Purpose: This paper discusses the well-publicized labor shortages in the building trades, reviews the causes for the deficiencies, and presents prescriptions for how career counselors and schools can play a critical role in encouraging young adults to consider construction occupations. Design/methodology/approach: Using data from government…

Addresses four questions regarding employment in the construction industry: (1) what have the long-term trends been, (2) how does the business cycle affect construction, (3) what are the seasonal patterns, and (4) what is the impact of these trends on workers. (JOW)