Orange County’s Construction Jobs Significantly Increase in May

Contact: Sarah Bruckner 949-553-9500

IRVINE, CA – According to recent figures released by the State of California Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information Division, Orange County’s unemployment rate remained stable at 3.5 percent in April and May 2007.

The good news for the construction industry continues with the gain of 2,000 jobs last month. “These employment opportunities are contributing to the projected 16,000 new jobs to be created this year in the County. These numbers validate that the construction industry remains a vital component in the overall health of the Orange County economy”, said Kristine Thalman, Chief Executive Officer, Building Industry Association, Orange County Chapter (BIA/OC).

Given the increase in jobs and the high demand for skilled tradesmen increasing significantly, the BIA/OC’s Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA) gives enrolled students the chance to learn the latest techniques needed for a future career within the building industry. With the number of jobs needed, it is critical to begin educating and training students who are interested in the field. Thalman is pleased with the program’s success, “we are preparing to meet the demand and create opportunities for the next generation of the building industry. The increasing number of jobs validates the BITA program’s future expansion.”

For more information on the BITA program, or how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.biaoc.com.
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The Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIA/OC) is a non-profit trade association representing more than 1,000 companies employing over 117,000 people affiliated with the home building industry. The BIA/OC mission is to promote proactive participation in the development of economic and community issues in Orange County. The BIA/OC is affiliated with the California BIA and the National Association of Home Builders.
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