I do not follow Texas and their job situation. I do wonder about prospective employees, however. Here in Utah, many jobs go unfilled because many that apply are completely unqualified.
I'll go out on a limb and suggest that in this economy, employers are looking for qualified people because they cannot afford to waste tine and money training from scratch. I remember when we would train people to setup, troubleshoot and operate surface mount equipment. It took time and effort to do the training.
See.. I think this is where part of the problem now comes in.
It isn't so much the "economy" as more bad business practices (or at least I believe this even if I can't factually back it up)
I worked at lowes.. and they had insane turn over rates.. They couldn't afford to give a .25$ raise to my girlfriend who had been there a year which is what they promised her at hiring.. a minimum .25$ raise every year.
But, they could afford to train a bunch of new people for 8$ an hour over the course of 2 days most of which would quit in 6 months.
They had no desire to make employees happy, no desire to do anything other than make money.. And while I am not stupid.. I understand all businesses want to make money..
It really doesn't pay to completely not care about your employees.. who in turn won't care about their job.. Being more likely to quit.. which means more work for HR, more training new employees more lost profit because your having to constantly replace people..
A perfect example.. You don't pay your cell phone carrier to make money you pay them for cell phone service..
So.. On one hand I think training employees is wonderful.. They get new skills.. and if you treat them right you may earn some loyalty.
On the flipside.. if you don't treat them right.. it equates directly to lost money and wasted time..
I just think a lot of businesses only look at the negatives these days..
I know of several local manufacturers looking for machine operators, but they prospective employees must have previous experience. In one case, there is a few jobs for people that can troubleshoot PCBs at the component level and the only applicants this company is getting are those with soldering skills and no electronics experience.
Perhaps another problem is poor attitude, a desire to be highly paid from the beginning, a high school diploma, and some past experience in the field they want to work in. It is tough for some people and easy for others.
As for Texas, it is a great place to work and live. If I were not as lazy as I am, I would find a few boxes, pack my crap, buy a Stetson, and head for Texas.
I think it goes both ways honestly..
I think people walk in wanting "financial security" which is a big expectation for anyone these days.
I understand companies want to find skilled employees.. but, I think if the company itself isn't doing anything to help out employees then it is really shooting itself in the foot.
There is a great opportunity to create loyal employees and form mutually beneficial relationships when it comes to training.
Sadly most of the negatives come out in those kind of situations I think.