Our guide for helping you find the right pipefitter staffing agency  

With increased spending on critical infrastructure, plus the backlog of major construction projects in the works across the country, there will be a growing need for pipefitters over the next decade, according to industry data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s why many construction companies are looking for support from staffing agencies that specialize in construction and can provide pipefitter staffing services.  

If you’ve never worked with a construction staffing agency before, ask these questions first to see how they help you find pipefitters for your projects.  

Questions to ask a staffing agency about their pipefitter staffing services 

Could you share more about your experience in pipefitter hiring? 

There are at least 19,000 staffing agencies operating across the U.S., according to Staffing Industry Analysts. However, many of these staffing agencies either do not specialize in construction staffing or they only have a few years of experience in the field. As a result, they may not possess the knowledge, resources and industry connections necessary to deliver the experienced and reliable skilled workforce you require. 

When you need to hire a pipefitter, we recommend partnering with a dedicated construction staffing agency that specializes in pipefitter staffing and has a successful track record. They provide immediate access to construction staffing experts who prescreen all candidates before recommending them for your open roles. Their extensive industry knowledge helps ensure that only pipefitters with the right skills and qualifications are selected.  

What makes your staffing agency the top choice to hire a pipefitter?  

There are certain ways you can determine whether a staffing agency has what it takes to support your staffing needs. For instance, you can request examples of their past work or references from other construction companies who can speak to the quality of their services.  

The ideal staffing agency also understands the hiring difficulties you may face. Their relationships with local contractors and subcontractors provide great insights into current workforce issues, making them more likely to provide effective pipefitter staffing solutions. With this information in hand, the staffing agency will work with you to develop a pipefitter staffing plan that fits your construction company’s specific needs.  

What types of pipefitters are you able to provide for our company? 

Every construction company is different, and so are the projects they take on. A qualified staffing agency will have a team who are proven experts at recruiting pipefitters who fit your unique needs — whether you work on residential, commercial or industrial projects.   

At times, you will need to hire a pipefitter with a certain level of experience and training. A pipefitter staffing agency can deliver pipefitters of all skill levels, including apprentice pipefitters, journeymen pipefitters or even master pipefitters. In some cases, they may also provide flexible options for your construction staffing needs. For example: 

• Short-term pipefitters: Pipefitters will work with you for an agreed upon period or on a specific project. You get all the benefits of a full workforce without having to commit to a permanent hire.  
• Long-term pipefitters: An unexpected shortage of workers can impact your construction projects with little to no notice. Adding long-term pipefitters to your workforce can help ensure that all your current and upcoming projects are fully staffed.   
• Temp-to-hire pipefitters: Temp-to-hire arrangements can benefit employers and employees alike by allowing a trial period where both parties can decide if a permanent role is the right fit. 

How do you verify that your pipefitters follow necessary safety regulations? 

The right staffing agency for you will always prioritize worker safety. That’s why your go-to staffing partner should have their own Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and will require tradespeople to complete a safety assessment before being dispatched to your projects. These efforts show their commitment to a safe work environment for everyone on your jobsites.  

The staffing agency must also supply essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to each of their tradespeople, which guarantees compliance with safety standards and protocols. Some staffing agencies also offer free OSHA 10- and 30-hour certification programs for all their tradespeople, further enhancing the safety of your workforce.  

What is your vetting process for pipefitters looking for jobs? 

A thorough vetting process is one more way that a staffing agency can help you find the best tradespeople in your local area and beyond. Pipefitter staffing agencies verify the credentials and qualifications of every pipefitter before recommending them to your company.  

This level of attention ensures that the pipefitters provided possess the necessary skills and align with your company’s core values. As a result, you can maintain a safe and productive work environment while keeping all your projects running smoothly. 

What other pipefitter staffing services are you able to offer? 

Ensuring that all workers meet regulations and are properly classified under employment laws is essential. Unfortunately, worker misclassification is quite common. The ideal pipefitter staffing agency, equipped with a dedicated team possessing knowledge and expertise on employment laws, can help manage these matters for you. As a result, you avoid misclassification issues and minimize the risk associated with each new hire.  

Additionally, a staffing agency may offer a comprehensive support system with experts in many different areas such as safety, worker’s compensation and payroll. Having convenient access to 24/7 support can be a huge benefit for your company, ensuring assistance is readily available whenever you need it.  

Hiring pipefitters or other tradespeople? PeopleReady Skilled Trades can help 

According to Associated General Contractors of America, 85% of construction companies are struggling to hire pipefitters for their current and upcoming projects. Recruiting pipefitters and other tradespeople is made easier when you partner with our teams at PeopleReady Skilled Trades.  

Along with our pipefitter staffing services, we can also support your efforts in recruiting carpenters, recruiting electricians or finding other tradespeople. Our construction staffing experts have been building relationships in your local area for over three decades. We help you find construction workers who are looking for construction jobs and create a unique hiring plan to ensure you always have the workforce you need. 

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