The unemployment rate for construction workers fell below double digits in June for the first time since 2008 as every segment of the industry added employees, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Association officials said the relatively positive jobs report for the sector highlights the need to address potential shortages of skilled and entry-level workers.

"Construction employment in June was the highest since August 2009," says Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "But employment is still down by one-quarter from the peak more than seven years ago. Many of those laid-off workers have left the industry—whether for employment elsewhere, more education, or retirement—and construction companies face a looming worker shortage."

The unemployment rate for workers who last worked in construction declined to 9.8 percent from 12.8 percent in June 2012, not seasonally adjusted, and the number of unemployed construction workers dropped by 214,000, to 825,000. The latest numbers were the best June figures for each series in five years, Simonson notes.

Construction employment in June totaled 5,812,000, an increase of 190,000, or 3.4 percent, over the past year. Aggregate weekly hours of all new and existing construction employees expanded by an even larger 4.7 percent, as companies put more workers on overtime.

"The number of unemployed workers with construction experience has fallen to low enough levels that firms in a growing number of locations and segments are having trouble finding people with the needed skills," Simonson says. "Contractors have filled the gap so far by adding to workers' hours, but this 'solution' may be reaching its limit."

Residential and nonresidential contractors have added workers in nearly equal numbers, Simonson says. Residential building and specialty trade contractors added 5,200 in June and 90,200 (4.4 percent) over 12 months. Nonresidential building, specialty trade, and heavy and civil engineering construction firms grew by 8,400 workers in June and 99,800 (2.8 percent) from a year earlier. In a favorable sign for future construction growth, architectural and engineering services employment rose by 2.6 percent over the year.

Association officials say some of the future worker shortages that will come if the industry continues to add jobs over the coming months might still be averted. They urged education officials to rebuild skills-based, or vocational, educational programs designed to help prepare students for careers in construction and manufacturing. Also, they urged Congress and the Obama administration to reject the arbitrary caps on construction workers that currently are included in the Senate's immigration legislation.

Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer, says, "Now that demand for construction is finally picking up, it is vital to ensure that the industry can find enough qualified workers. There are actions that policy makers should take now before a worker shortage cuts short the industry's recovery."