ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Virginia has lost more than 43,000 net payroll jobs over the past 12 months, ranking the state nearly last in the nation. But local hiring experts say parts of Southwest Virginia are defying that trend.
Low unemployment, open positions
Garry Norris, who runs Express Employment Professionals in Roanoke, places workers daily. He said the statewide job loss numbers do not reflect what he is seeing on the ground.
“Roanoke City, for example, is at 3.7% unemployment. Salem is at 3.2%… surrounding areas like Roanoke, Salem, and Montgomery County are seeing growth,” Norris said.
Skilled trades in demand
Norris said that growth includes open positions in skilled trades with competitive pay.
“We’re looking at welders, solderers, and mechanics that are making 30 to 42 dollars per hour. In this region, that is really excellent,” Norris said…