WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling SteubenvilleOhio Valley Remains Strong Despite National Unemployment Numbers

Ohio Valley Remains Strong Despite National Unemployment Numbers

Posted: Updated:

While statewide unemployment figures are not out just yet West Virginia is trucking along.

According to a recent release the national unemployment rate is now 8.3 percent the lowest point in nearly three years with 243 thousand jobs created, the most in nine months.

Manager of Unemployment Job Services at Workforce West Virginia, Jacqueline Rutter, said things are looking steady here at home.

"Seem to be having just as many people coming to look for work as are applying for unemployment, but also as many jobs coming in too," said Rutter.

Right now there is a large amount of opening with apprenticeships in the Ohio Valley. Rutter says Workforce West Virginia provides testing here twice a month. The same can be said for the local labor union.

Workforce will take applications from anyone interested in the labor industry at the first and third Friday of every month.

The labor union contributes the success of the laborers of the growing Marcellus Shale industry.

"The laborer's benefit a lot from the gas lines," said Rutter. "Our members have good paying jobs with benefits, can stay in area and raise their families."