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any regional employers across a variety of sectors are having trouble finding labor. Meanwhile, others saw an influx of tourists this season because of pent-up demand for tourism on top of a new music and arts venue downtown. COVID mandates, however, are starting to come back to the forefront of discussions as new rules roll out. BY CHRISTINA HALEY
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LABOR SHORTAGE
MANUFACTURING FOCUS
It’s a job-seekers market, but some employers are just not seeing a rush of people to fill much-needed positions across the region, said Erin Easton, business engagement manager with the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board. “It’s really running the gamut across all industries – manufacturing; health care is starting to reach out to us more about finding candidates,” Easton said. “And of course, the hospitality industry (continues) to have a hard time finding enough workers.” Job fairs have been hosted this year for employers to seek quality candidates, including some put on through the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board. This summer, the city of Wilmington hosted its own job fair – the first in 10 years – to fill several empty positions, including those in public safety. And Novant Health and NHRMC also hosted job fairs looking for hundreds of qualified candidates. Many employers in the region are also offering a referral bonus for new staffers, and businesses are adjusting applicant requirements. Easton said, “The good thing, is that we’re seeing your employers are rethinking the exact skill set they need for someone to start, especially in an entry-level position.” M A G A Z I N E
While labor shortages also remain a concern for some area manufacturers, a group of about 30 companies has come together under the Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership to provide collaborative support and help build the talent pipeline in the region. The group is working to address key issues of concern for area manufacturers. Those participating companies – including HSM Machine Works, Mojotone, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Pacon Manufacturing, Polyhose and Acme Smoked Fish – started meeting this year. “No short-term fixes yet, but they’re very forward-thinking and understanding that we need to have a pipeline for the future,” said Erin Easton, who helped organize the group. The group’s main goal is to elevate industry perception of manufacturing and develop a workforce that views manufacturing as a viable career, Mojotone CEO Michael McWhorter said. The partnership is working on talking with the area’s colleges and getting into K-12 schools to help develop more interest. “I think for other manufacturers coming into our area, to know that this exists, just to have a pool of people that you could collaborate with … I think that’s invaluable,” McWhorter said. “I’ve been here since 2005, and I’ve never really had these many resources.”
