You've likely heard the term:
"The Labor Market"
But what does that mean exactly?
To put it simply, the labor market is the ever-changing balance between the supply and demand for employment. In other words, how many people are looking for jobs vs. how many jobs are available.
The labor market is important because this information helps us understand the big picture, including the challenges job seekers and employers are facing, what opportunities are currently available, which industries are growing, and how barriers affect a person's job search.
Featured Occupation of the Month
Professional Driver
The transportation industry is crucial for the economy and involves various types of professional drivers who play a vital role in moving goods and people. If you choose to pursue a career in this industry as a driver, you will have many career path choices and options. This occupation demands a high level of responsibility, as these drivers are entrusted with the safe transport of passengers and/or goods, often using specialized equipment.
Specialized non-emergency medical transportation drivers are responsible for transporting patients safely and efficiently. They must adhere to all traffic laws, maintain the cleanliness of the vehicle, and ensure the safety of the customers they transport. Their duties include assisting patients with boarding and disembarking, ensuring their safety and comfort during transit, and maintaining accurate records for each journey. They also need to operate specially equipped vehicles designed to accommodate individuals with special medical or mobility challenges.
Whether you want to drive a semi or a school bus, entry into most professional driving careers begins with securing a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a specific legal credential required for operating large or specialized vehicles. The CDL is broken down into three main classes: Class A for combination vehicles like tractor-trailers, Class B for single vehicles over a certain weight like straight trucks or buses, and Class C for smaller vehicles transporting hazardous materials or a specific number of passengers. The length of CDL training can vary depending on where the training is conducted, but it can typically be completed within a few months.
Driving in specialized non-emergency medical transport contributes to a greater cause, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment as does driving school bus or motorcoach. It is a rewarding career choice for people who are compassionate and dedicated to helping others. This type of job also offers a flexible schedule with various shift options.
Over the road semi-truck drivers are in high demand and are the backbone of the economy. This career choice offers a variety of paths from independent owners to contracted drivers with very lucrative pay and benefits. These drivers enjoy independence, job security, and the ability to see new places and meet new people.
If you’re interested in exploring a driving role as part of the transportation industry, be sure to let your FSET Case Manager know. They can help with resume and skills development as well as helping you find the right opportunity that works with your preferences, needs, and experience. Don’t forget to ask about additional education and training that can help you build the skills you need to be successful and advance in this industry. FSET may also help arrange or pay for the required training.
Finally, look at FSET’s Employer Partners page to find transportation industry positions in your area. If you are interested in applying, let your FSET Case Manager know, and the Career Services team may be able to reach out to the employer and send a Direct Referral on your behalf! And, if you are hired by an Employer Partner, Career Services can send a Retention Referral for you allowing them to communicate with the Employer Partner during your job retention period to help resolve any concerns or answer questions you may have.
Check out a couple of our FSET Employer Partners below for driving positions in the Transportation Industry!
Karl's Transport, located in Antigo, WI, is a transportation company with onsite CDL training.
Go Riteway Transportation is one of the largest, most dependable transportation providers nationwide from school and motorcoach buses to luxury sedans, SUVs, and more.
Abby Vans Inc. provides non-emergency, specialized transportation to elderly and disabled individuals throughout 36 Counties in Wisconsin.
Workforce Data
NorthCentral
Region
Adams 7.5%
Forest 6.7%
Langlade 5.8%
Lincoln 4.9%
Marathon 3.7%
Oneida 4.9%
Portage 4.3%
Vilas 6.0%
Wood 4.8%
WestCentral
Region
Barron 5.8%
Chippewa 5.6%
Clark 4.2%
Dunn 4.9%
Eau Claire 3.9%
Pepin 6.1%
Pierce 5.6%
Polk 8.2%
St. Croix 5.6%
Wisconsin Overall Unemployment Rate - 4.0%
WisConomy - Income Data for Forest, Oneida, and Vilas Counties (1970 - 2022)
With so much discussion about inflation and economic turbulence over the past several years, looking at the big picture of how income has changed over time can feel like a daunting task with a lot of information to pore over. Take a look at the table below to see how annual income per capita has changed for Oneida, Vilas, and Forest counties, the northernmost part of NorthCentral FSET's service area. For example, Forest County has increased from an annual income amount of $22,485 per capita in 2003 to $45,248 in 2022. Income per capita can be very complicated and incorporates a variety of factors, including population growth, access to job opportunities, and yes, inflation. For more information on how income per capita has changed in Wisconsin, and to see the interactive version of this graph, click on WisConomy's Income Data Center.
Want to learn more?
Please visit WisConomy's Data Dashboard, where you can find all sorts of great information and resources on our local and state labor market!
Resources for Employers and Job Seekers:
DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) - The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities find a job, keep a job, or get a better job by working with DVR consumers, Wisconsin employers, and other partners. Business can also find resources here for recruitment and retention of employees.
Job Loss Resource Page for Employees and Employers - Job loss is one of the most challenging times in people's lives. DWD and the public workforce system can help you with your next steps.