What to know about finding welder workers with a staffing agency

The rising demand for welders is expected to create a shortage of 360,000 workers by 2027, according to the American Welding Society, which could have a great impact on your construction projects. With these challenges in mind, we share how a welder staffing agency can help you find welders to meet your project needs.

Skills and qualities a staffing agency looks for welder workers

Welders work in a variety of environments, including residential, commercial and industrial settings. While job duties and locations may vary, there are certain traits that all welders need in order to succeed in your open roles. When you’re needing to hire welders, here are some of the skills and qualities that a staffing agency will look for in your candidates.

Physical skills

Endurance: Welders often work long hours on their feet, sometimes in challenging conditions. Physical and mental stamina can help contribute to their overall success.

Agility: Welders may have to operate in tight spaces or cope with difficult weather conditions. They need the ability to work safely and operate equipment effectively while meeting the demands of the job.

Flexibility: Like many tradespeople, welders often find themselves in situations where they must bend, squat, crouch and twist to reach the correct positions for their tasks. It’s beneficial to find welders who can get the job done no matter the conditions.

Technical and trade skills

Math knowledge: Welding requires precision and involves accurate cutting and shaping. Proficiency in mathematics simplifies these tasks and ensures structural integrity of the welds.

Equipment safety: On any given day, welders use a range of tools that need to be maintained to ensure welding safety and precise functionality. A welder should show a commitment to equipment safety to maintain a secure work environment.

Attention to detail: A welder’s job has a significant impact on the progress of the entire project, making reliability and the ability to balance speed and quality of work essential.

Soft skills

Adaptability: Considering the various tools and techniques they encounter, adaptability is a crucial trait for welders. They may need to problem-solve or adjust to get the job done safely and correctly.

Positive attitude: Construction jobs can be physically and mentally challenging. It’s crucial to seek out welders who can maintain a positive attitude, which can boost overall team morale and productivity.

Communication skills: Also among the most important soft skills, communication skills impact every aspect of a welder’s job. For example, they may need to reach out to supervisors for clarification on blueprint specs or team up with co-workers to complete tasks.

Advantages of working with a welder staffing agency

Construction companies often lack the time needed to devote to the staffing process, which is why many of them turn to staffing agencies for support. If you’ve never worked with a construction staffing agency for your welder staffing needs, here are some of the key benefits you can expect from this partnership.

Industry knowledge and expertise

There are about 19,000 staffing agencies in the U.S., according to the American Staffing Association. However, not all these staffing agencies have knowledge of the construction industry. A construction staffing agency with a focus on welder staffing has experts who have a deep understanding of the construction industry. They can provide the specialized workers you need and offer guidance to make hiring welders easier.

Convenient access to skilled welders

When you partner with a welder staffing agency, you’ll have access to the specific types of workers you need. Their experts can gain a deep understanding of what your projects require, allowing them to provide welders with matching skills and experience. This personalized approach ensures that you get the right talent for your welding projects, whether you need apprentice welders, journeyman welders or master welders.

A variety of welding staffing solutions

Your staffing needs may change from project to project. Flexibility is key to making sure you have the right workforce at all times. A staffing agency can help you achieve flexibility by scaling your workforce based on your business needs. They will help you find welders who are open to different employment arrangements, including:

• Short-term welders: In the event of business expansion or unexpected job openings, a staffing agency can often provide welders for short-term arrangements.
• Project-based welders: Recruiting welders to work for a certain length of time or to complete specific projects can help you get the job done without committing to permanent hiring.
• Temp-to-hire welders: This option offers both you and the welder the opportunity to test a working relationship before committing to a permanent position.
• Long-term welders: Staffing companies can also assist you in identifying candidates for long-term assignments when you need a welder for your present and future projects.

Fewer administrative tasks

The hiring process goes beyond candidate sourcing and interviews. It also involves various administrative tasks for each new employee. A welding staffing agency takes care of these essential tasks, including candidate vetting and the management of payroll, employment taxes and workers’ compensation insurance.

Ongoing service and support

Partnering with a construction staffing agency can offer long-term solutions for your company. Beyond the initial benefits, staffing agencies provide continuous support and access to reliable, qualified workers for future hiring needs, saving you time and effort in sourcing candidates. By working together, you get customized staffing solutions anytime you need to find construction workers for your company.

Questions to ask your staffing agency about welder staffing

What sets your staffing agency apart from others?

The answer to this question can help you figure out which staffing agency to choose based on each one’s unique strengths. Understanding their approach and the specific services they offer can be critical in your decision-making process.

What types of welders do you provide?

The ideal staffing agency will offer welders with diverse expertise. This means having experience recruiting welders who are skilled in various welding techniques and who possess welding experience across different specialties. For example: ARC welders, MIG welders or pipe welders.

How do you ensure that your welders follow safety procedures?

Staffing agencies should make the safety of their welders and other tradespeople a top priority. You can tell they take safety seriously if they provide essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and have a comprehensive Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) for all welders and construction workers. Bonus points if they offer certifications like OSHA-10 for worker safety.

PeopleReady Skilled Trades is your go-to staffing agency for welder staffing

Nearly 90% of construction companies struggled to hire welders in 2022, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Many other trades are also struggling with a lack of qualified tradespeople.

Whether you need help finding construction workers like welders or other tradespeople, PeopleReady Skilled Trades can provide construction staffing solutions. Our team works with you to create a hiring plan that is customized to your company. We can provide a variety of welders, including:

• ARC welders
• MIG welders
• Pipe welders
• Stick welders
• Structural welders
• TIG welders

So, if you’re wondering “Where can I hire welders near me?” check out our locations page to get started.