Rob Stevens is training for a job that’s in demand at a time when the unemployment rate is rising.
The 48-year-old Winfield man is taking a nine-month welding course at Pike Lincoln Technical Center in Eolia.
While there are exceptions, many employment experts agree welding and other skilled trades are among the top five careers that will see job growth in the next few years.
Stevens is a former landscaper who was laid off in January 2009 before heading back to school recently. He’s glad for the opportunity.
“Having another skill will increase my chances for employment,” he said.
The latest jobless statistics for Northeast Missouri look grim.
Unemployment for December climbed for the third straight month after slight drops in July, August and September.
In some places, the rise was significant.
The jobless rate in Shelby County rose to 11.4 percent for December from 8.2 percent in November. Monroe County also saw a large increase, from 11.9 percent to 13.4 percent.
The closing of the Pace Industries plant in Monroe City deeply affected both counties. Shelby County’s economy also is tied heavily to the farming industry.
“A lot of it would have to do with out agricultural businesses and the fact that the jobs weren’t there in the winter,” said Robert Harrington, Shelby County economic development director. “We don’t want to see it, but in a rural area those are the lumps you take.”
Elsewhere, the numbers for December were 9.6 percent in Marion County, 8.6 percent in Lewis County, 12 percent in Lincoln County, 8.9 percent in Pike County and 9.7 percent in Ralls County.
By comparison, the numbers for November were 9 percent in Marion, 7.6 percent in Lewis, 11.5 percent in Lincoln, 8.4 percent in Pike and 8.9 percent in Ralls.
The rate statewide in December was 9.6 percent, up slightly compared with November. The 16-county area Northeast Missouri region matched the national unemployment rate of 10 percent for December.
Other careers with strong growth potential are nurses, educators, mechanics and technology managers.
Jennifer Tyree-Taylor will graduate from the Registered Nurse program at Moberly Area Community College in May. It’s something the 35-year-old has dreamed about since she was a child.
“I’ve seen the demand for nursing since I’ve been interested in it,” Tyree-Taylor said. “I’m excited about having a job and excited about the diversity that’s available for nurses. I like being able to touch people’s lives and make a difference.”
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Rob Stevens is training for a job that’s in demand at a time when the unemployment rate is rising.
The 48-year-old Winfield man is taking a nine-month welding course at Pike Lincoln Technical Center in Eolia.
While there are exceptions, many employment experts agree welding and other skilled trades are among the top five careers that will see job growth in the next few years.
Stevens is a former landscaper who was laid off in January 2009 before heading back to school recently. He’s glad for the opportunity.
“Having another skill will increase my chances for employment,” he said.
The latest jobless statistics for Northeast Missouri look grim.
Unemployment for December climbed for the third straight month after slight drops in July, August and September.
In some places, the rise was significant.
The jobless rate in Shelby County rose to 11.4 percent for December from 8.2 percent in November. Monroe County also saw a large increase, from 11.9 percent to 13.4 percent.
The closing of the Pace Industries plant in Monroe City deeply affected both counties. Shelby County’s economy also is tied heavily to the farming industry.
“A lot of it would have to do with out agricultural businesses and the fact that the jobs weren’t there in the winter,” said Robert Harrington, Shelby County economic development director. “We don’t want to see it, but in a rural area those are the lumps you take.”
Elsewhere, the numbers for December were 9.6 percent in Marion County, 8.6 percent in Lewis County, 12 percent in Lincoln County, 8.9 percent in Pike County and 9.7 percent in Ralls County.
By comparison, the numbers for November were 9 percent in Marion, 7.6 percent in Lewis, 11.5 percent in Lincoln, 8.4 percent in Pike and 8.9 percent in Ralls.
The rate statewide in December was 9.6 percent, up slightly compared with November. The 16-county area Northeast Missouri region matched the national unemployment rate of 10 percent for December.
Other careers with strong growth potential are nurses, educators, mechanics and technology managers.
Jennifer Tyree-Taylor will graduate from the Registered Nurse program at Moberly Area Community College in May. It’s something the 35-year-old has dreamed about since she was a child.
“I’ve seen the demand for nursing since I’ve been interested in it,” Tyree-Taylor said. “I’m excited about having a job and excited about the diversity that’s available for nurses. I like being able to touch people’s lives and make a difference.”
