July 20, 2026
Temporary workers are more interested in skilled trades, but training may be holding them back, according to research by industrial staffing provider TrueBlue (NYSE: TBI).
Nearly half of temporary workers surveyed by TrueBlue, 48%, said they are more interested in skilled trades this year, with 32% saying they are much more interested.
The survey included 1,200 TrueBlue temporary workers.
More than four in five of those expressing greater interest were between the ages of 30 and 59.
“Demand outlook for skilled trades remains strong, driven in part by ongoing retirements that will shape the labor market for years,” TrueBlue President and CEO Taryn Owen said in a press release. “We’re seeing interest from both experienced workers changing careers and people just entering the workforce.”
The company also asked about factors that would increase their likelihood of pursuing a skilled-trade career; 30% cited paid training or internships, 30% cited higher pay and 21% cited job stability.
Separately, the Associated Builder and Contractors organization released an analysis of construction jobs and found they rose by 11,000 in June and were up by 64,000 year over year.