Your guide to hiring pipefitters for your construction company
Competition for pipefitters is expected to increase over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a result, many construction companies may face a lengthy hiring process. That’s where PeopleReady Skilled Trades comes in. Our team offers valuable insights on hiring pipefitters and shares the benefits of working with a construction staffing agency for your pipefitter staffing needs.
Trade skills and qualities a staffing agency looks for when hiring a pipefitter
From commercial and industrial buildings to residential properties, pipefitters may work across a variety of jobsites. The settings and job demands can differ significantly, but there are certain qualities that can help pipefitters ensure the job gets done right.
As they start your pipefitter staffing process, a staffing agency will look for these skills and qualities in potential candidates.
Physical skills
Physical endurance: Pipefitting can be physically demanding, often requiring prolonged periods of standing, bending and lifting heavy materials. Good physical endurance may help pipefitters better handle the duties and responsibilities of the job.
Dexterity: Pipefitters often work in challenging positions, making dexterity crucial for both quality and safety. Good balance and hand-eye coordination can often be key to success in this role.
Equipment expertise: Pipefitters should excel in using tools like blowtorches, threaders, pressure gauges and saws to ensure their work complies with codes and specifications.
Technical and trade skills
Pipe material knowledge: Pipefitters should be knowledgeable about different types of pipe materials, such as steel, copper, PVC and plastic. Understanding all types of pipe materials is crucial for selecting the right ones for specific projects and ensuring their proper installation.
Blueprint literacy: Proper installation also requires pipefitters to be proficient in interpreting blueprints. This saves time and resources by eliminating the need for corrections. Strong math skills are also crucial to help them achieve the correct pipe size and placement as well as a precise fit throughout the pipe system.
Safety awareness: Safety is crucial for pipefitters because they often deal with high-pressure systems and might encounter dangerous materials. To stay safe and protect the systems they work on, they must follow safety procedures and use protective equipment.
Soft skills
Teamwork: Collaboration with other team members is essential for pipefitters and other tradespeople. Effective teamwork can minimize delays and disruptions and keep projects moving.
Positive attitude: Workers with a positive mindset play a pivotal role in keeping team morale high, especially when facing setbacks. Construction jobs can be stressful, but having the right attitude makes all the difference.
Communication skills: Effective communication is essential for pipefitters to convey information to team members and supervisors. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings, ensuring smooth operations.
The advantages of working with a pipefitter staffing agency
A construction staffing agency that specializes in pipefitter staffing can provide valuable support for your company. If you’ve never worked with a staffing agency before, here are five ways that they can help you.
Easy access to qualified pipefitter candidates
When deadlines change or new projects pop up, you may not have time to recruit and hire pipefitters. Thankfully, staffing agencies handle hiring for you. To do so, they maintain networks of quality candidates through trade schools, community groups and local industry organizations. This helps you broaden your candidate pool and provides access to workers with the right skills and experience.
Efficient staffing process
Nearly 90% of construction companies are struggling to find workers, according to a recent Associated General Contractors of America study. A staffing agency that specializes in recruiting pipefitters and other tradespeople can streamline your hiring process and minimize any impact caused by vacant positions.
Flexible staffing solutions
Whether you have short-term or long-term hiring needs, a staffing agency can provide workers that help you meet your project deadlines. They can also build flexibility into your staffing plan, allowing you to scale your workforce up or down as required with different hiring options. For example:
- Short-term pipefitters: With this hiring arrangement, pipefitters will work with you for a specific length of time or on certain projects. You receive all the benefits of this simple workforce solution without having to hire full-time workers.
- Temp-to-hire pipefitters: Both companies and workers can see the advantages of a temp-to-hire agreement. Each side can assess whether it’s the right fit before making a long-term commitment, and in the meantime, your business stays right on track.
- Long-term pipefitters: With demand for pipefitters increasing over the next decade, you may want to hire pipefitters for an extended period. You can secure your company’s success with a staffing solution that fills your long-term roles with the right pipefitters for the job.
Don’t forget, a staffing agency can often help you find candidates of various experience levels. This might include an apprentice pipefitter, journeyman pipefitter or master pipefitter.
Construction industry knowledge and expertise
In the U.S., there are about 19,000 staffing and recruiting companies, according to the American Staffing Association. However, not all staffing agencies are alike. Many of them lack experience in the construction industry and simply can’t offer the in-depth knowledge and expertise your business needs to succeed.
The right construction staffing agency will take time to understand your needs, so that you get matched with the right pipefitters and other tradespeople. The ideal pipefitter staffing agency has years of experience in the construction industry, and their team can provide insights that benefit your overall staffing plan.
A staffing agency that understands your industry and your specific company has a much better chance of providing candidates who bring the right skills, experience and culture fit to your team.
Knowledge of industry standards and safety regulations
A staffing agency should prioritize safety just as much as you do. As part of their commitment to safety, their pipefitters will have the necessary licenses and certifications, especially for specialized tasks.
The staffing agency may also offer basic PPE to all of their tradespeople, as well as safety training and education such as OSHA 10 training classes.
Questions to ask your staffing agency about pipefitter staffing
If you decide to work with a staffing agency to find construction workers like pipefitters, it’s important to conduct thorough research about their staffing solutions. Here are just a few of the questions you can ask to help determine if they are right for your company.
What sets your staffing agency apart from others?
Ask the staffing agency to provide references and testimonials from past customers. This helps you see the benefits of their services in action. You may also consider whether the staffing agency has the resources to help you scale your workforce, no matter the size or location of your projects.
What types of pipefitters do you offer?
The staffing agency may have pipefitters with a variety of expertise, capable of working in various settings. These may include pipefitters skilled in residential, commercial, industrial or renewable energy projects. This diverse pool of talent ensures that you can find the perfect fit for your specific project requirements, no matter the scope or complexity.
How do you ensure pipefitters follow safety regulations?
Not all staffing agencies share the same commitment to safety. Be certain that they have an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and confirm that they provide proper PPE to all their tradespeople. Some staffing agencies will take the extra step of requiring onsite safety training before starting a new job. This helps ensure that each tradesperson is well-versed in safety procedures.
What other services does your staffing agency offer besides recruiting pipefitters?
Many staffing agencies will manage administrative tasks such as ensuring compliance and processing payroll. This not only saves you valuable time but also allows you to shift your attention to other crucial responsibilities, enhancing your overall productivity. As a result, you can ensure that your workforce management is in capable hands, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business.
PeopleReady Skilled Trades delivers pipefitter staffing solutions
Partnering with PeopleReady Skilled Trades simplifies the process of finding construction workers like pipefitters. Each of our tradespeople is vetted ahead of time to ensure their skills and experience. We can also help you with recruiting electricians, carpenters, plumbers and many other construction roles.
PeopleReady Skilled Trades understands that every project is different. Our team supports your efforts to find construction workers by creating a customized staffing plan designed for your specific needs.
If you’re wondering, “Where can I hire pipefitters for my company?” check out our locations page.
