Can't find enough skilled workers, even though the company pays an average wage of $54,000

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1208&u_sid=10073166

Published Sunday | July 8, 2007
Groups get creative to help close state's labor gap
BY PAUL HAMMEL
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. — These should be the best of times for Phillips Kiln Services.

The company builds and installs specialized kilns worldwide, particularly for cement factories and ethanol plants — two industries that are booming.

But the South Sioux City-based business has turned down $6 million to $7 million in orders each of the past two years.

The reason?

Like many companies in Nebraska, Phillips can't find enough skilled workers, even though the company pays an average wage of $54,000, said Eric Bertness, chairman and CEO.


Dennis Avery on the job at Phillips Kiln Services. The South Sioux City, Neb., plant has had to turn down work orders because of a labor shortage.

Nebraska has a labor shortage, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas, and it has been growing in recent years.

FULL story at link.

[Scout]

1. not enough people desperate enough for a job to move to Nebraska? n/t

[Inkyfuzzbottom]

2. Obviously

You've seen Nebraska too...

[Craftsman]

4. Also I suspect there is a lot of travel involved

Not everyone wants to be a road warrior.

[jimshoes]

3. Hey , why not move the company

to where the people are? Like Detroit or Youngstown?