The PA CareerLink Alle-Kiski reported an uptick this week in job openings, with a four-week rolling average of 225 openings in the Alle-Kiski Valley.

“Virtually all of the businesses and organizations that we have contact with are looking to add workers now,” said Phil Grove, account representative with PA CareerLink Alle-Kiski in New Kensington.

It’s the highest average of job openings the Alle-Kiski program has seen in recent months, said Grove, who works with businesses trying to find workers.

The National Federation of Independent Business reported its March survey of small-business owners found they could not fill 42% of reported job openings. That was a record high at 20 percentage points higher than the 48-year historical average of 22%.

In the Alle-Kiski Valley, job opportunities can be found in manufacturing, retail, financial, health care and transportation. Positions are for skilled and nonskilled jobs, Grove said.

It’s a good time to find a job, he said, because some companies are offering increased starting salaries and some are providing signing bonuses.

“As we work toward whatever the new normal looks like, it is an opportune time for job seekers to find work at a family-sustaining wage,” Grove said.

One of the companies in need of employees is Laurel Awning Co. in Parks Township.

“Being a seasonal business, we’re always hiring for a season,” said Greg Schmeiler, one of the owners. Not all jobs are permanent, but the awning company is looking to fill one position to work in its sewing job.

The new full-time position starts at $12 an hour with employees able to increase their hourly wage to $15 an hour within a year. Health benefits, a 401K and vacation time are offered.

Schmeiler said he has been having a tough time attracting applicants.

“We find it hard to compete with the government when they are paying people to stay home,” he said.

The awning company is looking for someone who is stable and likes crafts.

“Someone who enjoys making things with their hands, who likes to do the work,” he said.

CareerLink Alle-Kiski serves residents in 28 local ZIP codes in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.

To search for jobs, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Labor’s CareerLink Alle-Kiski.

A sample of the openings:

Teller: First National Bank, New Kensington

Accountant I: Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Blawnox

Project manager: Cook MyoSite, O’Hara

Utility worker: Altium Packaging, Verona

Production team member: RIC Coatings, New Kensington

Part-time weekday janitor: Ross Maintenance, O’Hara

Assistant manager: Goodwill of Southwest Pennsylvania, Natrona Heights, Harrison

Mental health companion: Lifesteps, Plum.

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