Construction workforce shortages persist in Carolinas

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 10, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Construction workforce shortages continue to challenge the Carolinas, according to the latest report from the Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) and the CAGC Foundation. The findings, based on the 2026 AGC/NCCER Workforce Survey, indicate that 87% of firms in the region are experiencing openings for hourly craft positions, while 82% have openings for salaried positions. Half of the respondents highlighted the issue of candidates lacking the necessary skills, certificates, or licenses for construction roles.

Despite the softening construction market, the problem persists. Betsy Bailey, Director of North Carolina Government Relations and Building Division and CAGC Foundation COO, emphasized the need for clear pathways from education to careers. “North Carolina's construction workforce needs are clear: we must build stronger pathways from education to careers,” Bailey stated. “Through CAGC and the CAGC Foundation, we are connecting students, training providers, and employers to create opportunity, strengthen our workforce, and ensure North Carolina has the talent to build its future.”

In South Carolina, the situation is similarly pressing. Forty-two percent of Southern respondents reported at least one direct or indirect workforce impact from immigration enforcement activities, compared to 29% nationally. Leslie Clark, COO and Vice President of SC External Affairs at Carolinas AGC, noted, “You can’t build South Carolina’s future without investing in home-grown talent. With federal immigration policy tightening labor supply across the South, our state’s priority must be expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) in high schools and technical colleges.”

To address these challenges, CAGC and the CAGC Foundation are implementing several initiatives. They are expanding hands-on training through Construction Bootcamp partnerships with North Carolina community colleges. These bootcamps provide hands-on training, NCCER Core and OSHA 10 credentials, and help connect graduates with construction employers. The organization is also reaching out to students earlier through high school student chapters, the Be Pro Be Proud program, and the Lane the Loader™ initiative. These programs introduce students to construction careers and strengthen connections between schools and industry.

Additionally, CAGC and the Foundation are working to connect education to employment. They collaborate with contractors, colleges, and workforce partners to help move participants from training into employment opportunities. The organization also supports training and advancement by providing safety training, certifications, continuing education, and professional development to strengthen the skills of the existing construction workforce.

Scholarships and other Foundation initiatives are being invested in to help students pursue education and career opportunities within the construction industry. These efforts are critical as the 2026 survey highlights the ongoing need for continued investment in recruiting, training, and retaining construction professionals.

CAGC and the CAGC Foundation remain committed to working alongside contractors, educators, and workforce partners to ensure the Carolinas have the skilled workforce needed to support continued growth. These initiatives aim to address the acute workforce shortages and prepare the next generation of construction professionals to meet the demands of the industry.