Construction job growth rebounded last month as construction firms added jobs in 43 states and the District of Columbia between October 2014 and October 2015, according to an analysis of US Department of Labor data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that sustaining the job gains will require government support of construction training programs.

Arkansas posted the largest year-over-year percentage increase in construction employment at 18.1%. However, California led in terms of total number of jobs added, with 49,800 jobs added year over year.

“Construction job gains were more widespread than at any time since last February,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. “Several states that had recently experienced year-over-year job losses began adding workers, while net employment gains accelerated in numerous other states.”

In the past 12 months construction spending rose 14%, the fastest clip since 2006, according to Simonson.  He said the spending data suggest contractors will continue to expand hiring if they can find qualified workers, but cautioned that may be difficult in many states because the number of unemployed jobseekers in October who last worked in construction was at the lowest October level since 2006.