If you hate paying taxes, then read this.....

[Kay/NC]

I interface fairly often with people who run big businesses here, factories, etc., and the economic development staff of our county. 

The first group cannot find enough QUALIFIED local workers, and the latter is constantly scrambling to "create jobs."  Yet, the guy who needs a dozen production workers cannot get anyone to show up any longer than it takes them to qualify for unemployment, if that long, before they crap out. 

Even at a couple hundred bucks investment to get the guy into the facility and trained, it is a losing proposition for the manufacturer.  Figures I was quoted less than a month ago, in a county with over 12% unemployment. 

Same basic scenario with a large distribution center here...between basic entitlement mentality, and not being able to pee clean, it is slim pickings.   I am sure you will poll every employer within a hundred-mile radius to prove me wrong...but people who are actually out here running businesses tell me I am right. 

Bourdain just echoed the refrain. 

[k-289]

 Using the word "qualified" has been over done as bad as the dog ate my homework-----I know family's working 3-4 part time jobs and recieve "NO" benefits unless they are deducted from one's paycheck---leaves real quality time for family values---the legal system in our area needs to be inturpited in several languages ---the "cheap" labor cost is passed to the taxpayer---not the employer--guess who the employer is??   

[Nebrfarmr]

My cousin manages a welding/fabrication shop, and he tells me they have several openings pretty much all the time.  Someone applies, works long enough to either go back on unemployment, or claim their back hurts to get disability, and then a new opening emerges.  His story is all too common.

[k-289]

 I know of some welding guys he could get in touch with if needed---you can never be to helpful in these times --will pass the message--Tks   

[Nebrfarmr]

The place is in Mason City, NE, if they really want a job, they can look it up.  It is the only welding shop in town.

Last I heard, they are looking for welders/machinists, and general mechanical knowledge is a must.  Knowing how to work CNC equipment helpful, as is fabrication experience.  My cousin invented the 'two bang-r' bale carrier, and manages a welding/machine shop, yet has to farm out part of the fabrication because he doesn't have enough 'good' help.

On the slow season in the shop, they may be sent out to other endeavors, as well, just so you know.