Experts say more jobs to come in 2016

To enter the workforce or go to college. It’s a question that many were asking themselves Thursday at the jobs for Delaware graduates college and career fair at Seaford High School. But what type of workforce will they be entering if they choose that route.

“There’s definitely opportunity out there. I’ve been talking with some of the businesses around here. WSFS, you have also DelTech, you have Royal Farms that have been talking about that they do have positions that need to be filled and there are also opportunities for advancements for our students,” said Sen. Nicole Poore.

The National Bureau of Labor Statistics backs up what we heard at the fair.
According to December projections, the Bureau expects the number of people with jobs to increase by .5 percent each year over the next decade, a relatively slim increase, but it means there will be more opportunities for younger job seekers.

“Mainly because the population is aging and the baby boomers are getting older and moving into retirement,” said Terri Morrissey, a branch manager with the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But those young job seekers will have to find a way to stand out. Employers say even when hiring people straight out of high school, experience is something they look for.

That’s why students like Seaford junior, Katelynn Skipper have gotten an early start in the workforce.

“I have a job now, I’ve had a job before so I have all this experience so it kind of puts me ahead of everybody who really hasn’t, so there’s nothing for me to really worry about I guess,” said Katelynn Skipper.

The Tri-County Council for the lower eastern shore says it expects the unemployment rate to continue to drop on the Eastern shore and that currently there is a cautious optimism among the business community.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the first unemployment numbers for 2016 will be released in February.