Qualified labor is needed for local job positions

St. Joseph County manufacturing companies are having a problem finding qualified labor to fill well-paying jobs, according to a Southwest Michigan First official.
But, the situation is not unique to the area, noted Ken Jones, chair of the agency’s Economic Development Corporation Board.
Jones provided county commissioners a quarterly update during last week’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners executive committee meeting.
He said not having a strong workforce is a situation he hopes can be resolved sooner than later. Jones added that the situation will probably remain a challenge on a regional level, and that it is occurring both north and south of the state line.
Jones said companies and manufacturers looking to build new or expand are attracted by a strong labor pool comprised of people willing to come to work daily, stay at work as long as needed, pass an employment screening and continue to be good employees.