Ready to turn trade work into a career? Explore Open Positions or contact QLM.
1. The Rising Demand for Skilled Trades Careers
The skilled trades are poised for expansion over the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction and extraction occupations are projected to see around 649,300 job openings per year on average—both from growth and replacement needs.
Renewable energy and infrastructure are accelerating demand in specialized trades, too. Roles like solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine technicians are among the fastest growing. See the BLS Occupational Outlook for Solar PV Installers and Wind Turbine Technicians.
Despite the demand, many tradespeople still view these roles as “gigs” rather than sustainable careers. That’s a perception QLM is working to change through consistent placements, training, and clear growth paths.
2. Why the Skilled Trades Workforce is Shrinking
- Nearly 40% of the skilled trades workforce is over age 45, with many approaching retirement.
- For every five Baby Boomers retiring, only two younger workers are entering the pipeline.
- Core construction trades (electricians, carpenters, plumbers) have not fully rebounded to pre-2007 levels.
- ~70% of employers report difficulty finding qualified trade workers.
These gaps make it even more important for QLM to help build not just placements, but durable, long-term careers. Learn more about our approach to safety and training & upskilling.
3. How QLM Helps Tradespeople Build Sustainable Careers
QLM is a one-in-all provider of skilled staffing for construction, manufacturing, light industrial, marine, hospitality, and renewable energy. We operate as a seamless extension of our clients with a mission centered on quality, safety, and reliability.
- Cross-trade exposure: Work across construction, solar, industrial, and marine to broaden experience and promotability.
- Consistent placement & stability: We aim to minimize downtime by lining up continuous work.
- Safety & training support: Fewer disruptions and longer site tenure through a safety-first culture.
- Geographic reach & mobility: Nationwide offices and remote-sector projects create opportunities beyond a single market.
See how we support careers on our About QLM page and Locations.
4. The Value of Career Growth in the Trades
For Tradespeople
- Retention & loyalty: When workers see a path—growth, learning, stability—they stay longer and contribute more.
- Skill accumulation: Diverse projects build expertise that improves wages and reputation.
- Pride & identity: Wearing the QLM shirt means being part of a career trajectory, not just a job.
For Contractors & Employers
- Reduced turnover costs: Lower churn preserves onboarding time and institutional knowledge.
- Quality & consistency: Teams steeped in safety and culture deliver better work.
- Competitive positioning: A stable, well-supported workforce is a true differentiator.
5. What Team Members Are Saying About QLM
“The staff were friendly and professional… it didn’t take long for them to find potential jobs for me.”
“Plenty of job opportunities” is a common theme. Fast placement and abundant opportunities are essential to career continuity.
6. Five Strategies to Strengthen Long-Term Careers
- IRA Solar Apprenticeship Programs: Hands-on clean-energy experience while building specialized expertise.
- Trade Specialization Tracks: Options to deepen skills in welding, solar, electrical, and more.
- Ongoing Training & Upskilling: Continuous learning for advanced roles, certifications, and leadership.
- Mobility & Cross-Project Exposure: Rotate across job types and geographies to broaden capabilities.
- Incentives for Longevity: Recognition and rewards for dedication, growth, and culture contributions.
Explore our focus on training & development and safety.
7. Start Building Your Skilled Trades Career with QLM
The future of the trades demands real, sustainable careers—not quick fixes. QLM connects workers with opportunity, provides support, and helps industries maintain a high-quality labor force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there demand for skilled trades careers in 2025?
Yes. Construction and extraction occupations are projected to have hundreds of thousands of openings per year on average throughout the next decade. Clean-energy trades are growing even faster. See BLS: Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Q2: What makes QLM different from other staffing companies?
QLM isn’t just about single projects—we focus on long-term career growth with consistent placement, cross-trade exposure, training, and a safety-first culture across construction, solar, industrial, marine, and more. Learn more about QLM.
Q3: How does QLM support career development?
Apprenticeships, specialization tracks, ongoing training, mobility across geographies, and incentives for longevity. See our training and jobs.
Q4: Which skilled trades does QLM hire for most often?
Electricians, carpenters, welders & fabricators, plumbers & pipefitters, solar & renewable energy technicians, and general construction labor. View current openings.
Q5: How do I apply?
Visit our Open Positions page, search by trade and location, and submit your application online.
