Our guide to finding the right plumber staffing agency for your business 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 42,000 new plumbers will need to be hired annually for the next decade to keep up with demand. As a result, many construction companies are looking for outside support with hiring plumbers for their open roles. As we shared in a recent article, there are many benefits to partnering with a staffing agency when you need a plumber to hire.  

If you’ve never worked with a staffing agency before, here are some questions you can ask to ensure that they can meet your company’s needs.   

Questions to ask a staffing agency about their plumber staffing services 

Could you share more about your experience in plumbing hiring? 

There are many staffing agencies to choose from, with over 19,000 operating across the U.S., according to Staffing Industry Analysts. However, not all staffing agencies are alike. Many have only a few years of staffing experience and may lack the knowledge, resources and industry connections needed to recruit the qualified, reliable skilled workers you need. 

On the other hand, a construction staffing agency that specializes in plumber staffing and has a history of success can provide valuable support when you need to hire a plumber. Their construction staffing experts will have the experience and candidate network required to fill open roles. Plus, their in-depth knowledge of the industry will ensure the right plumbers are matched to your projects.  

What makes you the best option to hire a plumber?  

To help ensure that the staffing agency you work with has a proven track record, you can request relevant examples of their past work. They may be able to share references and testimonials from other construction companies who can vouch for the quality of their services.  

The right staffing agency for you also understands the unique hiring challenges you may face. Their relationships with local contractors and subcontractors provide valuable insights into common workforce issues, enabling them to recommend the best solutions for your staffing needs. With this knowledge in hand, you can create a customized plumber staffing plan that works for your construction company.  

What types of plumbers do you provide? 

Every construction company is different, and so are the projects they take on. A capable staffing agency will have a team of plumber recruiting experts — whether you work on residential, commercial or industrial sites.   

In many cases, you will need to hire a plumber with a certain level of training and experience. A plumber staffing agency can offer plumbers across all skill levels: plumber helpers, apprentice plumbers, journeymen plumbers and master plumbers.  

They may also offer flexible staffing options for your company. For example: 

• Short-term plumbers: In this arrangement, plumbers will work with you on a specific project or for an agreed upon length of time. You get all the benefits of a full workforce without the added commitment of bringing on a permanent hire.  
• Long-term plumbers: Unexpected labor shortages can change your project planning at a moment’s notice. Adding long-term plumbers to your workforce can help ensure that both present and future projects are covered.   
• Temp-to-hire plumbers: Temp-to-hire arrangements benefit employers and employees by allowing a trial period to assess if a permanent role is the right fit for both parties. 

How do you ensure that your plumbers follow safety regulations? 

A staffing agency should take safety as seriously as you do. That includes having their own Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and requiring workers to undergo a safety assessment. These efforts show their commitment to a secure work environment for all employees.

The staffing agency must also provide basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to each of their tradespeople, which guarantees compliance with safety standards and protocols on every assignment. 

Some staffing agencies also offer free OSHA 10- and 30-hour certification programs. This not only highlights their dedication but also enhances the safety standards of your workers and your overall jobsite. 

What is your screening process for plumbers looking for jobs? 

A thorough screening process is one more way that a staffing agency can help you find top candidates. When recruiting plumbers and other tradespeople, the staffing agency verifies credentials and qualifications before workers arrive on your jobsite.  

Why is this so important? It ensures that the plumbers you receive not only have the necessary skills, but also that they align with your company’s values. As a result, you can create a productive work environment that keeps operations running smoothly. 

What other plumber staffing support do you provide?  

One of the most time-consuming and complex parts of hiring is verifying that workers meet all necessary regulations, as misclassification of workers is quite common. The ideal staffing agency will provide experts who can handle these matters for you, guaranteeing that your workforce always meets eligibility requirements. This guidance can help minimize the risks associated with each new hire.  

Additionally, a staffing agency may offer a comprehensive support structure with experts in employment law, worker’s compensation, payroll and safety. Having access to around-the-clock support can also be a significant benefit, ensuring that you receive assistance whenever you need it. 

PeopleReady Skilled Trades helps construction companies with hiring plumbers  

Plumbers are among the tradespeople most needed by construction companies right now. Looking for a plumber for your upcoming projects? Recruiting plumbers and other tradespeople is made easier when you partner with PeopleReady Skilled Trades.

Along with our plumber staffing solutions, we can also support your efforts in recruiting carpenters, recruiting electricians or other tradespeople. Our construction staffing experts have spent decades developing relationships in your local area. We help you find construction workers who are looking for construction jobs near you and create a customized hiring plan to ensure you always have the workforce you need. 

So, if you’re ready to start finding construction workers near you, check out our locations page for details on our local teams.