Finding Certainty in a Time of Uncertainty

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As published in the Las Cruces Sun-News – May 4, 2020

by Tracey Bryan

The impact of COVID-19 on jobs, businesses, and incomes is heartbreaking. Unemployment rates locally had already jumped from 5% to 7.5% as of March. From March to April, postings for available jobs in the Workforce Connections system declined by just over half. 

What these numbers don’t include yet is almost 80,000 New Mexicans who’ve filed for unemployment. According to a press release from the NM Department of Workforce Solutions, as of April 11, one in four work who have filed are in the Accommodation and Food Service industry. One in five in Food Preparation and Service-related jobs. 

The NM Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) and the local Workforce Connections staff on the ground have processed this unprecedented number of unemployment claims in just a few short weeks, rivaling some of the highest ANNUAL rates on record. The response has required tripling call center staff, expansion of the IT infrastructure, constant monitoring of and adapting to changes from the Federal government, and then providing the most up-to-date information to the people of New Mexico. 

DWS Secretary Bill McCamley and his team have done this incredible work motivated by the desire to do all they can to help New Mexicans during this unbelievable time. It’s been an admirable effort, and we are grateful to those working directly with those who’ve suffered the loss of their jobs and livelihoods.

We don’t yet know exactly what returning to employment will look like over the next few months. However, those who are unemployed can put themselves in the best possible position when the stay-at-home orders are lifted and the new “normal” emerges.

Trevor Stokes, workforce analysis expert, recently partnered with The Bridge of Southern New Mexico to analyze New Mexico’s labor market pre-COVID 19. Stokes has provided leadership to innovative and successful education, workforce development and economic development efforts across the country. In this current storm, he recently led a webinar to show individuals where there are jobs now, as well as how to prepare to secure great jobs in the future. 

Education boosts earning power, and there’s no better time than now to get it. By understanding where those opportunities are, it’s easier to choose the education and training that will boost earning power. Examining the local labor market data reveals what skills are in high demand even now.

In Doña Ana County, the top advertised tool and technology skills include:

  • Microsoft Office Suite (508 jobs)
  • Linux Software (107 jobs)
  • Personal Computers (86 jobs)

The most requested job skills include all of those “employability” skills:

  • Customer service (715 jobs)
  • Problem solving (337 jobs)
  • Interpersonal skills (267 jobs) 
  • Work independently (226 jobs)
  • Decision making (206 jobs)
  • Time management (181 jobs)
  • Attention to detail (175 jobs)
  • Verbal Communication Skills (169 jobs)

The most jobs are in the following occupations:

  • Healthcare (602 jobs)
  • Management (166 jobs)
  • Food Preparation and Serving-Related (139 jobs)
  • Computer and Mathematical (129 jobs)
  • Architecture and Engineering (91 jobs)
  • Office and Administrative Support (90 jobs)

There’s a ton more information than what can be included here. To learn more, visit the LASER system in the DWS website. In the menu for Labor Market Area Profiles, select County, Doña Ana County, and then you can explore specific job skill details and jobs available.

Now, more than ever, Doña Ana Community College (DACC) is perfectly positioned to connect people to the specific technical skills, employer-valued certifications, and two-year degrees needed in the local workforce. Some degrees and certificates can be earned fully online. There are also technology skills that can be earned online, like certificates for Microsoft Office. To learn more, visit DACC’s website for Workforce Training and Skills Development.

And of course, you can connect to more information about employment and education at NewMexicoTrueTalent.org.