Tips on selecting the right welder staffing agency for you
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 42,600 new welders will be needed to meet demand in the construction industry over the next decade. For additional support with their hiring efforts, many construction companies partner with staffing agencies when they need to find welders for their current and upcoming projects.
If you’ve never worked with a welder staffing agency before, asking these questions can ensure you’re matched with the best welders for your specific needs.
Questions to ask a staffing agency about their welder staffing solutions
Do you have extensive experience hiring welders and other tradespeople?
There are approximately 19,000 staffing agencies in the U.S., according to data from Staffing Industry Analysts. However, not all staffing agencies are the same. Many of them have relatively little experience in construction staffing, and they may lack the industry knowledge and connections necessary to find welders or other tradespeople who are qualified and reliable.
On the other hand, a construction staffing agency that specializes in welder staffing and staffing for other trades will have industry expertise and a proven track record. Their team will take time to get to know your company so they can deliver the most effective solutions.
What makes your staffing agency the best one to find welders?
When meeting with a staffing agency for the first time, ask for examples of their past successes. The staffing agency should be able to share recent testimonials and references from other construction companies who can vouch for the quality of their services and the tradespeople they provide.
The right construction staffing agency also understands the unique hiring conditions in your area. Their relationships with local construction leaders provide valuable insights into common workforce challenges. This in-depth knowledge can assist them in creating a tailored staffing plan that fits your needs.
What types of welders will your staffing agency be able to provide?
Every construction project is different, with welders working in many different settings — ranging from industrial facilities and power plants to bridges and pipelines. The ideal welder staffing agency understands the projects your company takes on and the skills needed to ensure quality work every time.
In certain situations, you may also need to find welders who have a specific type or level of experience. The right staffing agency for you will be able to provide access to apprentice welders, journeymen welders or master welders.
Additionally, they may offer flexible staffing options. For example:
- Short-term welders: Short-term welders can be hired for a specific task or for the duration of a project. As a result, you’ll have all of the benefits of a full workforce without the commitment of bringing on a permanent hire.
- Long-term welders: Hiring welders on a long-term basis can help ensure you have the staff you need for all your current and upcoming projects.
- Temp-to-hire welders: Temp-to-hire arrangements allow tradespeople and the company to decide if they’d like to work together permanently.
How do you ensure that each one of your tradespeople follows all safety protocols?
The right welder staffing agency takes jobsite safety as seriously as you do. They should have an established Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and require all of their tradespeople to undergo a safety assessment before becoming available to work.
Additionally, offering safety training programs like OSHA-10 or OSHA-30, shows a serious commitment to safety. Equally important is their ability to supply basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to their tradespeople for every project. These safety standards and procedures can provide a clear indication of the quality of their staffing solutions.
Could you offer some specifics on your screening process for welders?
Another way a staffing agency can help ensure a positive experience and achieve great results is with a thorough vetting process. When recruiting welders or other tradespeople, your staffing agency must verify their credentials before they’re made available to your company.
Why is this level of vetting so important? It guarantees that the tradespeople you receive have the credentials and skills to get the job done right the first time. These screenings also help ensure that they are well-suited to your unique project demands. Ultimately, you can trust that each tradesperson will make a positive contribution to your team.
What other welder staffing services are you able to deliver?
The construction hiring process is often time-consuming and complex, especially when it comes to ensuring workforce compliance. The best staffing agency for you will have legal and compliance experts in employment law who can manage these responsibilities. They help verify that your workforce always meets the necessary requirements, minimizing the risks associated with new hires.
Also, a staffing agency may offer valuable knowledge and expertise in other key areas, such as worker’s compensation, payroll and safety. This comprehensive support ensures you receive essential protection and peace of mind for all your workforce management needs.
PeopleReady Skilled Trades makes recruiting welders easy
Finding construction workers for your specific needs can take up valuable time and resources. That’s why thousands of construction companies partner with PeopleReady Skilled Trades every year. Our team offers convenient access to several types of welders, including:
- ARC welders
- Pipe welders
- MIG welders
- Stick welders
- TIG welders
- Structural welders
Along with our welder staffing services, we can provide support with recruiting pipefitters, recruiting carpenters, recruiting electricians or other tradespeople. Our skilled trades staffing experts have built and developed relationships in your local community for 30-plus years. We help you find construction workers and can develop a one-of-a-kind hiring plan that ensures you always have the workforce you need.
