Bureau of Labor Statistics - Page 1

Is a Recession in the Cards for 2023?

Industry economist believes it’s inevitable but predicts it will be mild

January 18, 2023

ABC chief economist Anirban Basu believes a recession will occur in 2023, based on higher interest rates and other indicators that suggest the economy may be slowing down.

Where Have All The Workers Gone?

The supply of available employees has been shrinking

Joanna R. Turpin

October 2, 2022

The HVACR industry has been experiencing a labor shortage for decades, and the latest trends aren’t looking great.

April Unemployment Rates Down

NSA construction unemployment rates drop in 49 states

June 21, 2019

In April 2019, estimated NSA construction unemployment rates fell nationally and in 49 states on a year-over-year basis.

ABC Reports June Construction Unemployment Rates Down in 15 States

August 3, 2018

The June 2018 not seasonally adjusted national construction unemployment rate increased 0.2 percent to 4.7 percent from June 2017. At the same time, the construction industry employed 282,000 more workers nationally than in June 2017.

ABC Reports May Construction Unemployment Rates Down Year Over Year in 45 States

June 26, 2018

The May 2018 not seasonally adjusted national construction unemployment rate fell 0.9 percent from May 2017 to 4.4 percent, the lowest May rate on record. At the same time, the construction industry employed 291,000 more workers nationally than in May 2017.

Construction Firms Add 5,000 Jobs in April

Specialty trade jobs dip slightly

May 30, 2017

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its April jobs report, revealing that employment in the construction industry increased by 5,000 jobs (seasonally adjusted). While the economy added 211,000 jobs, total specialty trade employment contracted nominally, shedding 1,500 positions in April.

New Year, New Recruits

Help close the technician gap by hiring a woman in 2017

Samantha Sine

February 6, 2017

While women may not be your top-of-the-mind choice when recruiting new technicians, I challenge you to broaden your horizons this year.

Construction Unemployment Improves in 32 States

BLS reports lowest September construction unemployment rate since 2000

December 19, 2016

The national NSA construction unemployment rate of 5.2 percent was 0.3 percent lower than a year ago, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The North American Techincian Excellence (NATE) Technical Committee includes a mixture of 15 contractors, educators, manufacturers, and working NATE-certified technicians.

New NATE Certifications Prepare Techs, Address Shortage

NATE unveils two new exams designed to help contractors hire better candidates

Nick Kostora

January 11, 2016

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is hoping the development of two new exams — a job-readiness certificate exam and certification-level exam for less experienced technicians — will provide a pathway into the industry or to a professional-level certification for new or less-experienced technicians.

Study: More Hands-On Training Needed

Jen Anesi

March 18, 2013

While the number of HVAC technician jobs continues to grow exponentially, Fluke Corp. has found a considerable gap between the number of candidates needed for those jobs and those who are qualified to do them.