Last week, The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Utah contractors are having a hard time finding and hiring workers. The findings come from a poll conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America in which four out of five Utah contractors said that the labor shortage is affecting their operations.

Good or bad, the industry-wide trend is is pushing up wages and construction costs, lengthening completion schedules in some cases, and forcing employers to do more on-the-job training. According to Richard Thorn, CEO and President of the Utah chapter of the AGC, labor shortages are acute enough that they have affected major public projects, including highway construction, building on Utah's college campuses, even the multibillion-dollar upgrade at Salt Lake City International Airport.

Most contractors report that they're having a hard time finding skilled craftsmen - carpenters, masons, and crane and heavy equipment operators. Managerial and supervisory positions are also found wanting. Most companies expect to be in need of new hires in the coming year. Recently, they've increased wages, upped overtime hours, offered more benefits, and even sign-on bonuses.

Whatever the reasons were for leaving the industry, now might be the best time to return. UTCLC can help you renew or earn your license. We encourage young people to seek a career in construction. Utah's strong economy and lack of construction workers makes for optimal conditions for people who want to come back. Call us today to find out how we can help you.