Welcome to the August edition of Blakely Brown Insights!

As summer rolls on, we’re reflecting on some big milestones at Blakely Brown. Our first graduate hires, Maya and Stone, reached their one-year anniversary earlier this month, and Joe has another great case study to share from his recent work. We’re also looking at some encouraging construction hiring news as we head into the second half of the year. Plenty to look forward to over the next few months!

Thanks for being part of the Blakely Brown community.

With appreciation,

The Blakely Brown Team

Construction Hiring Holds Strong

Construction employment increased by an estimated 22,000 positions in July, making the industry one of only two goods-producing sectors to record job gains during a month when the wider US economy unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs.

The majority of construction's growth came from specialty trade contractors, which added around 18,000 workers. Nonresidential specialty contractors accounted for 15,400 of those positions, reflecting continued demand from the data center investment boom. Building contractors added a further 3,700 workers, while heavy and civil engineering contractors added 400.

The figures reinforce the strength of the nonresidential construction market, but industry leaders remain cautious. Much of the current hiring momentum is tied to data centers and infrastructure, meaning delays to data center permitting, highway funding or a new federal transportation bill could quickly impact employment.

For now, construction remains one of the stronger areas of the US labour market, with continued demand creating opportunities for skilled professionals across the industry.

What does this mean for engineers?

1. Nonresidential demand remains strong: Specialty contractors, particularly those supporting data center projects, are driving much of the industry's hiring growth.

   
   

2. Infrastructure continues to create opportunities: Public and technology infrastructure are helping support demand across construction and engineering.

   
   

3. Skilled professionals remain in demand: The continued hiring momentum highlights opportunities for engineers and other technical professionals with experience in high-demand sectors.

   
   

4. Market concentration is worth watching: Much of the growth is tied to data centers and infrastructure, making project pipelines and government funding important factors to keep an eye on.

What does this mean for recruiters?

1. Hiring demand is still strong in key markets: 22,000 new construction positions in one month reinforces the ongoing need for skilled talent.

   
   

2. Specialty trades are leading the growth: With 18,000 of the new positions coming from specialty contractors, this remains a particularly active area for recruitment.

   
   

3. Data centers continue to shape the market: The sector is supporting significant hiring, particularly among nonresidential contractors.

   
   

4. There are signs of potential volatility: Broader labour market weakness and reliance on infrastructure funding and data center permitting could affect hiring if project pipelines slow.

Creating the Right Opportunity

Joe Fitzgerald recently placed a senior leader into a VP-level position with a Heavy Industrial client in South Carolina.

The candidate was looking to move into a role where they could have greater authority and autonomy, having previously worked as a senior leader at a multinational EPC. At the same time, Joe was working with a client preparing for a significant increase in workload, with incoming projects larger than anything they had delivered previously.

Although the client wasn't actively looking to hire, Joe recognised that the candidate's experience could be a valuable addition as the business prepared for this next stage of growth. By bringing the two together, he created an opportunity that didn't previously exist.

The result was a strong match for both sides. The candidate secured a 17% pay rise and a VP-level leadership position, while the client gained an experienced leader ahead of its increased workload.

It's a great example of Joe's proactive approach to executive search and the value of understanding where both clients and candidates are heading, rather than simply responding to open roles.

Reach out to Joe for similar opportunities, at joe@blakelybrowngroup.com. 

Maya and Stone: One Year at Blakely Brown

It’s been a busy first year in Miami for Maya and Stone. Since joining us fresh from the University of Miami, they’ve both made their first placements, built new client relationships and established themselves in their respective markets.

We asked them to reflect on their first year, from the highlights and challenges to what they’ve learned along the way. We also asked what advice they’d give to someone thinking about starting a career with Blakely Brown.

Maya: “Take in as much as you can when you first start. Take notes, ask questions, and learn from the people around you.”

Stone: “You’re going to hear ‘no’ constantly from both candidates and clients and make plenty of mistakes, however, all you need is one genuine yes.”

If their first year has taught them anything, it’s that there’s plenty of opportunity to learn, progress and build something of your own here. If you’re considering a career with Blakely Brown, we’d love to hear from you at antonia@blakelybrowngroup.com.

Read the full article to hear more about Maya and Stone’s first year → Maya and Stone: One Year at Blakely Brown