Trueblue: Skilled trade careers surge, workforce strategies expand

TACOMA, Wash. – With a persistent labor shortage continuing to challenge the construction industry, workforce solutions leader TrueBlue (NYSE: TBI) and its PeopleReady Skilled Trades (PRST) division are highlighting the rising opportunities in skilled trade careers and the strategies contractors can use to strengthen their workforce.

The company recently analyzed more than 700,000 unique construction trade job postings from the past year, offering insight into where demand is strongest and how employers can adapt.

“As a leader in skilled trade staffing, TrueBlue is well-positioned to help close the widening gap between the demand for skilled tradespeople and the availability of qualified workers,” said Taryn Owen, President and CEO of TrueBlue. “Through our scalable, tech-enabled delivery model and apprenticeship programs, PeopleReady Skilled Trades creates opportunities for young job seekers to explore the trades while helping clients fill the critical roles that keep America running.”

Rising Demand for Skilled Workers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction occupations are projected to grow faster than average through 2033, with more than 650,000 openings expected annually over the next decade. Industry growth, paired with the retirement of older workers, is driving this surge in demand.

The PRST analysis found:

• June 2025 had the highest number of trade job postings since August 2022.
• Top roles in demand include electricians, laborers, plumbers, pipefitters, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and HVAC technicians.
• Median advertised wages for trade jobs hit $56,200 — well above the national median of $49,500 for all occupations.
• Texas, Florida, California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania posted the most trade jobs.
• West Virginia, Maine, Vermont, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania showed the fastest-growing demand.
• The workforce skews older: nearly 40% of trade workers are over 45, with fewer than 12% between ages 19–24.

“As the gap between supply and demand grows, recent graduates should strongly consider building their career in the trades,” said Amy Biedenharn, Executive Director of Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), a PRST partner. “These careers offer clear pathways, on-the-job training, and the potential to earn six-figure salaries in specialized fields.”

Strategies for Workforce Resilience

The shortage isn’t just an HR challenge — it’s a business continuity risk for contractors across the U.S. To address these pressures, many firms are turning to staffing partners to provide both immediate and long-term workforce solutions.

“To meet demand and maintain business continuity, contractors need flexible, adaptable workforce strategies,” said Jill Quinn, Executive Leader of PeopleReady Skilled Trades. “Whether bridging short-term gaps or laying the foundation for long-term careers, staffing partners like PeopleReady and PeopleReady Skilled Trades create a win-win dynamic for employers and job seekers alike.”

TrueBlue and PRST are addressing the challenge through several key programs:

• Rapid deployment of fully compliant, E-Verified tradespeople.
• Workforce pipelines to meet recurring contractor needs.
• WorkUp career pathway programs to help workers upskill.
• Partnerships with IEC to expand apprenticeship access.
• Respect the Craft™ retention program to reward excellence on the job.

The Bigger Picture

The construction industry’s skilled labor gap is expected to widen further unless new workers enter the field. For TrueBlue, the solution is about more than just filling jobs — it’s about shaping the next generation of tradespeople.

“By combining technology, training, and staffing expertise, we are helping contractors remain competitive while providing meaningful career opportunities,” Owen said.

To explore skilled trade job opportunities or workforce solutions, visit www.skilled.peopleready.com.

Originally reported by Business Wire.