Construction Industry Continues to Grow

ATLANTA ó Lucas Group, a provider in professional recruiting, reports the construction industry is growing strong with increased hiring.



Lucas Group reports a 50 percent increase in construction job assignments from 2004 to 2005. The growing demand in multi-family construction, which apartment developers expect to increase as new home purchases decline, is attributable to rising interest rates. Although interest rates are rising, they are still low enough to continue growth in all areas of construction. Steady stream of building by all construction sectors and continued population growth impacts demand for positions across the industry, resulting in increased job opportunities. Lucas Group also reports growth in retail and hospitality commercial construction, which are regaining strength since the economy decline post-September 11th.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is expected to grow 15 percent through the year 2012. Of the goods-producing and service-providing sectors, construction employs nearly 29 percent of all workers and accounts for 61 percent of establishments.

ìThe growth in the industry opens many doors for existing and upcoming construction employees,î said Cindy Ewers, a construction search consultant for Lucas Group, Houston. ìThere is a high demand and shortage for highly-qualified construction professionals. Over the next 10 years, companies will continue to lose senior personnel due to retirement, and they have not been proactive in recruiting young construction professionals. Although efforts have greatly improved in recent years, the industry as a whole will have a large gap until supply of qualified personnel catches up with demand.î