The latest workforce survey from the Associated General Contractors of America and NCCER shows that finding qualified workers remains difficult even as portions of the construction market soften. Growing data center construction and tighter labor availability are adding additional pressure to an already competitive workforce environment.
According to the survey:
- 87% of firms report openings for hourly craft positions and 82% have openings for salaried positions.
- Half of respondents say available candidates lack the skills, certificates or licenses needed for construction positions.
- 42% of firms report project delays caused by shortages of their own workers or subcontractors' workers.
- Nearly half of firms have increased engagement with high schools, colleges and Career and Technical Education programs.
- Data center construction is also increasing competition for skilled workers and putting additional pressure on wages.
North Carolina: Building Stronger Career Pathways
North Carolina contractors continue to report difficulty filling both craft and salaried positions, with qualifications and credentials among the leading hiring barriers.
Employers are responding by expanding recruiting efforts, investing in training and strengthening relationships with high schools, community colleges and CTE programs—strategies that align closely with CAGC and CAGC Foundation workforce initiatives.
"North Carolina's construction workforce needs are clear: we must build stronger pathways from education to careers. Through CAGC and the CAGC Foundation, we are connecting students, training providers and employers to create opportunity, strengthen our workforce and ensure North Carolina has the talent to build its future."—Betsy Bailey, Director, NC Government Relations & Building Division, CAGC Foundation COO
South Carolina: Investing in Home-Grown Talent
South Carolina contractors are experiencing similar challenges - as firms compete for skilled workers and navigate a tightening labor supply.
Immigration enforcement is having a particularly significant impact across the South. Forty-two percent of Southern respondents reported at least one direct or indirect workforce impact from immigration enforcement activity, compared with 29% nationally.
"The national survey highlights what we know locally: you can't build South Carolina's future without investing in home-grown talent. With federal immigration policy tightening labor supply across the South, our state's priority must be expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) in high schools and technical colleges. Construction is a high-paying, first-choice career, and we need to train South Carolinians to fill those positions today." — Leslie Clark, COO & VP of SC External Affairs, Carolinas AGC