Labor Market Update and Job Blasts!

Each month, the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives releases their monthly Area Labor Market Analysis.  One of the reports is specific for the Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Mid-Michigan regions.  The report for March 2011 was recently released and offered some promising news for the Lansing MSA (Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties).  It showed that in our MSA, the jobless rates continue to show improvement (8.6% in March 2011 vs. 11.1% in March 2010!) over the year as total employment and payroll jobs showed increases over March 2010.  (DELEG, April 2011)

The report further shows that "payroll jobs pushed upward by 1,000 (0.5 percent) over the month in the Lansing MSA as many private service-providing industries started to pick up seasonal hiring."  Some of the areas registering job gains included, leisure and hospitality (400) with private educational and healthcare services chipping in an additional 200.  While government jobs fell by 300 (primarily support positions in state government education), a 300 job increase in retail trade offset the loss.  Reffitt also indicated that "since March of 2010, the Lansing metro area's payroll total increased by 2.5 percent (+5,300 jobs)."  (DELEG, April 2011)

So, what does this mean?  Well, first, it indicates that Lansing is moving forward in job growth following the recession.  It is important to note that while employment is not at the pre-recession level, the Lansing MSA is making strides. 

Further, as I have indicated in earlier blogs, employers are hiring.  They are looking for individuals with the skills needed to 'hit the floor running', so to speak.  This points to the need to be sure to review your skill sets and evaluate where the strengths and weaknesses may be found.  In doing so, evaluate what 'next steps' may be necessary to update areas that are weak. 
Registration is now open for Lansing Community College's Summer 2011 semester (begins June 4th).  Are you looking for updating computer skills?  If so, check out some of our CABS seminars (Computer Applications Using business Software), or some of the Computer IT Application classes.   For more information on what classes are available this summer at Lansing Community College, check out our Summer schedule!


Reffitt, Mark, Michigan Department of Energy, Area Labor Market Analysis--Ann Arbor, Lansing, Mid-Michigan, Labor & Economic Growth:  Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives, www.michigan.gov/lmi, Retrieved April 21, 2011.

JOB BLASTS!  
The Michigan Talent Bank is one of the sources available for locating current employment postings.  To view MTB postings below, click on the posting number to be taken directly to the MTB Job Posting. 

Tallis & Associates (Lansing):  Accounting Assistant/Receptionist,  MTB # 3049371

Michigan Assn. of United Ways (Lansing):  MBAI Manager,  MTB # 3059000

RSDC (Holt):  Maintenance Associate,  MTB # 3057967

Days Inn (Lansing):  Front Desk Position,  MTB # 3057891

Franchino Mold & Engineering (Lansing):  CNC Operator,  MTB # 3048754

Flagstar Bank (Okemos):  Financial Service Representative,  MTB # 3049636


REMEMBER: When applying for a position, it is very important to follow the instructions on the posting in regards to how to apply.