While much of the economy has experienced slower growth in the face of rising costs and recession concerns, skilled trades continue to see more demand for workers. According to a recent analysis by PeopleReady Skilled Trades, a specialized division of PeopleReady, there has been double-digit growth in many skilled trade jobs over the past year.

Skilled Trade Numbers Growing

With over 2.8 million unique job postings from October 2021 to October 2022 and a 10% increase year over year, the skilled trades are ripe with opportunities for young job seekers entering the workforce, according to a news release.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average employment growth in the construction sector, with a median annual wage surpassing the median yearly wage for all sectors. With more job openings and good wages, Generation Z will find that careers in the skilled trades offer a faster track to a profitable career — along with affordable trade schools and apprenticeship programs that allow students to earn while they learn. As such, employers that highlight the stability and financial benefits of this career path will find success in attracting the next generation of workers to the skilled trades.

Stable Career Choices

“The skilled trades have proven to be a stable career choice full of opportunity, even in an unpredictable job market,” said Jill Quinn, executive leader of PeopleReady Skilled Trades in the news release. “More tradespeople are retiring than entering this profession. We must get younger generations interested in these steady and profitable careers. Skilled tradespeople help build our country and are essential to our daily lives.”

According to the PeopleReady Skilled Trades analysis, demand multiplied for many skilled trades jobs in the past year, with almost 644,000 jobs posted in the past 90 days alone. Some of the roles seeing the most open job postings include:

  • Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
  • Electricians
  • Carpenters
  • Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
  • Construction and building inspectors
  • Painters (construction and maintenance)

Lots of Roles

From helper and apprentice to master-level opportunities across a variety of trades, PeopleReady Skilled Trades connects tradespeople with work throughout the U.S. Search for and apply for jobs at skilled.peopleready.com/jobs.

Source:  PeopleReady Skilled Trades