San Antonio's construction industry is booming, but there aren't enough qualified people to do the work.
For years the construction industry has suffered from nationwide labor shortages, even as unemployment rates dwindle to a record low of 3.7 percent in Texas and an even lower 2.6 percent in San Antonio.
Skilled workers, journeyman and professional trade workers are still in high demand and companies are coming up empty handed. Texas is in short supply of certified and experienced carpenters, concrete workers, electricians and plumbers.
What does this labor shortage mean for the economy? How is the shortage affecting housing availability and costs?
Why aren't there more workers with construction experience and specialty skills? What’s being done to rebuild the workforce of qualified craft workers?
Guests:
- Doug McMurry, executive VP of the San Antonio chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America
- Jeff Buell, president of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association and co-owner of Sitterlee Homes
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
*Audio for this interview will be available by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5.
