Booming Boise construction firms acknowledge ‘stigma’ as they struggle to fill jobs

A new report by the Associated General Contractors of America shows that construction employment numbers have been down across the country during the pandemic. Here in Idaho, the numbers keep going up, but contractors say it can be tough for them to find labor.

The report highlights a 4% decline in U.S. construction employment from July 2019 to July 2020. But in Idaho, construction increased by 2% and now makes up 6.9% of Idaho’s gross domestic product.

“Over 58,000 Idahoans make their living in construction,” said Wayne Hammon of the Idaho Associated General Contractors. “Construction is at an all-time high, especially in the home market, but also multifamily.”

For instance, Okland is building a new five-story apartment building for the Gardner Co. in downtown Boise near next to the Greenbelt.

The Park Place Apartments will feature 237 market-rate apartments and a parking garage with more than 300 spaces.

“The end-user will be able to park on the level where they live,” said Ben Petzinger, the project director. “That’s unique to the market.”

But the construction industry also faces some challenges.

When the coronavirus pandemic began, it took some time to get personal protective equipment. Contractors added extra sanitizing stations and scheduled meetings with inspectors when the workers weren’t on site. Construction workers still face several scenarios where they can’t social distance.

Meanwhile, the Associated General Contractors report said 83% of Idaho construction firms had unfilled hourly craft positions on June 30.

“There is a stigma that needs to be overcome when it comes to construction as a career,” said Petzinger. “We look at this in terms of applied technology. There is more technology in our industry today than there has ever been, and tomorrow it will be one step further.”

That also holds true for highly skilled subcontractors that builders need when building something like the Park Place Apartments.

“We feel very strongly about encouraging the next generation of plumbers, electricians, framers and welders,” said Petzinger. “This is a great way to make a living, and there is a lot of good to be said about building something.”

Plus, with all the growth in the Treasure Valley, the industry doesn’t expect building to slow down anytime soon.

“There is a huge market for anyone working in construction,” said Hammon. “There are jobs waiting for them right here in Boise, good-paying jobs.”

Statesman Business Editor David Staats contributed.