Announcement

Santa Barbara County’s August Unemployment

The California unemployment rate for August decreased to 10.6% from 10.7% from the previous month and from 11.9% for the same time period in 2011. The overall U.S. unemployment rate is currently 8.1% compared to 9.1% for August of last year.

Local

Occupations with the Fastest Job growth are identified as: Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects with an employment increase of 40.6%, along with Cardiovascular Technicians and Technologist with the same rate of a 40.6% increase. Directly below those two are: Physical Assistants, Physical Therapist Aides and Occupational Therapy Assistants/Aides at a 33.3% increase.

Industries showing increase /Job growth in Santa Barbara County were: Construction (100), Manufacturing (100), Professional & Business Services (100), Educational & Health Services (100), Leisure & Hospitality (100), and Government (300).

ABOUT THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD OF Santa Barbara COUNTY

The Workforce Investment Board, www.SantaBarbaraCountyWIB.org, is dedicated to serving the workforce needs of businesses, adults, laid-off workers and youth throughout Santa Barbara County. The WIB is a public/private partnership created by the Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and is staffed by the County of Santa Barbara.

Job seekers and employers can take advantage of free services at two Workforce Resource Centers (“One-Stops”) to help find work or new employees. Programs include employment services for job seekers, the latest labor market information and regional workforce research for businesses, as well as training that specialize in helping people gain the skills and confidence necessary to find and obtain a job. The One-Stop Shops are at 1410 S. Broadway in Santa Maria, (805) 614-1550, and 130 E. Ortega Street in Santa Barbara, (805) 568-1296. Online information is available on their website.

For more information please go to www.SantaBarbaraCountyWIB.org or to www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.govfor the full statewide unemployment figures