Lansing-area construction industry offers job opportunities

For years now, the Capital Area Michigan Works! system has been encouraging job seekers to look for in-demand occupations in industries that continue to grow in our region. In-demand industries often require some training or education for new hires, but the training or education will lead to opportunities and security.

Manufacturing and information technology are two of the most talked about and prevalent in-demand industries in our region, but job seekers should also consider is the growing construction industry.

In the third quarter of 2014, the construction industry in the Lansing-East Lansing Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) measured 6,680 jobs among 705 businesses, according to Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.

The construction employment is still substantially under third quarter 2000 highs of 10,050 jobs, but the industry in the Lansing area has recovered by 17.5 percent compared to recession lows of 5,680 jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Looking at the construction industry, there are various positions within it that job seekers can explore. According to the Conference Board’s Help Wanted Online database, in August there were 311 online job advertisements for construction and extraction occupations in the Lansing-East Lansing MSA.

The individual occupations in this group with the most ads included first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers, construction laborers and painters.

Job seekers interested in finding employment in the construction industry may need to complete additional training to qualify for positions. If you’re an individual in our region who is interested in pursuing training, there’s an upcoming event that can help you explore the necessary details for a training opportunity.

AIS Construction Equipment Corporation is hosting two information sessions for individuals interested in heavy equipment operator training on Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center.

The session will include what trainings AIS provides and the types of positions participants would be qualified for after training, typically positions with wages of $16 an hour and even higher depending on experience and the employer.

Representatives from Capital Area Michigan Works! will also be on site to discuss the various workforce programs, what qualifies individuals for these programs and potential AIS training assistance for eligible individuals.

After completing training, participants will be qualified for more job opportunities. For example, companies in our region that have hired AIS operator training graduates in the past include Ellet Enterprises in Charlotte, Scarlett Construction Company in Mason and the City of Westphalia.

If you’re interested in attending one of the AIS information sessions, you can pre-register online at https://goo.gl/5MSBdv.

For a complete listing of Capital Area Michigan Works! events and workshops at our service centers in Lansing, St. Johns and Charlotte, visit www.camw.org.