Build Your Career. Find A Job. Participate In A Goodwill® Career Fair For A Jumpstart

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The number of people applying for jobless benefits are the lowest they've been since March 1973, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor. Although the labor market continues to strengthen despite a sluggish economy, there are still thousands of people looking for jobs and many job openings left unfilled.

While some economists believe that jobless claims are running low and that the economy is creating a lot of jobs, Elise Gould, an economist for the Economic Policy Institute — a think tank affiliated with the labor movement — noted that, "Despite companies adding jobs, in the United States, there are still 14 job seekers for every 10 openings."

The number of job openings compared to workers who are unemployed also varies considerably depending on the industry. For example, there were 1.1 million job openings in professional and business services, compared to 880,000 workers who were unemployed in that industry. At the same time, in construction, there were 150,000 jobs for 600,000 workers who are unemployed — or four workers for every open construction job in a period ending in December 2015. Some have debated that the unfilled jobs are vacant due to a skills gap.

"Closing the skills gap requires a commitment to investing in our workforce, from students to seniors," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "For workers who are unemployed or underemployed and who need to gain specific skills, community colleges are a viable option to launch them into new jobs and careers."

As North America's leading nonprofit provider of job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs, Goodwill is helping people overcome challenges that prevent them from finding and keeping good jobs.

As part of that ongoing effort, Goodwill organizations around the United States and Canada will host career fairs in May as part of Goodwill Industries Week, which has taken place the first full week of May since 1951.

The sale of donated goods at Goodwill's more than 3,100 stores and online helps fund its job placement and training services. Everyone in the community can do their part by donating things they no longer need to their local Goodwill.

For 114 years, Goodwill has been helping people find jobs, build their financial stability, and strengthen their families and communities. This work has helped thousands of people build their careers and experience the pride and sense of community that work brings. Goodwill's services include job training and community services, such as help in writing résumés, and providing job interview advice, financial education and mentoring. Last year, Goodwill placed 312,000 people in employment in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 35 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills.

For more information about Goodwill Industries Week and to find career fairs near you, visit https://goodprospects.goodwill.org/events .

About Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 164 community-based organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 13 other countries. Goodwill is one of America's top 20 most inspiring companies (Forbes, 2014). Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,100 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com^®. Local Goodwill organizations also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food services preparation, and document imaging and shredding. Last year, Goodwill placed 312,000 people in employment in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 35 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills. To learn more, visit goodwill.org.

For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at Goodwill.org or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl.

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SOURCE Goodwill Industries International