BlueRecruit recently completed a Q2 2025 report highlighting key developments in the trades. This blog will dive into their findings, starting with two key takeaways:
- What WE as a community are doing for the trades is working!
- Immigration policy changes are fundamentally changing not only jobsites, but also how companies are hiring and compensating their employees.
Let’s jump into these numbers and see how Q2 can guide you and your business.
Trade program access is better understood
After running a four-year study, BlueRecruit found that the percentage of job seekers aware of the resources available to them in their wish to attend a trade school, vocational training program or career school has increased exponentially.
- In 2022, 48 percent of job seekers were unaware of how to enter a trades program.
- In 2023, the figure fell to 31.8 percent.
- In 2024, the percentage dropped to 28.8 percent.
- Now, in 2025, only 26 percent of job seekers are unaware of how to enter a trades program.
In just three years, there was a 22 percent decline in lack of knowledge about the trades for job seekers. This is a testament to the importance of the skilled trades community advocating for the importance of their work. However, the job is far from over. The trades community must band together and use this momentum to increase knowledge and squash negative stigmas around skilled trades.
Policy changes are undeniably affecting the trades
After six months under the Trump administration, the data surrounding immigration reforms and the effects on the skilled trades community is evident.
- Q2 reveals a 12 percent increase in the requirement for a clean criminal record.
- 59 percent of trade employers now require clean criminal records for all jobs, this being a record high.
- The percentage of employers requiring new hires to hold an active driver’s license has increased by 8 percent.
- General labor compensation has increased by $0.90 in Q2 and an overall $3.39 an hour since the Presidential election.
Overall, it is important to spread knowledge about these policy changes and to take into consideration how they will affect the labor market. Business leaders must stay informed to remain competitive in these changing times.
Meet BlueRecruit – A solution for the skilled trades
BlueRecruit is a direct-hire marketplace for the skilled-trade workers and companies seeking their talent. By removing the inefficiencies of resumes and job posts, BlueRecruit focuses on the skills, certifications and experiences that matter.
Visit https://bluerecruit.us/ to learn more about the skilled trade industry and learn best practices to help your business grow.
