Hiring for skilled trades in Colorado has never been more competitive. Employers across the state, from fabrication shops to logistics warehouses, are struggling to hire experienced welders and forklift drivers. And the data explains why.
Whether you’re facing high turnover, increasing demand, or a limited talent pool, Job Store Staffing is here to help you adapt and stay fully staffed.
The Skilled Trades Labor Shortage Is Real
Welders and forklift drivers play essential roles in Colorado’s economy. They build and move the infrastructure that keeps industries running, but both talent pipelines are under pressure.
Welding: A Shrinking and Aging Workforce
According to the American Welding Society (AWS):
- 320,500 new welding professionals will be needed nationally by 2029.
- Over 157,000 welders are nearing retirement age.
- Only 5% of welders are under 25, and just 5% are women.
- The median national salary is $55,600, with wages reaching $26.76 per hour.
This workforce imbalance is leading to increased competition for skilled welders across Colorado, especially in industries like construction, manufacturing, energy, and aerospace.
Training Pathways Are Underutilized
One major bottleneck in hiring is the time it takes to become job-ready in these trades. The good news? There are multiple pathways for entering welding careers, many of which don’t require a four-year degree.
Welding Education Options:
- 6–18 Months: Welding Certificate (via technical school or trade program)
- 2 Years: Associate Degree
- 3–4 Years: Journeyman’s Card
- 4 Years: Bachelor’s Degree
Technical school remains the fastest and most cost-effective path to closing the welding skills gap. Yet, too few individuals are pursuing these routes.
The AWS Foundation is actively working to address this, awarding over $2.7 million in scholarships to more than 1,600 welding students, with 25% going to women. But it will take time for this pipeline to reach employers.
Forklift Drivers: Turnover Is Driving the Demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 83,200 job openings per year for material moving machine operators, including forklift drivers. While overall job growth is modest at 1%, the churn is massive, driven by retirements, transfers, and job changes.
As Colorado’s logistics and warehousing industries expand due to e-commerce growth, demand for dependable forklift operators continues to rise. But employers face challenges sourcing and retaining qualified talent.
Why Colorado Employers Need a Faster Staffing Solution
Waiting for the talent pipeline to catch up is not a viable option if you have deadlines to meet. Skilled trades vacancies cause real disruption:
- Production delays
- Safety and compliance risks
- Burnout among current employees
- Higher overtime and training costs
This is where Job Store Staffing delivers value. With decades of experience staffing skilled trades professionals across Colorado, we offer access to pre-screened, job-ready candidates who can hit the ground running.
How Job Store Staffing Helps
We go beyond resumes to evaluate technical skills, certifications, cultural fit, and work ethic, so you can hire with confidence.
Our specialized staffing support includes:
- Welders, including MIG, TIG, and structural
- Forklift Operators, including sit-down, stand-up, and reach trucks
- Material Handlers, Maintenance Technicians, and more
Whether you’re looking for temporary help during peak periods or long-term hires to strengthen your team, we’re ready to support you.
Let’s Solve Your Skilled Trades Staffing Needs
Hiring challenges are growing, but so is our candidate network. Our team has the speed, flexibility, and local knowledge to help you stay competitive in today’s talent market.
