Job openings on the Kenai Peninsula are substantially higher than this time last year according to Jackie Garcia with the Peninsula Job Center.
Garcia: “It has increased tremendously in the past, I would say, 3-4 years.”
She said part of this is due to the increased construction in north Kenai but overall there does not seem to be one particular reason for the increase in openings.
We asked if employers have told the job center what kinds of things are hindering people who apply.
Garcia: “Drug testing, that has been one of the number one issues because when people come and apply and then employers want to hire them and then they are sent for a drug test and they test positive then they are disqualified. Some employers disqualify for six months, some employers disqualify for longer. The other issue has been criminal background checks.”
The center will host a job and career fair March 25 from 10 am to 5 pm at the Old Carrs Mall.
