The construction industry added 23,000 jobs in February鈥攖he most since August鈥攁s a strong gain in employment at nonresidential contractors offset a small decline at residential firms, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that new figures on the number of job openings in the industry underscore the challenges firms are having finding enough qualified people to hire amid strong demand.
鈥淣onresidential contractors stepped up their hiring in February,鈥 said Ken Simonson, the association鈥檚 chief economist. 鈥淏ut job-openings and spending data released earlier this month suggests hiring would be even more robust if construction firms could find enough qualified workers.鈥
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