By ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — While many businesses have been hurt by the pandemic, many manufacturers have recovered and are still struggling to find workers. Tucky Allen with Kansas Workforce says, outside of Wichita, manufacturers are looking for employees again. But it hasn’t been easy.
“It’s still a struggle to find good skilled labor that fits,” Allen said. “But I think they’re all hiring for the most part . . . all is pretty good, it’s just a matter of finding the people.”
Allen says some area residents have been staying on unemployment under the current COVID relief program, but that will change soon.
“The thing I see in this is it’s going to end on March 13th, so that’s what we need to be telling job seekers,” Allen said. “It’s time to get back to work.”
Allen says if you are considering moving into the industry workforce, there is financial help for you to learn a new skill.
“The ones that are laid off . . . they will qualify for WOIA (Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act) funding where they can go back and we can help fund the cost of short-term in-demand training,” Allen said. “Those certificate programs at community colleges and short-term training programs there, they fit perfectly.”
KansasWorks will be hosting several statewide virtual job fairs in the coming months, with the first being held Jan. 26 through Jan. 28. Employers throughout the state of Kansas are invited to participate. The event will be promoted through KansasWorks as well as social media sites to attract a large number of job seekers.
There is no cost to participate. To register for this event, contact Tucky Allen at 316-303-2906 or [email protected].