Page 6 - BB_Oct_2018

A Message from the President

Did you know that it takes an average of 25 different subcontractors
to build one new home?
October is Careers in Construction Month and it’s a perfect time to recognize the
contributions of all the professionals working in residential construction as well as
highlight the rewarding careers available in the industry.
Indeed, a home builder relies on several highly trained workers to get the job done
right. This includes dozens of skilled artisans and professionals, including carpenters,
architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, painters and landscapers. Analysis from
the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows that 70% of builders typically
use somewhere between 21 and 30 subcontractors to build one single-family home.
As our housing market continues to strengthen, home builders across the country
Bryan Smith and here in the Greater San Antonio area are seeking skilled workers – carpenters, framers
President and roofers – to help them build the American Dream. In fact, according to NAHB analysis
of the federal government’s latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, the number
of open construction sector jobs (on a seasonally adjusted basis) rose to 214,000 in July.
This means there is ample opportunity for motivated students seeking a rewarding
career path. Residential construction workers consistently express high job satisfaction. And average salaries in San
Antonio remain competitive with other industries in our area.
The Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) is part of the Responsible Growth Alliance (RGA). RGA
commissioned Joe Hockenyos, who has been gathering real estate data for over 15 years, to research and put together
hard statistics on what the real estate industry means to San Antonio and the surrounding areas. I would like to share
some information with you:
The real estate development industry generates $35.7 billion in annual economic activity – up almost 10 percent from
2015 to 2017 – and supports 133,500 jobs in the San Antonio area, according to the new RGA study that was just released.
I urge all members to share this important information with your family, friends and the people you work with.
In addition, workers’ income jumped almost 12 percent and those workers’ output is generating almost a quarter billion
dollars a year in tax revenues for local schools, cities, hospitals and other taxing entities.
The RGA study found that the real estate development industry now supports 7.4 percent more total jobs in the San
Antonio regional economy, up from 124,000 in 2015 to 133,500 in 2017. And those workers enjoyed higher total wages, with
the impact of the industry on total local payroll rising from $5.9 billion to $6.6 billion. Another $232.8 million went to area
taxing entities thanks to the industry and its ripple effects, a 13.3 percent hike from the 2015 figure.
The building trades offer a great career path. And, the residential construction industry is one of the few sectors where
demand for new workers is rising. We urge parents, teachers, counselors and students to consider a vocational education
that can offer a satisfying career path with exceptional financial gains.
Construction-related occupations in San Antonio have relatively modest formal education requirements, as almost
two-thirds require a high school degree or less, compared to about one-third of the jobs in the rest of the local economy the
report states. However, these construction jobs are comparatively high-paying, averaging $38,621 in annual compensation,
17 percent more than the $33,002 figure for jobs with similar educational requirements elsewhere in the local economy.
GSABA is affiliated with two college programs-St. Philip’s College where students can get a one-year or two-year
degree and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) where students can get a four-year degree in Construction
Management. Please feel free to call our Executive Director, Kristi Sutterfield, at 210-696-3800 to find out more about these
dynamic programs.
The Greater San Antonio Education Foundation has scholarships available to deserving students at both schools so
if you are interested in learning a trade, call the Association to find out more today! If you are interested in being involved
in one of the GSABA/NAHB Student Chapters, give Kristi a call. We need speakers at their monthly meetings and it is very
rewarding to share your time and talent with the men and women training in the construction trades.

Sincerely,

Bryan Smith, President

6 OCTOBER 2018 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION