The Bureau of Labor Statistics February jobs report marks another month of growth in construction employment. Of the 235,000 jobs created in February, 25 percent were in the construction industry. The specialty construction trades drove the increase in construction employment, accounting for over 62 percent of the job growth in the construction industry.

"The specialty construction sector continues to demonstrate the vital role it plays in America's economic resurgence and is once again leading employment gains in the construction industry," said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for the Construction Employers of America (CEA). "The skilled, blue collar jobs created in the specialty construction industry are exactly what's needed to spur sustained economic growth across the country."

Over the past twelve months, construction employment overall has grown by 3.3 percent, putting 219,000 construction employees to work. Construction employment nationally now accounts for 6.88 million jobs, 4.4 million of which are in specialty trade construction. Specialty trade contractors have added 165,600 jobs in the past twelve months (seasonally adjusted), a healthy growth rate given the low level of unemployment nationally.

More information about CEA can be found at www.constructionemployersofamerica.com.