Last month, the unemployment rate in our area was 8.2 percent. This statistic means that for every one hundred people, about eight of them are unemployed and looking for work. What is exciting about this statistic is that it is an .8 percent decrease from the month before. Additionally, compared to both Florida and the rest of the nation, our area is doing pretty well.

Ok, so you understand unemployment. What about the job market? Well, last month, online labor demand rose in Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla by 637 jobs. That is a 16 percent increase! The most online jobs vacancies were for registered nurses, retail salespeople and customer service representatives.

What does all of this information mean for you? Well, it means get excited. The local workforce experts in your area are doing all that they can to lower the unemployment rate and their efforts are paying off: unemployment is and has been improving.

Additionally, the fact that the number of online "Help Wanted" ads is increasing means that more employers are hiring. And, since you know which industries are hiring the most, you can raise your chances of getting a job by focusing your efforts there.

All in all, despite the current state of the local job market and local unemployment, it is always a great idea and an investment to get training in computer skills to stay sharp. WORKFORCE plus offers a Microsoft Office Specialist Training course that helps participants to become Microsoft Office experts - and a much needed commodity in a computer-based world. If you are interested in taking advantage of this free training, go online to www.wfplus.org or you can call 866-WFP-JOB1 for more information.

The phrase "knowledge is power" has never been more true. Studies show that consistently, the more education you have, not only the more likely you are to have a job, but the higher the salary you will earn at that job.

A GED is only available to qualified students: You must be over the age of 16, you must not be attending high school, and you must meet other state requirements. If your goal is to continue your education and you are no longer attending High School, a GED is required.

Even if your goal is to start your career right away without going to an institution of higher education, employers will look more highly on an applicant with their GED than on an applicant with equal experience but no high school diploma or equivalent GED.

Calling all future leaders! Are you between the ages of 16 and 21? Are you ready to take your future into your own hands? Then be sure not to miss the "Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Workforce - 2011 Youth Resource & Career Expo" event in your area!

Wakulla County