than because more than a million and a half experienced workers have left the industry since its peak by taking other jobs, retiring or leaving the workforce. That makes shortages of skilled workers increasingly likely in high-demand crafts such as pipefitting, welding and some residential activities."

In response, Zahn comments, "The potential that there may be a heavy shortage of skilled laborers may have the industry as a whole in a state of anxiety, but it is important to look at this trend as an opportunity. As such, I encourage all emerging professionals to explore employment opportunities in specialized skills within the construction industry--it is a line of work that can utilize skills from those who have previous experience in other professional fields."

Although the article suggests that nonresidential building has majorly contributed to increased demand for workers, Zahn notes that other industry trends suggest that there could be even more demand for labor within residential projects. "It is essential that there is a greater focus on training and developing skilled workers for a wide variety of projects, especially as apartment vacancies come to a low point in the country and there is likely to be a spike in multifamily unit construction," Richard Zahn concludes.

ABOUT:

Richard Zahn is a professional who has achieved a great deal over the course of his career. From his early days in the US Army to his most recent business endeavors, he has excelled in his many initiatives. After working in construction, development, law enforcement, medical and military capacities, Zahn has accumulated a lot of experience in diverse work environments. Today Zahn and his family live in Florida, where he engages in a wide range of hobbies while maintaining his professional success in the development of multifamily and master planned communities.

Website: http://richardzahn.net