The unemployment rate is at its lowest level since the end of 2008, which is good news for the economy. However, on the other side of the coin, 130,000 workers have left the work force. Some are frustrated with the search to find work and have ended it, but others are giving themselves an opportunity to be better prepared.
Jody Giese worked at the Brokaw Mill for 23 years, and after it closed he realized how valuable finishing his education was.
Instead of calling on an employment services group, Jody entered a program through North Central Technical College that will help him prepare to be placed back into the workforce.
With a semester down in the program, Jody said, “Minimum wage jobs are not where you want to go. That’s why I looked to go back to school because I want a better paying job.”
He added that seeing the educational side of things has helped him become more marketable. Jody’s learned the ins and outs of manufacturing in the hopes to apply his skills in the workforce.
Now economists believe that unemployment could break 7% by the end of next year, which in turn will help the workforce grow.
