How to hire pipefitters who are right for your construction projects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 42,600 job openings for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters are expected each year until 2032. Many construction companies may be struggling with recruiting pipefitters in particular for their most important projects because of the specific experience required. To help ensure you have the pipefitters you need, check out these expert tips from PeopleReady Skilled Trades.

Tips for recruiting pipefitters with top-notch credentials

Start with a detailed job posting

Crafting the right job posting can make or break your search for qualified pipefitters. Keep in mind that while a more general posting can produce plenty of applicants, they may not be a good fit for the position. As a result, you’ll spend more time reviewing applications, which could prolong the search and ultimately impact your project deadlines.

Instead, develop a job posting that shares key details about the pipefitter role so you can attract the right candidates. For example:

The type of experience required: Your construction company’s pipefitter needs may vary depending on the project setting — be it commercial, residential or industrial — and the required skill level, ranging from apprentice to journey-level to master pipefitter. Being specific about the type of pipefitter you need can help narrow down the list of applicants.
Your most recent construction projects: Another way to attract the right pipefitters is by sharing examples of your past and current projects in your job postings. That way, only those who are interested in working on your specific projects will apply. As a result, you’ll be in a better position for recruiting pipefitters who are eager to join your company.
Your hiring arrangements: It’s important to specify whether you’re hiring short-term, temp-to-hire or long-term pipefitters. By doing so, you’ll only receive applicants who are open to your preferred arrangements.

Ask your construction crew if they can refer qualified pipefitters

Your construction crew can be an excellent resource when you need to hire pipefitters or other skilled tradespeople. After all, they likely know possible candidates from previous jobs or their professional networks.

Plus, recommendations from trusted team members provide valuable insights into the pipefitter’s potential for success. While applications will often highlight a worker’s skills and qualifications, they may not indicate whether the applicant will fit in well with the rest of your team. By considering trade skills as well as soft skills like teamwork and communication, you can make well-informed hiring decisions.

Use interviews to better understand your top pipefitter candidates

Once you’ve narrowed down the list of applicants for your pipefitter jobs, you’ll want to invite your top candidates for an in-depth interview. These conversations can help you better understand each pipefitter’s skills and experience and how they might contribute to the success of your team.

To create more meaningful conversations, focus on asking open-ended questions. Consider some of the following questions in your pipefitter interviews:

What types of pipefitting projects have you worked on in the past?
Have you earned any pipefitter licenses or certifications?
What tools and equipment are you most comfortable using?
How do you keep up to date on safety procedures and protocols?
How do you ensure that you follow all pipefitter codes and standards?

A thorough screening will verify each pipefitter’s skills and qualifications

The screening process is an essential part of the pipefitter hiring process. When performed correctly, it ensures that the pipefitters joining your team have the exact skills and qualifications you’re looking for.

To gain a better understanding of the candidate’s work history, you might also contact their previous employers. They can offer valuable perspectives on the tradesperson’s skills, experience and dedication to the job. By investing in a thorough vetting process, you can make a well-informed hiring decision that benefits everyone on your construction crew.

Partner with a construction staffing agency or pipefitter staffing agency

The skilled worker shortage has impacted construction companies across the nation, leading many of them to consider alternatives to their current hiring strategies. That’s why many construction companies are now teaming up with construction staffing agencies when they need to hire a pipefitter. These agencies have established networks of contacts within the construction industry to help you fill open roles with qualified candidates.

Meanwhile, partnering with a pipefitter staffing agency also gives you convenient access to industry experts. These skilled trades staffing experts can offer key insights into the construction activity happening in your local market. Their knowledge and guidance can help streamline your recruiting and hiring efforts, whether you’re looking for pipefitters or other tradespeople.

Pipefitter staffing is made easy when you partner with PeopleReady Skilled Trades

Hiring pipefitters and other tradespeople can be difficult in any market, but a pipefitter staffing agency or skilled trades staffing agency can make the process easier. PeopleReady Skilled Trades has connections across the U.S. to help recruit all types of tradespeople, whether you need to hire pipefitters or skilled workers in other trades. Plus, all of our tradespeople are thoroughly vetted before being recommended for your construction projects, including:

So, if you need support from our pipefitter staffing agency, reach out to our skilled trades staffing experts today.

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