Labor jobs in Connecticut climb

Posted on July 16, 2012

Home builders are looking to fill both construction and labor jobs in Connecticut, among other places.

A survey conducted on behalf of the Home Builders Institute (HBI) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB found that these jobs are increasing.

It found that 46 percent of builders in the Midwest and West expecting to hire, 39 percent in the South and 29 percent in the Northeast.

Builders’ hiring plans support the growth expected in the housing market through 2012.

Trades are in highest demand from builders, due to skills shortages. Shortages of more than 20 percent were reported for trades including painters, bricklayers/masons, finished carpenters, rough carpenters and framing crews directly employed by home building companies.

Sixty-two percent of home builders expressed concerns about workers they want to hire needing training before they are ready to begin their work.

“The findings are another positive indicator for the recovery of the housing market and economy overall,” said John Courson, president and CEO of the Home Builders Institute. “Our focus continues to be training workers now for these future jobs to ensure that shortages don’t occur as home building accelerates.”

“It is critical that workers are trained and job-ready for expected hires, which is reinforced by the survey finding that having a certification or skilled trades training is a deciding factor for more than 40 percent of builders,” explained Courson. “Workers would be wise to be up-to-date on the latest building skills requirements by connecting with trainings and certification opportunities in their area.”