Job Numbers Robust, Despite Harsh Weather

Construction firms added jobs in 38 states between January 2013 and January 2014, while 27 states experienced construction employment gains between December and January, according to an analysis March 17 by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said the fact so many states added construction jobs for the year and month despite harsh winter conditions in many parts of the country is a sign that demand appears to be recovering.

Kansas led all states with a 10.7 percent rise (5,900 jobs) in construction employment between January 2013 and January 2014. Other states adding a high percentage of new construction jobs for the year included Oregon (9.4 percent, 6,600 jobs); Florida (9.2 percent, 32,700 jobs); Minnesota (9.2 percent, 8,900 jobs) and Alaska (9.1 percent, 1,500 jobs). Florida added the most jobs for the year, followed by California (27,300 jobs, 4.4 percent); Texas (26,000 jobs, 4.3 percent) and Ohio (11,600 jobs, 6.3 percent). Continue reading story

Study Finds that Innovative Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Youth Deserves Expansion

A study released by Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs found that the Edward J. Malloy Initiative for Construction Skills, an innovative workforce development model for students in New York's career and technical high schools, has been succeeding in placing minority youth in middle-class careers in the construction industry. The Initiative was established in 2001 by union construction contractors, organized labor and the city's Department of Education with the goal of increasing the diversity of the construction trade workforce so that it reflects the city's diverse population. Continue reading story

Construction Work Listed among Jobs That Burn the Most Calories

Some jobs count as a workout all on their own. PayScale compiled a list of jobs that burn the most calories compared with a desk job (102.5 calories an hour), along with their typical annual pay.

Construction workers do lots of heavy lifting, burning 297 calories per hour. They're on their feet a good deal of the time, carrying heavy equipment and tools. When not standing, they are climbing, crouching, bending and twisting. It can really work up a sweat. This applies also to roofers, painters, electricians, plumbers, masons, landscapers and most who fall under the construction umbrella. According to personal trainer John Rowley, a construction worker can "get away with a little more without it affecting their waistline." Continue reading story