Two reports reveal construction hiring growth
Two government reports on construction hiring and retention are shedding light on the industry as a whole. What will it all mean for 2025 revenue and growth? We'll take a closer look in today's edition. But first: Construction has one of the lowest pay gaps of all industries, so why aren't more women joining the industry?
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Here's a peek at what's in today's issue:
// What you need to know about new labor data
// How union-affiliated apprenticeships boost diversity
// Why inland roofing standards just changed
// Who's building a ginormous gingerbread house

>> Who we're following: Brad Leavitt on LinkedIn. This Scottsdale, Ariz.-based construction executive shares insights on residential and commercial building best practices for sustainability, innovation and efficiency.
>> What we're listening to: "How to hire qualified employees in a tight market." Episode 49 of the National Federation of Independent Business' Small Business Rundown podcast focuses on the biggest hiring challenges and the best practices for overcoming them.
>> What we're gifting: Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High Performance Teams (ForbesBooks). Business owner Brian Gottlieb combines storytelling and strategy to teach five leadership principles required for success.
>> What's happening soon: Construction site safety for structural engineers (Dec. 19). This 1-CE credit webinar from the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations is designed for SEs new to job sites or who don't work on them often.
>> Just for fun: A giant edible gingerbread house! The kitchen staff at the Hotel Paso del Norte has once again crafted a life-sized house from 200 gingerbread blocks and 200 lbs of royal icing.

Government reports signal retention, potential 'hoarding'
The latest government employment numbers indicate that construction companies are stabilizing their headcounts.
The first report out last week was the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) October Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. It showed a continuing decline in private sector layoffs across most of the U.S. economy, dipping from 1.1% in September to 1.0%. The fall was led in part by a significant drop in construction. "Layoffs fell by 73,000 in construction month-over-month to the lowest level ever," writes KPMG Senior Economist Matthew Nestler.
Then on Friday, the BLS' latest Employment Situation Summary, hinted that the retention trend continued into November. The overall employment rate for government and private sector workers remained essentially unchanged for the month, as did the figures for the construction industry.
Why it matters: Analysts suspect the employment numbers are likely fueled by concerns over the incoming presidential administration's proposed labor moves as much as market factors. "This could indicate labor hoarding in advance of potential crackdowns on immigration," Nestler notes. "There is strong demand for rebuilding after hurricanes as well as for new data centers, manufacturing plants and housing if mortgage rates fall." (KPMG)

>> Economic Expectations: Lower inflation and rate cuts forecasted
>> How cause marketing can grow your roofing business
>> Retail Resurgence? Low supply drives investor interest
>> Climate, natural disasters prompt homeowner relocations

Driving Diversity: Union apprenticeships increase inclusion
Apprenticeship programs provide vital training for skilled workers and expand the talent pipeline. A new analysis from the Economic Policy Institute shows that union-affiliated programs can also be powerful drivers of diversity and access to jobs. These programs remove barriers to training because they are typically full-time, paid on-the-job training — so there's no tuition to pay.
The report, authored by researchers Russell Ormiston and Cihan Bilginsoy, finds that:
- The number of women and people who identify as Hispanic registering for union or “joint” programs (those administered by labor unions and union contractor association partners) is growing.
- Women and Black, Hispanic and other apprentices of color sre more likely to complete the programs than those enrolled in nonunion-affiliated options.
A deeper analysis of the findings is available in the full report, The State of Registered Apprenticeship Training in the Construction Trades.
Why it matters: According to the U.S. government site ApprenticeshipUSA, more than 340,000 registered apprentices worked in construction last year, learning in-demand, deployable skills that improve employability, raise income and benefit their families. Plus, says Sean McGarvey, president of North America's Building Trades Unions, "These programs ensure the quality of construction and the safety and security of the construction workforce, strengthening every community across the country where these workers reside and are needed."

Climate Change: New standards for inland properties
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) released new 2025 FORTIFIED construction standards for homes, commercial buildings and multifamily projects. The FORTIFIED program recommends “beyond-code” construction and re-roofing practices to mitigate storm damage to residential and commercial properties vulnerable to high winds and heavy rain.
The guidelines are updated to reflect climate realities away from the coast, including more frequent and more severe convective storms like tornadoes, derechos and straight-line winds. Standards that have proven successful in lowering damage risk from hurricanes — like tighter nailing patterns and roof-mounted vents that keep out wind-driven rain — are now applicable to inland properties. The guidelines are aligned with the American Society of Civil Engineers' ASCE 7 standards, too.
Why it matters: As of Nov. 1, the National Centers for Environmental Information verified 24 weather and climate events costing more than $1 billion each. (BCD Network)

- Build for the missing middle Learn about innovative design solutions for addressing the housing crisis in this Dec. 19 BNP Media webinar with Johanna Hurme.
- Improve soft skills Check out this advice from South Texas Vocational Technical Institute for the combination welders on your crew — it applies to most other trades, too.
- Train for your drone license Take this online class from Clemson University's “Dr. Drone," Joe Burgett, to start your journey to becoming a licensed drone pilot.
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The Level is written by Margot Lester and edited by Katie Parsons.