MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Some local businesses are looking for workers but qualified applicants aren’t keeping pace with job openings.
“In this area there’s no shortage of opportunity for work,” said Rick Shelley who works with Goodwill’s JobSeeker Center.
“We try to find what the needs of the business are looking for, the needs they have,” and then match those needs with potential employees.
The problem, Shelley said, “is folks who have opportunities to work generally have found employment by this time.”
Horry County’s April unemployment rate stood at 5.8%, the lowest in nearly eight years.
That means a lot of qualified employees are already on the job and Shelley said there are more position’s open this year compared to the past few.
“The economy is such that the businesses are hiring. A lot of new businesses have come into the area recently,” said Shelley.
That increases the demand for quality employees during the summer tourist season.
“They are finding it difficult to find individuals with a strong work ethic, who will show up to work when scheduled to work,” said Shelley of businesses dilemma.
That creates challenges for any community’s workforce, but Shelley said Horry County is unique because the area has an influx of others who come for work during the season.
James McCoy is one of those job seekers who moved to the county for work, he arrived from Tennessee last Thursday.
“There just ain’t no jobs where I come from. I already got a job Saturday, turned it down and got a restaurant job yesterday,” said McCoy.
McCoy said his experience helped him land the position and he plans to stay long-term.
“I love the Tennessee mountains but I love the beach more,” said McCoy.
Especially since he can now pay the bills. “Strange how that works,” McCoy exclaimed.
Not everyone is so lucky. Daniel Seward says he’s been looking for the past two weeks but can’t find a job close enough to his home.
“I’m trying to keep it close by to a bus, or close enough to a bus I can take a taxi if i need to,” said Seward.
But he is confident he’ll land one eventually. “There’s a lot of jobs, a lot of people hiring, a lot to choose from. It depends on what you want to do I guess,” said Seward.
There are two Hire Me! events that Palmetto Goodwill will be hosting in the Grand Strand area this week. Hiring managers will be on-site at both events; applicants should dress professionally.
Domino’s Pizza
· Date: Wednesday, June 8
· Time: 10 a.m.
· Location: Palmetto Goodwill North Myrtle Beach Job Link Center – 3336 Highway 17 south, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Details: Domino’s of Little River and North Myrtle Beach are looking to hire drivers and pizza makers. Driver applicants need to bring a copy of their 10-year driving record and proof of insurance. Interested candidates must pre-register for the event by sending an email to mbhireme@palmettogoodwill.org.
Sun Hospitality Resort Services
· Date: Thursday, June 9
· Time: 10 a.m.
· Location: Palmetto Goodwill Carolina Forest Job Link Center – 2148 Oakheart Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Details: Sun Hospitality Resort Services is hiring Room Attendants, Inspectors and Housemen. Benefits available for full-time and part-time positions. Background check and drug screening may be required. Interested candidates must pre-register for the event by sending an email to mbhireme@palmettogoodwill.org.