Chambana Sun

Illinois State Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Springfield) said on a Facebook post that now is the time for people to go back to work, and the time to search for a job for those out of work is now, because of a strong employment market.

The job market is currently strong because with the COVID-19 pandemic ending, job positions unavailable before need to be filled.   

"There are a variety of jobs available in the Vermilion County area, and now is a great opportunity to start looking," Bennett wrote on Facebook.

On the website vermillioncountyfirst.com, Jonathan Jett, director of works for Vermillion County, agreed there are plenty of quality local jobs to be had. He also urged people to job search, even those he said may have become work-shy because of the pandemic.

“There’s a lot of things going on," Jett said. "There’s still people dealing with COVID and the pandemic. We have a lot of people that maybe  aren’t as motivated right now because they’re nervous about getting back out there. Maybe the child care issues with COVID are a reason."

Jett cautioned that living on unemployment and federal stimulus money will not last forever.

He said the job market right now is particularly good for college graduates, adding that the economy needs workers.

“Employers need them," he said. "We need to keep the businesses here, keep them open, and this is what we can do for them.’’

Jett said for those who need training locally, there are programs to be had in Vermillion County, such as those being offered at the Danville Area Community College (DACC).

“DACC can definitely help with a lot of training opportunities,” Jett said on vermillioncountyfirst.com. “The program I work for – Vermilion County Works – actually has funding to help pay for the tuition, fees, books, support services like child care and mileage. We can help with that to get them (trainees) through.’’