Report: Most Indiana Construction Firms Struggling To Fill Positions

Most construction firms in Indiana say they’re having a hard time filling trades positions, according to a report released Wednesday. It’s part of a national shortage of qualified construction workers.

The Associated General Contractors of America surveyed construction firms across the country.

They found that 72 percent of Indiana firms are having a hard time filling job openings, especially for the hourly positions that make up the bulk of construction work. That's close to the national and Midwest rate of 80 percent.

AGCA Chief Economist Ken Simonson says job openings have soared in recent months, while the number of unemployed construction workers is down.

"In other words, contractors are spending longer filling jobs and have fewer experienced workers to choose from," he says.

The shortages are evident across most construction fields, but Hoosier firms report having the most difficulty filling jobs for concrete workers, electricians, and pipelayers.