Safway Services is opening a hiring center in the Houston suburb of Deer Park to recruit employees for the growing work in the Gulf Coast area.

“In light of the increase in projects in the Gulf area, we’re investing in new technology, infrastructure and training programs to fill a variety of skilled and unskilled craft positions,” said Tomi Umemoto, a Safway branch manager in the Gulf Region.

The new jobs will offer competitive pay, training and benefits for positions in high demand. Safway is seeking all levels of personnel in scaffolding, insulation, fireproofing and coatings and is looking to hire between 3,000 and 7,000 people in the Gulf Region in the coming months.

“It is critical that we develop the best possible workforce and provide quality training to perform at the highest level,” said Umemoto. “This new state-of-the-art hiring center will help us achieve both of these objectives.”

Safway Director of Human Resources, Jenny Christel, noted, “The new hiring center is located on the doorstep of major industrial clients in the Houston area. We’re excited about the opportunity to attract a larger talent pool in the area and help thousands participate in the growth of this dynamic marketplace.” She noted the firm will provide a range of training at the center and will recruit workers for top projects throughout the Gulf South.

The economic boom and the related hiring demand is due to a variety of factors.

“Shale development has provided an abundant, affordable supply of U.S. natural gas used as an energy source and as a key raw material to make plastics and other essential products,” said Umemoto. “Natural gas prices have become predictable, consistent and relatively cheap, meaning a wide range of projects in the Gulf Region that rely on natural gas are now deemed economically viable.”