[momnh]

I work for a company that has a really tough time finding qualified people within the state to fill professional level jobs. And it is not because they are uneducated. It's just that it's a small pool of people to choose from here. They bring people in from other areas instead.

[Wingfoot]

Originally Posted by mustmove

Same old two stories in VT- We are unable to find qualified employees. And qualified employees unable to find a job.
1. Maybe the employers/employees just aren't finding each other.
2. Perhaps the self identified quality job seekers- are of lower quality then they believe they are.
3. Maybe the wages being offered for professional jobs do not reflect either the COL or wages for the same position 150 miles away.
Makes you go hmmmm. I'd guess mostly number three, but I was in number twos position so maybe it is us losers.
What do those 99 out of 100 graduates know about the living and working conditions where they just trained that cause them to move? We are told Vermont has a high quality of life and Burlington is tops for everything Vermont. How could folks who went to school there not stay- they are being offered jobs? Nothing easier than taking a job where you trained.

Because it's not terribly difficult for a youngster of even average intelligence to figure out the cost of living vs wages paid in VT is an overwhelming obstacle to a decent life.

If you knew how most most of those $9 dollar workers at the ski areas really feel .....

[mustmove]

Originally Posted by Wingfoot

Because it's not terribly difficult for a youngster of even average intelligence to figure out the cost of living vs wages paid in VT is an overwhelming obstacle to a decent life.

If you knew how most most of those $9 dollar workers at the ski areas really feel .....

Haha- I worked making snow for half a winter- that was enough motivation to go back to college.

[vter]

momnh - same thing for my spouse's company. The majority of hires come from out of state. They just can't find qualified people around here. These are good high paying jobs too.
I'd be willing to bet that a lot of young people who grew up in Vermont leave Vermont because they want to experience something different. Sure, jobs are a reason, but for me, the reason I left Vermont after school was to try city life. Lots of my friends did the same and are now trickling back to Vermont.

[BickleTravis]

Originally Posted by vter

momnh - same thing for my spouse's company. The majority of hires come from out of state. They just can't find qualified people around here. These are good high paying jobs too.
I'd be willing to bet that a lot of young people who grew up in Vermont leave Vermont because they want to experience something different. Sure, jobs are a reason, but for me, the reason I left Vermont after school was to try city life. Lots of my friends did the same and are now trickling back to Vermont.

And when they get back, they'll get a job managing the Gap, or delivering for UPS, and wonder what the hell they're doing here.

[vter]

Nope...thats not the case with the people I know. Think accountant, computer engineer, insurance agent, and property management.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by vter

Nope...thats not the case with the people I know. Think accountant, computer engineer, insurance agent, and property management.

Also, nonprofit managers, in the case of many folks I know who have returned to Vermont after spending early adulthood elsewhere.

[RunawayJim]

Speaking of finding jobs... are there any good websites for someone looking to get a job in VT to be checking? As someone who has worked in a college for the past 6 years, I check the college websites, but I was wondering where else to look (not sure if it's allowed on these boards).

[vter]

The best listings for the Burlington area is Seven Days. (IMO)
Seven Days Classifieds | Vermont Jobs, Apartments, Cars, Services and Stuff
also
JobsInVT.com - Local Vermont jobs, careers and employment (Home)
or
North Country Jobs-North Country Local Help Wanted ads-FREE Video Resumes- FREE Job Search Engine for the North Country Area-Free Job Forum
or
burlingtonfreepress.com | The Burlington Free Press

OR
Just peruse websites of companies in the area. Many places will list openings on their website and not advertise elsewhere.

[sundialstreet]

I honestly think many employers or their HR departments have no idea what skills are needed to perform jobs, what the fair market value of those jobs are, or how to read a resume.

Even in this economy, you are not going to get a "qualified" or skilled MSW for under 37k. It's not happening. There are too many places for highly qualified folks possessing that skill set to find work. Either you have to up the wages or lower the expectations/qualification requirements.

Also many VT listing are not parsed out very well as to leave qualified candidates wary of a company who can't even get it together to create a cohesive ad.

Non Profits seem to be the worst offenders. Most of their ads are quite laughable. One I recently saw stated they wanted someone with 5 - 7 years experience, Masters level education and was offering wages commiserate with education/experience. One glance at the website tells you they believe that level of professional is only worth 28k a year.

In my profession, there was a recent ad on Craigslist seeking a highly qualified funding consultant with a demonstrated track record and at least FIVE years experience. They were offering $20/hr, which is not even enough to get a funding consultant with no experience. This ad has been reposted at least four times. One wonders if they have had any qualified applicants.