Blakely Brown Insights
May Spotlight: New Power Division
Welcome to the May edition of Blakely Brown Insights!
This month has marked another exciting chapter in Blakely Brown’s growth. Following the arrival of our first hires in Miami at the end of April, we’ve now expanded our U.S. footprint even further with the addition of our first Texas-based team member.
Chloe Beasley has joined us as our new Power Division Manager, bringing with her years of experience in the Contracting side of Executive Search. With Chloe’s arrival, we’ve officially launched our Power Division and taken our first steps into contract to hire recruitment, a major new direction for Blakely Brown!
Later in this edition, we also share key updates from the federal court involving Project Labor Agreements and what this means for engineers and recruiters in the public sector.
Thanks for reading,
The Blakely Brown Team
Team Update: Welcome Chloe!
We’re thrilled to welcome Chloe Beasley to the Blakely Brown team.
Chloe joins as our Power Division Manager, leading our move into the contract to hire recruitment space and marking our expansion into the Power Utilities sector. Based in Houston, she also establishes a new regional presence for Blakely Brown in Texas.
Chloe brings deep industry experience and a strong network, unlocking new opportunities for both clients and candidates nationwide.
“I'm extremely excited to rejoin the Power industry and ready to make an impact! With Blakely Brown's advanced technology, we will be able to provide niche candidates consistently to our clients, which will result in completing projects safely, on time, and under budget.”
Scroll down to learn more about our work in the Power market.
Power Division: Why Contract to Hire Recruitment is Critical for CAPEX Projects
Contract hiring in Power Utilities is vital due to the sector’s fast-moving and highly technical nature. Many of these roles demand specialized skill sets, particularly in areas like renewable energy, grid modernization, and infrastructure upgrades.
A common challenge is the short supply of experienced professionals willing to take on temporary or project-based roles. As project timelines and scopes fluctuate, maintaining a stable workforce becomes harder. EPC firms and utility companies often struggle to keep up.
That’s where niche recruitment partners can make a real difference. At Blakely Brown, we connect our clients with contract professionals who can step in and deliver immediate value, helping projects stay on track. As the Texas power grid continues to evolve, this capability will be even more essential.
Texas Grid Pressures: Why Strong Talent Matters
The electric grid in Texas is considered weak due to its isolation, as it operates independently from other states, limiting imports during high demand or emergencies. Inadequate infrastructure maintenance and a focus on cost-cutting have also hindered its resilience, which was starkly highlighted during the February 2021 winter storm.
Additionally, the deregulated energy market can lead to gaps in accountability and insufficient investment in reliability. These factors contribute to a grid that struggles to handle stressors, raising concerns about its stability.
In this environment, access to skilled professionals, especially those experienced in grid resilience and energy transition, will be critical to keeping Texas powered and protected.
Federal Court Upholds Project Labor Agreement Mandate
In a major legal win for organized labor, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) secured a preliminary injunction this month, stopping several federal agencies from removing Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) from large federal construction contracts.
This decision reinforces Executive Order 14063, which mandates PLAs on federally funded projects over $35 million. These agreements help set consistent pay and work rules before projects begin, aiming to reduce disputes and maintain stability on large jobsites.
The ruling has sparked strong responses from both sides. Supporters say it protects workers and ensures jobsite coordination. Critics argue it raises costs and limits opportunities for nonunion contractors. Legal challenges are ongoing, and the long-term outcome remains uncertain.
Takeaways for Engineers
Plan around union requirements: PLAs remain active on major federal jobs. Know the labor environment for your projects.
Expect fewer disruptions: With PLAs in place, large projects may benefit from fewer strikes or delays.
Union access matters: Engineers from nonunion backgrounds may face limitations on certain federal jobs.
Takeaways for Recruiters
Know the conditions: If your clients work on federal contracts, understand how PLAs affect their hiring needs.
Educate your clients: Help federal contractors stay compliant with shifting labor mandates.
Prepare candidates: Ensure applicants understand the working environment and expectations under a PLA, especially if they’re new to union projects.
