Skilled Trades Recruiter

Skilled Trades Recruiter

The Skilled Trades Recruiter is responsible for full-cycle recruiting of qualified skilled trades professionals, including welders, machinists, CNC operators, electricians, maintenance technicians, and other manufacturing and industrial talent. This role partners closely with hiring managers and clients to understand technical requirements, maintain a strong candidate pipeline, and deliver high-quality talent to meet production and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, screen, and recruit skilled trades candidates using job boards, ATS, referrals, networking, trade schools, unions, and community partnerships
• Recruit for roles such as welders (MIG/TIG/Stick), machinists, CNC operators, maintenance technicians, electricians, millwrights, and related positions
• Conduct thorough phone and in-person interviews to assess technical skills, experience, certifications, and cultural fit
• Evaluate resumes and applications with a strong understanding of trade terminology, tools, and skill levels

• Build and maintain a pipeline of active and passive skilled trades candidates
• Coordinate interviews, skills testing, reference checks, background screens, and onboarding requirements
• Maintain frequent communication with candidates regarding job opportunities, hiring timelines, and next steps
• Ensure a positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment process

• Collaborate with hiring managers or clients to understand job requirements, shift needs, safety requirements, and skill expectations
• Provide market insight on talent availability, pay rates, and hiring trends within skilled trades
• Present qualified candidates and support the offer and placement process

• Ensure compliance with employment laws, safety requirements, and company policies
• Accurately track candidate activity and recruiting metrics in the applicant tracking system (ATS)
• Maintain proper documentation for certifications, licenses, and skills verification

• Stay current on skilled trades labor market trends, certifications, and recruiting best practices
• Participate in job fairs, hiring events, and community outreach when applicable
• Meet or exceed recruiting and placement goals

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of recruiting experience, preferably in skilled trades, manufacturing, industrial, or construction environments
• Strong understanding of skilled trades roles, terminology, and skill levels
• Experience recruiting welders, machinists, CNC operators, or similar technical positions
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume recruiting environment
• Excellent communication, interviewing, and relationship-building skills
• Proficiency with ATS systems and job boards
• High sense of urgency with the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage and resolve complex client situations in an effective manner
• Strong motivation for personal success
• Strong computer skills including MS office, Outlook, and the ability to quickly learn new systems
• Well-developed problem-solving skills
• High levels of motivation and self-direction
• Flexibility on work hours to accommodate client peak and production needs
• Valid Driver License

Preferred Qualifications

• Staffing agency experience in light industrial or skilled trades recruiting
• Familiarity with welding processes (MIG, TIG, Stick), blueprint reading, CNC machining, and maintenance roles
• Experience recruiting for shift-based or production environments
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

Key Competencies

• Results-driven and goal-oriented
• Strong time management and organization
• Ability to assess technical skills without being a tradesperson
• Customer-focused mindset (candidate and client)
• Problem-solving and adaptability