Job openings in the construction sector reached a five-year high of 124,000 in October, consistent with reports of some labor shortages for builders, the National Association of Home Builders reported.

The number of unfilled construction positions has equaled or exceeded 100,000 in eight of the last 10 months, the trade group said, citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

The pace of construction hiring has slowed since the end of last year and the trend has continued into the fall of 2013, according to NAHB.

“[T]he uptick in open positions since 2012 suggests more, if modest, construction hiring in the months ahead — if firms can find workers with the right skills,” the trade group said.

“However, the recent soft patch in some construction activity may also reduce the pace of hiring. The data for November will reveal if job openings for the construction sector will fall.”

Source: NAHB