Blue-collar worker numbers are dwindling, making it increasingly difficult to source skilled tradespeople. The retirement of ‘Baby Boomers’ has left gaps in the blue-collar workforce. Many of these job openings come with excellent pay and advancement opportunities.
The market is competitive, and options are limited, but suitable candidates are out there. Knowing where to look is key, as well as providing incentives and support services to help bring them on board.
In-demand jobs
Skilled jobs remain in-demand at worksites across the United States, including the professions listed below:
- Assemblers / Machinists
- Welders
- Construction Workers
- Certified Nursing Assistants / Health Care Workers
- Trained Cooks
- Hotel and Hospitality Workers
With it becoming so challenging to find candidates within the general population, employers are having to consider other sources when searching for talent.
Trade school graduates
More companies are hiring Trade School graduates as an alternative to experienced trade workers. Besides having formal qualifications, these candidates are keen to learn and develop their skills further. What they lack in experience, they make up for in enthusiasm and, in most cases, they are more willing to relocate for work.
BullsEye is available to assist Trade School graduates as they embark on their careers. When sourcing recruits from this candidate pool, the BullsEye team will offer relocation support and career guidance where necessary.
Relocated workers
Although skilled tradespeople are becoming harder to source in the United States, there are many other regions where younger generations are looking for blue-collar, hands-on jobs. For example, in Puerto Rico, 67% of the workforce is employed in Trades. By comparison, only 60% of American workers fall into this category.
Relocating workers is a good option for filling entry-level roles where onsite training is provided. In many cases, job seekers are already looking to relocate, making them more flexible in terms of work location.
To place candidates quickly, it is best to source them from U.S. territories and commonwealths, such as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Residents of these U.S. territories and commonwealths are U.S. citizens and are legally permitted to work anywhere in the U.S.A.
As well as operating a dedicated Facebook jobs page, BullsEye offers support programs to make relocation as easy as possible for job seekers looking to move to a new area for work and housing.
Housing support
Removing some of the hassle from relocation can make a big difference when securing skilled worker placements. Having to find a new home is something that puts a lot of candidates off, so pre-arranged housing is a valuable incentive.
BullsEye offers a comprehensive housing support package for new employees. The program provides workers with safe, affordable housing within the vicinity of their worksite. All paperwork is completed on the candidate’s behalf, with utility bills and basic furnishings included in the rent.
Travel assistance
Relocating for work can be expensive. Whether it’s air, train or bus travel that is required, BullsEye can assist. With the employee Ticket Purchase Program, workers receive a one-way ticket to their destination, the cost of which gets deducted from future pay. After six months of employment, the ticket price amount is reimbursed to the employee.
Upon arrival at their destination (airport, train station or bus terminal), BullsEye will arrange a pick-up service for new employees, before helping them settle into their new accommodation.
BullsEye has decades of experience in sourcing and relocating employees all over the United States. Our team provides a professional service for candidates, guiding them throughout the process with continued support, advice, and encouragement.
Visit www.bullseyejobs.com to learn more.