Construction

Definition

The construction sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in the construction of buildings or engineering projects (e.g., highways and utility systems). Establishments primarily engaged in the preparation of sites for new construction and establishments primarily engaged in subdividing land for sale as building sites also are included in this sector.

Construction work done may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs.

Trends

Construction occupations in Ventura County have grown by a substantial 31% over the past eight years.  Growth is projected to continue with the demand for an additional 1,300 workers over the next five years.  While the construction sector may seem more vulnerable than most to economic shocks, resiliency within the sector may be achieved through strategic training and investment in public projects, many of which involve local labor agreements that entail a required portion of workers to be locally based, thus ensuring a stronger multiplier effect for every public dollar spent on local projects.
Q4 2019 data shows an increase of just over 225 jobs from Q3, and an increase of 1,000 jobs in construction and trades in the year over year December comparisons.  As displayed in the chart below, notwithstanding our strong recent growth in Construction Trades, we have not yet recovered from the jobs lost during the Great Recession.  There remains opportunity for moderate but sustainable growth.
The Construction sector has experienced some downturn due to restrictions instituted to address safety concerns amidst the pandemic of 2020. Q1 2020 saw a slight dip in numbers, though the first month of Q2 displayed a more formidable drop in employment of approximately 1,300 jobs.  The charts displayed below list employment for Q1 followed by the first two months of Q2 to better understand the incremental impacts of business closures due to the pandemic.

Chart

Construction Sector Employment Trend