Desperate Idaho manufacturers raise wages, but skills gap keeps job seekers on the hunt

The recruiters at the manufacturing job expo were getting territorial.

They scanned the crowd of the Idaho Center in Nampa, attempting to make sustained eye contact with passers-by. They edged business cards to the front of tables. A glance from a potential applicant was enough to signal interest. They pounced.

We have several positions open at the moment, they told candidates. Have we mentioned our excellent benefits? And, here, make sure you get a chance to try our product.

With the economy roaring, manufacturers looking to grow are getting desperate for candidates, with some expanding benefits or raising wages to compete. Idaho’s 2.7 percent unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been in the last 10 years.

By Kate Talerico

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https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/business/article220256580.html