Chief Economist Ken Simonson with the Associated General Contractors of America says of the more than 2,500 companies that responded, 80 percent said they are having difficulty filling positions. Simonson notes the shortage is especially bad in Nebraska

To counter the problem, Simonson says the industry needs to attract the next generation of workers by engaging more with young people. He says because construction has a clear path for advancement and offers a high base pay, the career is a good fit for young people who don’t want to pursue a college degree.

Simonson says the lack of student debt and clear path for career advancement should also prove tantalizing. However, 85-Percent of surveyed contracting firms in Nebraska reported having issues finding craft positions and 65-Percent said there were having trouble finding salaried positions.