FOX 13 visits Tampa Tank to discuss skilled labor shortage

March 9, 2022

From welders to electricians to plumbers, there is a critical shortage of skilled labor in the Tampa Bay area. FOX 13’s Lloyd Sowers recently paid a trip to Tampa Tank-Florida Structural Steel to learn how this local steel fabrication company is partnering with workforce development and educational partners like Hillsborough Community College to address their labor needs.

Last fall, the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council announced Tampa Tank-Florida Structural Steel was expanding locally with plans to add 60 new jobs by the end of 2022. Tampa Tank is looking to recruit welders, fitters, machinists, and equipment operators. And with 25% of skilled workers due to retire over the next 10 years and employment in welding projected to grow 8% by 2030, Tampa Tank relies on partnerships with local workforce training programs to help establish a strong candidate pipeline.

Tampa Bay boasts the second largest manufacturing employment in the state and in 2020, the manufacturing industry produced $11 billion in GDP for the Tampa area, and the average annual percent change in the past 10 years was up by 4.5% compared to the nation at 2.3%. With this increased demand, the trades offer a reliable career path that includes good pay, benefits, stability and opportunities for advancement.