Wyoming Employers Struggling To Find Workers

Need a job? Wyoming has plenty of openings. From low skill to high skill. The HELP WANTED signs are out there.

Yet Wyoming is among states where businesses are struggling to fill those jobs. There are employers around the state that have had to shut down because they couldn't find workers.

Last month Wyoming had the second-highest rate of job openings, per capita, at 8.9%. The state's job opening rate for the past year was 7.98%.

Tony Gagliardi of the National Federation of Independent Business - Wyoming, told The Center Square that the state's labor market faces unique issues.

“Wyoming employers, like many across the country, continue to face difficulties filling positions,” he said. “Wyoming is unique as the state’s qualified employees are often not close to an area where job availability is present.”

There is not a single hint that this trend will change anytime soon.

Don Kjelleren, executive director of the ‘68 Center for Career Exploration at Williams College, thinks the imbalance will continue throughout the year and “likely far beyond.”

“The United States is not the only country facing labor shortages, an inflationary impact on wages, and a lack of skilled workers,” Kjelleren said in a press release. “These market dynamics aren’t going to go away anytime soon, and skilled workers, wherever they are from, will remain in high demand.” (The Center Square).

According to Business Insider:

Americans month after month are joining the Great Resignation. Workers might not be leaving the labor force completely, but they are searching for better jobs. Some have even thought about leaving simply because of conversations and news about this phenomenon.

While companies are competing to find talent, some businesses are having trouble getting applicants to even show up for interviews. One common explanation is that workers aren't looking for the types of jobs employers have on offer and potential employees lack the skills for the positions that are open.