SPRINGFIELD, Mo. With multiple companies expanding, Springfield businesses are hurting for qualified workers. That is especially true in the manufacturing sector, according to leaders at the Missouri Career Center.
Inside the old Regal Beloit plant, SRC has expanded once again now looking to hire some 100 for all types of position, and they are not the only ones.
“A lot of these manufacturing jobs are good-paying jobs,” said Megan Short of the The Missouri Career Center.
Short said there are more than 1,300 positions listed in the city right now as companies expand.
“They need HR professionals, they need office workers, they need everything that any other business would need as well,” Short said of jobs in the manufacturing space.
That expansion includes Heinz-Kraft. The company held a job fair Thursday.
Carla McHenry lost her job last year when layoffs were the story.
“I’m used to warehouse work. I know I’m older, 46 years old going on 47, but I’m strong, healthy,” McHenry said.
She is one for of dozens applying for shift work as employers scramble to fill open positions with dedicated workers.
“Right now I’m currently working at Mcdonald’s, been there a year and a half, but I’m here today to have a better career,” said 20-year-old Derrick Johnson.
Johnson is an OTC student working his way through school in hopes of someday moving into a business or marketing position.
“When I’m given a task, that’s all I see is just getting it done no matter what has to be done,” Johnson said.
It is that work ethic employers say they need as open positions stack up citywide.
“Finding those workers that are dedicated, they want the job, and really are workers that want to stay long-term,” Short said.
Job experts say the manufacturing sector is a key indicator for the larger economy.
You can search open positions and apply at https://jobs.mo.gov/jobseeker.
