It seems like everywhere you look, you see “help wanted” signs. This isn’t just true of North Royalton, but is a part of a nationwide labor shortage that has been taking place for some time. Businesses have been struggling to find employees, some that have not returned after last year’s layoffs and the expansion of unemployment benefits.
Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz said that it seems that the largest group affected are the retail and restaurant industries. “Our restaurants are suffering, but even in manufacturing. People are still comfortable with the money they received from employment and extra stipends.” Overall, the City has not experienced too much of a problem with a shortage, but has experienced a lower number of people applying. Earlier this year, there were much fewer people applying for the recreation department positions. Although seasonal work, in the past, there were many more applications.
“Right now, one of the things we’re seeing is the civil service testing for the Police has been down,” said Antoskiewicz. “With the last test issued, only 25 applicants applied, where we usually would have more like 70 applicants.” The City has made some changes regarding police hires, such as now allowing for lateral transfers from other cities. Antoskiewicz said that they may also be looking at going more toward a national testing service to get a bigger pool to choose from.
Some school districts in the area are experiencing shortages of school bus drivers, which have made it problematic for parents to get their children to school on time. Some districts have had to combine routes. North Royalton School Superintendent Matt Laub said that although there are some job opportunities in that area, the district has been lucky to not be in that situation. He noted that through discussions at a recent state school superintendent conference he attended, no one is fully staffed. “I give kudos to Greg Hovan and the transportation staff for all they do,” said Laub.
Laub said that the district currently has job opportunities for bus driver substitutes, teaching substitutes and aides. He pointed out that starting as a substitute “is a good way to get your foot in the door to the district.” He went on to say the substitute positions “offer a daily opportunity to make money, doing a job that’s fun.”
Available Job opportunities at the North Royalton School District can be found on their website, www.northroyaltonsd.org. Click on the Department’s link, then Personnel. On the left, under Resources, click on Job Openings. For City job opportunities, go to the City’s website, www.northroyalton.org. Click on the How Do I tab, then Apply For/Obtain tab, then Employment Opportunities. Other job opportunities in the area can also be found in the Recorder’s Classified pages.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer