WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – What do White’s Lumber, Alexandria Central School District, and Watertown Police have in common? They’re all hiring.

“They might not have been interested in law enforcement before, but they see we’re hiring and we’re able to get a diverse group of candidates,” said Sargent Amanda Gauthier of the Watertown Police Department.

Those openings are a fraction of the 850 jobs on display at the 11th annual WorkPlace Job Fair at the Hilton Garden Inn on Wednesday.

Numbers out by the state Department of Labor say the unemployment rate in Jefferson County is 4.3%.

The WorkPlace Director Cheryl Mayfourth says that’s a good number, but it can create difficulties for employers filling a vacant position.

“It’s tough for employers to be finding people,” said Mayforth.

Like White’s Lumber, looking to fill positions like yardworker, woodworker, stocking, and more. Experience is not necessary.

“We do look for certain things, but most things can be learned on the job,” said Levi Marino, Assistant Manager at White’s Lumber.

We spoke with multiple organizations, and most of them had the same thing to say: It’s hard to hire. But they’re finding new ways to bring people in.

“More advertisements, we also list on the OLAS job site as well as community job sites, and attending local fairs like this,” said Tracy Strock, Business Administrator at Alexandria Central School.

We asked employers what may push people away from applying to positions. They say some requirements including testing, secondary education, and being in good health could be daunting.

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