Recent improvements in the economy have made skilled tradespeople increasingly difficult to recruit. This is something the state of North Dakota is all to aware of. While most of the country is still experiencing moderate unemployment rates, the state of North Dakota has had unemployment rates as low as 1-3% this year. Sounds like a good thing right? Not if you ask the employers and contractors seeking talent.

Most of the country took a major hit when the economy crashed in 2008, North Dakota experienced the opposite affect. The Bakkon Shale, a large oil field located primarily in North Dakota, became a “gold mine” for the state’s economy. Containing billlions of barrels of oil, the Bakken formation has created a boom for skilled and unskilled workers alike. According to Construction Executive Magazine, the workforce in North Dakota alone has increased by almost 10,000 people since 2008.

Reports show the demand for talent in North Dakota is taking a huge toll on the state. Because of the demand for talent many contractors are attempting to attract out of state personnel or traveling tradespeople to the area to assist with the growing demands in construction and oil industries. Construction in the area is in great demand to create processing plants, warehouses, and other storage facilities to accomodate in the increase oil production. The increased number of people coming to the state also opens positions in hospitality, food service, and other industries to assist with the influx of business. Employers and contractors that are inexperienced in relocating talent or managing traveling tradespeople, will experience a number of growing pains and financial loses due to turnover. See our blog on hiring travelers here.

North Dakota is only one area of the country struggling to locate talent. Trillium is proud to offer top level talent in construction and other industries nationwide.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of experienced construction workers? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out skilled trades worker seeking short or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.