Georgia construction sector may run short on workers

The construction sector in Georgia has done so well it seems to be out-pacing the economy’s ability to fuel its growth.

Even while there’s murmuring about a possible recession, industry leaders say they expect the economy to keep expanding, but they have reached the point where more construction spending is testing their ability to do the work.

Unlike the boom that led to the crash of the construction sector after 2006, the problem is not the wild building followed by a dearth of demand, said Michael Dunham, chief executive officer of Associated General Contractors of Georgia. “Right now, things look pretty good, and it looks to me like the growth is measured.”

It’s just that the skills needed to do the projects are in short supply, he said: Steady job growth, combined with retirements and restricted immigration have tightened the labor market.

“For every four people I have aging out, I am only getting one new person back,” Dunham said.

That tilts the market toward workers with the right construction skills. And it means pay hikes for many jobs and signing bonuses for others.

“You go out on the street with a degree, you can find a job in a couple weeks or a month,” Dunham said. “If you have a carpentry skill, you could be employed before it’s dark.”

He supports programs — some with government partnership — that offer training. And he would like to see reform of immigration to make sure more workers are available.