Lubbock’s labor force is comprised of a diverse mix of workers ranging from electronics assembly and welding to law and medicine. Annually, the approximately 129,000-strong labor force is reinforced with more than 2,000 high school students and some 6,000 college graduates.

Government, education and health services, retail trade and leisure and hospitality account for more than 60% of Lubbock’s workforce, followed by professional and business services and manufacturing. Additionally, recent data shows growth in the following sectors: construction, transportation and public utilities, financial services and information.

The Marsha Sharp Freeway project — which will cost an estimated $131 million when complete — is sparking employment. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, nearly 6,000 jobs will be created as a result of the largest construction contract ever awarded in the Lubbock district (based on a U.S. Department of Transportation formula in which 4,500 jobs are created for every $100 million pumped into a local economy).

Lubbock’s unemployment rate of 4% in 2005 was considerably better than the average for Texas at 5.3%. (Source: LEDA)

Employment trends have contributed to the current health of the Lubbock economy. Wage and salary employment for April 2006 was 127,200, up one percent over April 2005.

WorkSource Can Work for You!

WorkSource of the South Plains employment services are available to employers seeking qualified workers and to those individuals seeking employment opportunities.  By matching employers and workers whose skills meet the level demanded by the marketplace, WorkSource can ensure that employers have the skilled workers they need and workers have the good jobs they want.  Services are accessed through business and career centers throughout a 15-county area. 

WorkSource Business Services representatives stand ready to assist South Plains businesses that are downsizing or closing their business.  WorkSource helps those affected by a business layoff through their outplacement, training and re-employment services.  WorkSource professionals provide resources such as technical expertise, on-the-job training, labor market information, job relocation information and more. 

For more information go online to www.spworksource.org or contact WorkSource of the South Plains Business & Career Center at 806-765-5038