Tips on hiring sheet metal workers with support from a staffing agency
According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 78% of construction companies struggle to hire sheet metal workers, especially as more of them are nearing retirement. In response, many construction companies are partnering with a construction staffing agency for sheet metal staffing solutions.
If you haven’t worked with a sheet metal worker staffing agency before, here are some questions to ask to ensure you’re matched with the best workers for your specific sheet metal staffing needs.
Questions to ask your sheet metal worker staffing agency
What is your experience with hiring sheet metal workers and other tradespeople?
There are over 19,000 staffing agencies currently in operation across the U.S., according to Staffing Industry Analysts. However, not all staffing agencies offer services specifically for construction companies or have enough experience in the industry. This can greatly impact their ability to find construction workers who meet your needs and quality standards.
So, how do you select the best staffing agency to find sheet metal workers? Their staffing experts will have the industry experience and track record of success required to fill open roles. Not only that, but their in-depth knowledge of the construction industry will help ensure the right sheet metal workers are matched to your construction projects.
What makes your sheet metal staffing agency stand out from other staffing agencies?
To get a better understanding of their capabilities, you can request that the staffing agency provide examples of their previous work with construction companies. They should be able to share information on past projects and testimonials from other construction companies who can attest to the quality of their staffing solutions.
A construction staffing agency that specializes in sheet metal staffing stays up to date on all the latest construction activity in your area. Their team will have built relationships with contractors and subcontractors who can offer valuable insights into current workforce challenges. As a result, they are well-positioned to create a tailored staffing plan that makes recruiting tradespeople for sheet metal jobs that much easier.
What types of sheet metal workers can you provide for our company?
Every construction project your company takes on is unique in some aspect. In many cases, you will need to hire a tradesperson with particular skills or a certain level of experience to fit that project’s specific needs. Look for a staffing agency that offers sheet metal workers and other tradespeople across all levels of experience, including apprentices, journeymen and masters.
The ideal staffing agency will also be able to offer flexible options that make your sheet metal worker staffing plan even better. For example:
- Short-term placements: With this hiring arrangement, a tradesperson will join your construction team for an agreed upon length of time or on a specific project. You experience the benefits of a full workforce without the added obligations that come with hiring a permanent employee for your company.
- Long-term placements: Unexpected events can often impact the progress of your projects at a moment’s notice. Hiring long-term workers helps ensure a stable workforce now and well into the future.
- Temp-to-hire placements: Temp-to-hire placements allow for a trial period to assess if a permanent role is the right fit for both employers and tradespeople.
How do you ensure that your sheet metal mechanics follow safety regulations?
The right sheet metal staffing agency for your company will take construction safety as seriously as you do. That’s why it’s so important that the staffing agency has an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) in place. Another great sign is if they offer safety training programs to their tradespeople, such as OSHA-10 or OSHA-30 certification.
Staffing agencies can further demonstrate their commitment to safety by providing basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all their tradespeople. Additionally, the staffing agency should conduct onsite safety training for each tradesperson they dispatch to your jobsites. That way, everyone has a clear understanding of their working environment and your company’s safety protocols.
What can you tell us about your screening process for sheet metal workers?
A thorough screening process is another way that a staffing agency can meet your workforce needs while ensuring safety. Before recommending them to your company, they will verify the credentials of sheet metal workers and any other tradespeople who are candidates for your open roles.
Why is this level of vetting so important? The process ensures each sheet metal worker is qualified for the role and fits in well with the rest of your team. As a result, you can maintain a productive and safe work environment while keeping each of your projects going strong.
What other kinds of support does your sheet metal staffing agency offer?
Ensuring compliance with all labor laws for every new hire is crucial in the hiring process. Unfortunately, employee misclassification issues are a common challenge for employers in construction and related industries. The right staffing agency has experienced professionals who can handle these matters for you, guaranteeing that your workforce always meets eligibility requirements. Their knowledge and guidance on employment law helps minimize risks associated with new hires.
Meanwhile, your staffing agency may offer additional services to support your business, including access to experts in worker’s compensation, safety and payroll. Having their team in your corner can be a huge benefit for your company. In the end, you can rest assured that you’ll have the comprehensive solutions you need when they’re needed most.
Get access to sheet metal staffing solutions with PeopleReady Skilled Trades
Our team at PeopleReady Skilled Trades can provide a wide variety of sheet metal staffing solutions for your company. For example:
- Junior sheet metal mechanics
- Roofing sheet metal installers
- Sheet metal helpers
- Sheet metal mechanics
Need help finding construction workers who specialize in other trades? PeopleReady Skilled Trades can also assist you with recruiting electricians, recruiting carpenters, recruiting plumbers and many other tradespeople, ultimately creating a staffing plan that ensures your long-term success.
So, if you’re wondering, “Where can I hire sheet metal workers near me?” take a look at our locations page.
