A contractors group says construction projects across central Ohio are being delayed because of a lack of qualified workers. And the Associated General Contractors of America says 73 percent of Ohio construction firms are having difficulty finding and hiring skilled workers. The group says the shortage is due, in part, to the belief that good careers can only be obtained with a four-year college degree. Spokesperson Brian Turmail says more than a third of Ohio construction firms are raising their pay to recruit and retain workers.
Turmail says the Delaware County Courthouse project is one of several that started late because of the problem.