In an effort to serve the dynamic workforce needs of our current employers and to provide greater focus on the labor available to serve firm growth in our target industries of transportation/distribution/warehousing/logistics, food processing, value added agriculture, and medical services, the Development Corporation of North Platte (DEVCO) hired The Pathfinders of Dallas, TX to conduct an independent Labor Availability Study for the North Platte/Lincoln County region. This comprehensive study, published in February 2007, is based upon feedback generated from household and local employer surveys conducted in late 2006 and early 2007. The information presented in the report was developed independently of DEVCO, and DEVCO did not influence the findings.

The study identified 1700 unemployed persons who are actively seeking work and 5000 underemployed individuals who are currently employed but are interested in finding an employment opportunity that is more aligned with their skills levels. Of the 5000 underemployed workers, 51% have experience in transportation, distribution, and/or warehousing. 23% of the underemployed have experience in the medical/health sciences fields.

Study results indicate that a new employer coming into the market in the area of transportation/distribution/warehousing, for example, would have an applicant pool of approximately 755 at a wage rate of between $10.00 and $10.99 per hour with up to 1765 potential applicants at a wage rate up to $12.99.

For complete study results, click on the link below.