The construction industry took a hit in March, posting a decrease of 1,000 jobs nationwide. The decline followed a steady increase in construction jobs over the last 14 months.
But the national news is not true for Texas, where construction jobs are increasing and 48 percent of firms are still having a hard time filling positions.
Doug McMurry of the Associated General Contractors, San Antonio chapter, said now that oil companies were reducing operations, he was hoping that workers who had left to work in the Eagle Ford Shale would come back to construction.
“The construction industry is looking for plumbers, electricians, welders, carpenters, even drivers and heavy equipment operators. Those are key positions we need to fill right away,” said McMurry.
McMurry said many of the jobs pay $60,000 to $80,000 for managers, and companies are getting a lot smarter about attracting talent. “They have increased their wages and they’re offering generous benefits including health care, vacation, and in some cases, vehicles.”
To find workers, AGC San Antonio has organized “The Better Jobs Fair,” in cooperation with the American Subcontractors Association, Workforce Alamo, the Texas Veterans Commission, Bexar County, and the U.S. Department of Labor, to help companies hire workers so they can keep up with the rising demand.
The event is scheduled for next Wednesday morning, April 15. It is free for job applicants.
http://workintexas.jobs/san-antonio-tx/better-jobs-fair/F97C765C403645AB9785E78EFF8917F7/job/
