“Previous to COVID we were having weekly hiring events with 15 to 30 employers and they were extremely busy, and we are looking at ways of being innovative and creative,” said Job Training Center Director Nicole Swanson.
County workers met with prospective job hunters in the parking lots, armed with bags full of resource and employment information.
“Fantastic jobs in all industries, construction, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, health care, of all types,” said Swanson.” Part-time, full-time work, livable wages starting at $15 and going up to $25 an hour or more.”
Even though more jobs are available, the size of the work force has shrunk. The Department of Employment and Economic Development reports about 5600 fewer workers in Anoka County than there were in February of 2020. County Commissioner Mandy Meisner says there are a number of reasons for that.
“I think women in particular,” said Meisner. “We have been hit hard because of distance learning with school, so a lot of women have had to take a step back from the work force altogether even if they were fully employed before the pandemic.”
It wasn’t only about jobs but also resources like child care, transportation and training programs that can help people actually take a job.
“We are trying to reach anybody. You people looking for their first job, people who have maybe stepped back from their work role for awhile, people who are looking for retraining opportunities that might be what we reference as a dislocated worker,” said Swanson. “Anybody and everybody looking for work.”
With many jobs available, officials say don’t wait, even if you are receiving extended unemployment benefits.
“Now is the time though, I’m telling you to think about it,” said Meisner. “Don’t wait until your benefits run out. Think about what your future looks like, what you want to do and start applying today.”
The Anoka County Human Services building is expected to reopen soon. Until then you can find employment information online,
