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Construction jobs picking up in Arizona

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Posted 1:18 PM 6/27/2012 : Construction jobs picking up in Arizona

TUCSON - Many workers left the construction business in the past few years. There simply were not enough jobs to go around. But things are looking good for Arizona's construction industry.

The state saw a ten percent increase in construction jobs in the last month. At 121,100 jobs, it's the most the state has seen since August of 2009. While the upward trend is a good sign those in the industry aren't celebrating yet.

"The construction industry isn't sure we are ever going to get back to that point in the near future but any work is good," said Tom Dunn with the Arizona Builders Alliance.

At the peak of employment the industry in Arizona boasted 244,300 jobs. That was in june of 2006. The downward spiral continued into last year where the number of workers sat at a dismal 110,100, less than half of the industries better days.

When the economy took a dive many workers vowed never to return, leaving companies looking for skilled workers.

"There are a lot of people that are just not interested in construction, at least in the field level," said Brian Barker of Barker Morrissey Contracting.

Tucson contractors may be in even more need. The area saw a sixteen percent jump in jobs since last May, six percent higher than the state average.

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