Are you looking for work as a carpenter? Do you know how to do an inventory of items in a warehouse? Want to be part of a cleaning crew? If you answered yes to these questions, you are part of or would like to be part of general labor staffing.
What is general labor?
This question may seem like a familiar query that has a simple answer. But the term “general labor” is a fairly intricate concept.
The term was originally used to describe non-complex jobs that require some form of physical labor. Nowadays, it covers various positions across several industries and sectors, from construction to manufacturing to cleaning to even gardening and landscaping.
General labor can now be non-complex or complex, especially if a task requires multiple or specialized tools. Many do not need specialized training or advanced degrees, but some may require skills training like those needed for construction.
What do general laborers do?
Tasks vary depending on the industry and experience of a general laborer.
For example, general laborers who have no experience or have entry-level education usually complete tasks like cleaning with basic tools like mops or physically lifting heavy items.
Those who are more experienced perform more complex tasks requiring specialized equipment or tools. For example, a master carpenter can work with power drills or blowtorches.
Who Employs General Labor Staffing?
As stated above, general labor is used mainly for physical work. But practically all industries require available labor staffing even though they don’t know it.
Just think, offices need janitorial services to keep their spaces clean daily. Even if a business has no physical office, like an online store, it still has a warehouse that employs clerks or needs a typist to encode stocks.
Are General Laborers In Demand?
Yes! General laborers are in high demand.
For example, according to the 2019 US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, construction laborers’ and helpers’ employment is projected to grow by 11% from 2018 to 2028. This means more and more job opportunities will be created for such employees in the coming years.
What does general labor staffing mean for you?
Work that requires general labor generally does not require prior work experience or specialized training. Workers receive on-the-job training to acquire the skills needed for a task. This means you learn more as you work more.
The basic requirement for many jobs is to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) diploma.
Of course, if you want to get a higher-paying task, you have to develop job skills. For example, having a vocational school diploma or trade apprenticeship will be a big plus. The more skills you have, the better your chances of getting a higher-paying job.
Also, you have to be physically fit and comfortable with getting your hands dirty or doing potentially dangerous tasks like cleaning the windows of a high-rise tower.
General labor staffing requires hard work. But it can be a good source of constant work and pay.
