CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As construction workforce shortages remain a challenge across the U.S., Carolinas AGC (CAGC) and the CAGC Foundation continue investing in workforce development efforts designed to build a stronger pipeline of skilled workers throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.

The latest workforce survey from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC of America) and NCCER shows that finding qualified workers remains difficult even as portions of the construction market soften. Growing data center construction and tighter labor availability are adding additional pressure to an already competitive workforce environment.

National Context: Workforce Shortages Remain Acute

According to the 2026 AGC/NCCER Workforce Survey:

• 87% of firms report openings for hourly craft positions and 82% have openings for salaried positions.
• Half of respondents say available candidates lack the skills, certificates or licenses needed for construction positions.
• 42% of firms report project delays caused by shortages of their own workers or subcontractors' workers.
• Nearly half of firms have increased engagement with high schools, colleges and Career and Technical Education programs.
• Data center construction is also increasing competition for skilled workers and putting additional pressure on wages.

North Carolina: Building Stronger Career Pathways

North Carolina contractors continue to report difficulty filling both craft and salaried positions, with qualifications and credentials among the leading hiring barriers.

Employers are responding by expanding recruiting efforts, investing in training and strengthening relationships with high schools, community colleges and CTE programs—strategies that align closely with CAGC and CAGC Foundation workforce initiatives.

"North Carolina's construction workforce needs are clear: we must build stronger pathways from education to careers. 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."—Betsy Bailey, Director, NC Government Relations & Building Division, CAGC Foundation COO

South Carolina: Investing in Home-Grown Talent

South Carolina contractors are experiencing similar challenges as firms compete for skilled workers and navigate a tightening labor supply.

Immigration enforcement is having a particularly significant impact across the South. Forty-two percent of Southern respondents reported at least one direct or indirect workforce impact from immigration enforcement activity, compared with 29% nationally.

"The national survey highlights what we know locally: 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. Construction is a high-paying, first-choice career, and we need to train South Carolinians to fill those positions today." — Leslie Clark, COO & VP of SC External Affairs, Carolinas AGC

CAGC + CAGC Foundation's Continued Workforce Response

CAGC and the CAGC Foundation continue working to strengthen construction career pathways throughout the Carolinas by:

• Expanding Hands-On Training: Construction Bootcamp partnerships with North Carolina community colleges provide hands-on training, NCCER Core and OSHA 10 credentials while helping connect graduates with construction employers.
• Reaching Students Earlier: High School Student Chapters, Be Pro Be Proud and Lane the Loader™ introduce students to construction careers and strengthen connections between schools and industry.
• Connecting Education to Employment: CAGC and the Foundation work with contractors, colleges and workforce partners to help move participants from training into employment opportunities.
• Supporting Training and Advancement: CAGC provides safety training, certifications, continuing education and professional development to strengthen the skills of the existing construction workforce.
• Investing in the Future Workforce: Scholarships and other Foundation initiatives help students pursue education and career opportunities within the construction industry.

The 2026 survey reinforces the 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.

Visit www.cagc.org and www.cagcfoundation.org to learn more.

Media contact: Kelly Jasaitis, kjasaitis@cagcfoundation.org, (704) 372-1450, Ext. 5727

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SOURCE Carolinas AGC