New job figures from the Department of Workforce Development show Wausau's unemployment rate dropped in October. The rate fell from 7 percent to 6.8 percent.
Over the last year Wisconsin has gained 14,500 private sector jobs.
According to the Job Center of Marathon County, locally jobs in health care, information systems and manufacturing, specifically metal working, are doing well. But all require skilled workers.
"We could fill 10,000 welding jobs throughout Wisconsin, if we had the welders. There are so many out there," said Tom Younger, the regional workforce development manager.
Younger says if you can't afford to go back to school, some jobs offer on-site training. Limited training funds are also available from the state for qualified applicants.
Truck driving jobs are popping up through the area, Younger says. He's also seeing more jobs in the agriculture industry.
The job center has stayed busy. Younger says on average 75 people visit the center to search for jobs online, take courses, or meet with staff.
