California saw a historic spike in job creation allowing the governor’s office to report a restorative number of jobs available since the pandemic began. This has been the usual trend all of 2022, with over 57,000 new jobs since October, according to the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
California is working to regain job loss after the pandemic amidst a rising number of unemployment claims. The state has stayed in the top spot for work opportunities, but the Central Valley has been struggling to catch up with the nation’s employment rate despite job creation.
“California has now fully recovered all jobs that were lost to the pandemic-induced recession, but we know this isn’t the finish line,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “We are making historic investments to combat rising costs in the state and bring money directly into your pockets to help with everyday costs. Millions of Californians are currently receiving the largest tax refund in history. We’re making unprecedented investments in our small businesses to help create thousands of jobs and opportunities for Californians throughout the state.”
Small businesses and individuals using gas for commercial purposes are encouraged to apply for The State of California’s motor vehicle fuel tax refund, after a season of record-high gas prices.
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) in California also facilitates loans and capital access programs. SSBCI was given in September over 1.1 billion in funding to implement goals that support underserved communities through investments and long-term lending.
So what does the state’s focus on job creation mean? Kern residents can expect more labor-intensive work versus entrepreneurial opportunities. In 2022 California produced fewer companies joining the public market, according to a Bloomberg News analysis. Further, EDD reports that Kern County’s biggest civilian job producers are the farm, construction, mining, and lodging industries. Kern saw the biggest growth in the Leisure and Hospitality fields, and Education and Health Services.
The term “civilian” is used to describe jobs that have provided at least one hour of work or a document proving a wage. In addition “civilian” also means that you’re self-employed and that work happens at a business or farm. Noncivilian jobs consist of police, military, and FBI.
Open positions in Education include teaching, and according to the Bakersfield City School District, a lack of eligible applicants is what’s slowing hiring. Kern County Superintendent of Schools launched a new website,Teachkern.org, in hopes to engage with more aspiring teachers.
“There are still a lot of openings and scrambling to find teachers at the end. There is definitely still a teacher shortage,” said Tania Schalbug, the coordinator of the Teacher Development Program for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office.
Demands for holiday or seasonal jobs with retail stores have risen. For Kern most shopping centers are hiring anticipating more consumers.
EDD claims that in October 2021 unemployment rates were at 6.1 percent, then in September 2022, they decreased dramatically to 3.8 percent and now have increased to 4.0 percent this past October. The public will not know if the upwards trend of unemployment will continue into the holiday season until December 16th, 2022 according to the EDD website.
On the other hand, there is an increase in payroll jobs. For example, Bakersfield just opened a new Dave and Busters at the Valley Plaza and general manager Bradley French states “ We’re currently looking for 150 dedicated individuals to provide great guest service, and eat, play, drink, and watch.” Applicants are instructed to apply online.
