The Employment Security Department issued its spring job openings report today.
It showed a 21 percent increase in job openings since the previous survey, in fall 2009.
An estimated 38,732 vacancies were identified, compared to 32,037 in fall 2009 and 32,635 in spring 2009. The record high was 90,000 vacancies in fall 2006.
The survey looks primarily at the private sector, but public-sector health care and education also are included.
“This is positive news for the thousands of people in our state who are hungry to get back to work,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. “It will take a long time to create enough new jobs for the hundreds of thousands of unemployed people in our state, but at least we’re turning in the right direction.”
An estimated 44 percent of all openings were in King County, 9 percent in Snohomish County and 8 percent in Pierce County. About 6 percent of the vacancies were in Spokane County.
In terms of industries, vacancies were highest in health care, retail, and accommodation and food services. Registered nurses were in highest demand, with 2,318 openings. Software engineers were second with 1,929 openings.
To see the full report , visit http://www.workforceexplorer.com/admin/uploadedPublications/10486_JVSApril_2010Rep.pdf
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