Hot job market in Mesa County, unemployment down to 3.9%

The Mesa County Workforce Center says we've got more jobs available than people to fill them.

More than 1,000 new jobs were added last month, that's the most they've seen in years.

For Mesa County resident Brandon Beason, he’s been searching for a job for months. He hopes the Workforce Center can help land him his dream job.

"I am looking for a job that can benefit me in the future, something that can improve my skills. I am currently going to school for my computer science degree,” said Brandon Beason.

Brandon is part of the 3.9 percent who are currently unemployed in the county, but that number is a good thing, it’s low compared to years past.

"There's a lot more job opportunities out there but not as many people looking for work,” said Curtis Englehart, Workforce Center Director.

Our job market is hot right now. The Workforce Center says there's a lot of full time, permanent jobs available. They’re at about 592 job orders last month alone.

"We're seeing a lot more job orders coming in than we ever have before. A lot of that is due to the improving economy and it’s also due to the low employment rates, so it's a little bit harder to find that skilled employee right now due to people working,” said Englehart.

Englehart says the most abundant fields right now are from some of our biggest employers.

"Healthcare is a really big industry driver here locally, there’s a lot of job opportunities within the healthcare industry, we are seeing a lot of manufacturing job openings, a lot of construction job openings, hospitality and tourism,” said Englehart.

If you're looking for a job, stop by the Workforce Center at 512 29 1/2 Road for a one on one meeting. They also provide certificate assessments to identify your skills, to show employers exactly what you can offer.

"Truly, get their foot in the door with that employer and say, you know, 'this is my skill level now all I need is for you to train me on how you do it here in your company,' and those have worked really well,” said Englehart.

"I came down here to talk to her and get me set up with one of the internship programs or just help me along with the job search,” said Beason.

The Workforce Center says a lot has changed from the traditional resume where you have an objective and statement. A lot of that isn't needed anymore. They say it needs to showcase your skills. Free resume workshops are open to the public every week on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon.

They’re having a job fair coming up in April, hosting more than 50 businesses. That will be on April 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first hour is dedicated to Veterans.

For more information give them a call at (970) 248-0871.