Construction Officials Discuss Workforce Shortages Facing the Industry

On January 31, AGC along with AGC of Western Kentucky and Ray Black & Son led Rep. James Comer on a tour of the $26.2 million construction of the Paducah Innovation Hub. The facility will house several traditional technical center classes such as including carpentry, welding, and electricity as well as classes in computer-aided design, engineering and robotics. During the tour, the group spoke about the workforce shortages facing the construction industry and how facilities like the Paducah Innovation Hub will help address these concerns. Specifically, the group noted a 2019 AGC of America survey that found 85 percent of contractors in Kentucky are having “a hard time filling some or all positions.” During the visit AGC urged Rep. James Comer to utilize his role on the House Education and Labor Committee to advocate for increased career and technical education funding. To visit was covered by both the Paducah Sun and West Kentucky Star.