Dubuque Manufacturers Looking for Workers

Many people looking for work in Dubuque say there are no jobs out there.

But manufacturers there say they have lots of jobs, but no skilled workers to fill vacant positions.

Educators say there's a disconnect between the unemployed and employers looking to hire.

There's a lot of work to be done at Giese Manufacturing. Workers are trying to keep up, but managers say they need more employees.

Giese Manufacturing's Greg Kubitz said, "There's a shortage of those employees right now."

Clint Sharkey recently lost his job after a Dubuque warehouse moved out of state. Now he's on the prowl for a new position.

Sharkey said, "18 years at a warehouse you don't use the skills that they're looking for now. "

Sharkey is taking classes at Northeast Iowa Community College to learn those needed skills.

Manufacturing employers say that's exactly what people like Sharkey should do.

Kubitz said, "we are looking for employees with skills in C.N.C machines, also running a press breaker. "

Some employers believe the worker shortage has a lot to do with the desire to earn a four year college degree.

Kubitz said, "There's always a big push after high school to go to college and then the trades get left behind. "

And they say now is the time to fill that employment gap.

Sharkey said, "they jobs are out there, you just gotta go find them. "

About 20 students are enrolled in Northeast Iowa Community College's free C.N.C training program.

That programs aims to help unemployed workers gain the skills needed to work at many of Dubuque's manufacturing companies.