TrueBlue Highlights Rising Career Opportunities in Skilled Trades & Strategies for Strengthening the Construction Workforce

August 21, 2025 at 08:00 AM EDT

PeopleReady Skilled Trades analyzed over 700,000 construction trade job postings, offering key insights amid a persistent labor shortage

As high school graduates across the country chart their next chapter and construction firms feel the pinch of a persistent skilled labor shortage, leading specialized workforce solutions provider TrueBlue (NYSE: TBI) and its PeopleReady Skilled Trades (PRST) division offer insights into in-demand skilled trade careers and strategies to help contractors build more resilient construction workforces.

“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.”

Driven by both industry growth and workforce retirements, construction occupations are projected to grow faster than average through 2033. More than 650,000 openings are expected each year over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“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.”

Skilled Trade Career Opportunities on the Rise

TrueBlue’s People Ready Skilled Trades recently analyzed more than 700,000 unique U.S. construction trade job postings from the past 12 months. Key findings include:

June 2025 marked the highest number of construction trade job postings since August 2022.
Top roles in demand: Electricians; construction laborers and helpers; plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters; carpenters; heavy equipment operators; and HVAC technicians and installers.
Wage trends outpacing national averages: Median advertised wages for construction trade roles is $56,200 compared to the national median of $49,500 for all occupations.
Top 5 States Hiring: Texas, Florida, California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Fastest-growing demand for skilled tradespeople: West Virginia, Maine, Vermont, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania.
Opportunity for a younger workforce: Nearly 40% of construction trade workers are over the age of 45, with nearly half of those workers over the age of 55, and less than 12% of trade workers aged 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 PeopleReady Skilled Trades partner. “These careers offer clear pathways, on-the-job training, and the potential to earn six-figure salaries in specialized fields.”

Helping Contractors Build Workforce Resilience

For contractors across the country, the skilled labor shortage isn’t just a hiring challenge; it’s a business risk. To navigate these challenges and stay competitive, many contractors are turning to temporary staffing partners for support.

As a national leader in skilled workforce solutions, PeopleReady Skilled Trades supports workforce stability by:

Rapidly deploying fully compliant, E-Verified and Form-I-9 tradespeople.
Building strategic hiring pipelines to meet recurring needs.
Offering career pathway programs like WorkUp to upskill workers.
Partnering with organizations like IEC to expand access to apprenticeships and experienced tradespeople.
Investing in retention programs like Respect the Craft™ to recognize excellence on the job.

To find more information or explore skilled trade career opportunities, please visit www.skilled.peopleready.com.

About TrueBlue

TrueBlue, Inc. (NYSE: TBI) is transforming the way organizations connect with talent in an ever-changing world of work. As The People Company®, we put people first – connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities while delivering smart, scalable workforce solutions for enterprises across industries and worldwide. Powered by innovative technology and decades of expertise, our brands – PeopleReady, PeopleScout, Staff Management | SMX, Centerline, SIMOS, and Healthcare Staffing Professionals – offer flexible staffing, workforce management, and recruitment solutions that propel businesses and careers. Discover how we're shaping the future of work at www.trueblue.com.