Construction industry - Articles | Plumbing & Mechanical

A contractor and apprentice look over documents on a jobsite.

Why Skilled Technicians Are Harder Than Ever to Keep

Construction hiring has outpaced overall private-sector job growth for more than a decade, but the labor pool hasn't grown fast enough to meet demand.

Kit Dickinson

August 13, 2026

ADP Research reports that workers hired within the previous three months represented 3.6% of construction employment on average between 2019 and 2025. In 2026, that share has climbed to 4.6%, suggesting that hiring activity is accelerating. Even so, bringing new people through the door is only part of the workforce challenge. As competition for experienced talent intensifies, contractors must focus not only on attracting workers but also on creating reasons for them to stay.

Free Girls’ Construction Camps Empower Philadelphia Youth to Explore Skilled Trades Careers

For the 17th year, Mentoring young Women in Construction, known as MyWIC, will offer free day camps that introduce young women to careers in construction, facilities management and the skilled trades.

Plumbing & Mechanical Editorial Staff

June 11, 2026

Organized by the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MyWIC is designed to build a sustainable and diverse pipeline for the skilled trades and construction industries.

The logos for Current, Elevate, HIRE360, and Metropolitan Planning Council.

New report details how lead pipe replacement can drive workforce opportunity

Report outlines how a $6 billion infrastructure challenge can become a pathway to widespread economic growth if funding is deployed intentionally.

March 24, 2026

The report warns that without intentional workforce training strategies, the people and places with the greatest exposure to lead service lines are unlikely to benefit from the employment opportunities presented by this massive infrastructure investment.

E.M. Duggan launches Duggan Innovative Solutions

This division is dedicated to advancing technology adoption within the construction industry.

December 3, 2025

This new tech-focused division brings field-tested digital tools, custom software and advanced integrations to modern construction workflows.

The data for the ABC Contractor Backlog and Construction Confidence index.

ABC Contractor Backlog and confidence slip in October

ABC’s latest Construction Backlog Indicator dipped slightly to 8.4 months in October.

November 11, 2025

While backlog held steady across most sectors, smaller contractors saw a sharp decline. Confidence in sales, margins and staffing continues to waver, with nearly two-thirds of contractors reporting signs of a contracting market despite ongoing strength in manufacturing and data center projects.

ABC: Nonresidential construction spending falls sharply in July

According to the Associated Builders and Contractors' analysis, spending in the nonresidential sphere decreased in July.

September 2, 2025

Nonresidential spending fell for the third consecutive month, according to ABC.

Two women holding up the new shirts for the John W. Danforth Company.

John W. Danforth Company initiative shining spotlight on mental health awareness for construction workers

The company launched a mental health awareness initiative with custom t-shirts and support for the 988 Lifeline.

July 16, 2025

As summer heat and project pressures peak, John W. Danforth Company is tackling one of construction’s most pressing issues: mental health.

ABC's Backlog Indicator from Q2 of 2012 to June of 2025.

Contractor optimism grows as ABC's Backlog Indicator rebounds in June

Contractor backlog rose in June, signaling steady demand despite economic headwinds.

July 15, 2025

ABC’s latest Construction Backlog Indicator shows an increase to 8.7 months, with confidence in sales and profits remaining strong, fueled in part by a data center construction surge.

Moen named National Preferred Partner by David Weekley Homes for 13th consecutive year

This recognition reflects Moen’s long-standing commitment to quality, innovation, and builder collaboration.

June 18, 2025

For the 13th year in a row, Moen has been recognized as a National Preferred Partner by David Weekley Homes—an honor awarded to just 12 out of 118 evaluated partners in 2025.

A graph showing the increase in tariffed construction material prices.

Tariffed construction material prices rise in May

ABC reports an increase in the price of construction materials in May.

June 12, 2025

While overall year-over-year price increases remain modest, rapid gains in early 2025 and looming tariff hikes signal rising pressure for contractors.