As the construction season gains momentum and employers vie for skilled labor, a recent survey conducted by TrueBlue Inc. (NYSE: TBI) reveals a notable increase in interest among temporary workers for careers in skilled trades. The survey, which involved over 1,200 participants, indicates that nearly half (48%) of respondents reported a heightened interest in skilled trades compared to previous years, with 32% expressing that they are "much more interested."

2. A Demographic Shift

This surge in interest is particularly pronounced among experienced workers. More than 80% of those who indicated increased interest fall within the 30 to 59 age range. This demographic shift suggests a significant opportunity to reskill and redeploy seasoned talent, rather than solely focusing on attracting new entrants into the labor market.

Taryn Owen, President and CEO of TrueBlue, commented on the implications of the survey findings: “Demand outlook for skilled trades remains strong, driven in part by ongoing retirements that will shape the labor market for years. We’re seeing interest from both experienced workers changing careers and people just entering the workforce.”

3. Key Factors Influencing Career Choices

The survey identified several factors that could enhance the likelihood of individuals pursuing a career in skilled trades. Workers indicated the following priorities:

Paid Training or Apprenticeships: 31%

Higher Pay: 30%

Job Stability: 21%

These insights underline the necessity for employers and training programs to align their offerings with the aspirations of potential skilled trades workers.

4. Barriers to Entry

Despite the growing interest, the survey also highlighted significant barriers that may deter individuals from entering skilled trades. The most commonly cited obstacles included:

Cost of Training: 29%

Concerns About Job Stability: 27%

Uncertainty About How to Get Started: 19%

These findings emphasize the critical need for clearer, more affordable, and dependable pathways into skilled careers, which is essential for bridging the gap between interest and access.

5. Strong Demand for Skilled Talent

The demand for skilled trades talent remains robust across various sectors, including construction, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 650,000 job openings annually in construction and extraction occupations over the next decade. This statistic underscores the importance of expanding access to training programs and accelerating pathways into these vital roles.

TrueBlue’s apprenticeship and workforce development initiatives are instrumental in connecting workers with the hands-on experience necessary to transition into high-demand careers.

6. Bridging the Gap

Jill Quinn, SVP and President of PeopleReady Skilled Trades, addressed the challenges highlighted in the survey: “The interest is there—what holds people back is cost, uncertainty about where to start, and concerns about job stability. That’s where we come in. By connecting workers directly to training, hands-on experience, and real job opportunities, we turn that interest into a lasting career while giving our customers reliable access to the skilled talent they need.”

7. Conclusion

As TrueBlue Inc. continues to advocate for the skilled trades sector, the findings from this survey serve as a call to action for both employers and policymakers. There is a clear opportunity to harness the growing interest in skilled trades by addressing barriers to entry and investing in training initiatives. By doing so, the industry can not only meet the increasing demand for skilled labor but also empower a new generation of workers to build sustainable careers in these essential fields.

Original press release