Phelps County Nebraska: Job Opportunities by the Numbers
8 Mar 2022
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Nebraska is known for its welcoming communities, work-life balance, and thriving economy.
Nebraska is:
- No. 6 Best State, U.S. News & World Report, 2021
- No. 7 Best Economy in America, CNBC, 2021
- No. 2 Best State to Find a Job, WalletHub, 2021
- No. 1 Lowest Unemployment, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Phelps County is all of this and more. Holdrege, the county seat, is a prime example of what the area has to offer. For those looking for “the good life,” there’s Midwestern small-town charm, tree-lined streets, wide front porches, friendly neighbors, job opportunities, and robust workforce development.
Phelps County Labor Snapshot
- 4,817 Labor Force
- 4,776 Employed
- 41 Unemployed
- 0.9% Unemployment Rate
Employment Opportunities
In February 2022, there were 345 unduplicated job listings in Phelps County for major employers such as Becton Dickinson (BD), Briggs & Stratton, Phelps Memorial Health Center (PMHC), and Landmark Implement. Diesel techs and nurses, in particular, had large selections of job opportunities.
These opportunities result in part from foresight and a focus on strategic economic development. Phelps County’s significant economic success earned it a “Top Rural County 2020” ranking by Site Selection Magazine. Phelps County earned a top spot because of six qualifying projects in 2020 — two at BD and one each at Allmand, PMHC, Holdrege Equipment, and PlanterWorx — resulting in $119.6 million in capital investment and 147 new jobs. Of note, PMHC completed a $25 million expansion in a time where many rural hospitals are closing and BD has invested $200 million in its Holdrege plant over the past five years.
Homegrown Workforce Development
Phelps County has several programs and scholarships to assist students in finding their pathway to employment. Janssen Auto Group is partnered with Holdrege High School and Central Community College to create a two-year dual credit career development program to train automotive technicians. Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) provides tuition assistance.
PCDC also sponsors High Demand Jobs Scholarships which are intended to encourage graduating seniors and non-traditional students to pursue work in local high-demand jobs: nursing, agribusiness and ag technology, automotive and diesel mechanics, engineering technologists, mechatronics engineers, injection mold technicians, electro-mechanical technologists, machinists, tool and die makers, construction trades, welders, and commercial truck drivers. Since the scholarship was established in 2013, well over $200,000 has been awarded.
Relocation Assistance
Not only does Phelps County have high-quality jobs with competitive wages, but it’s also a place you want to live. A few years ago, PCDC set a goal to convert commuters who are employed locally but live elsewhere to full-time Phelps County residents. The prospect of shortened commute times, decreased wear and tear on vehicles, and fuel cost savings already had ample appeal, but PCDC added even more allure by offering relocation incentives with their GO! HOME programs.
Many have taken advantage of this unique assistance. In 2021, GO! HOME Down Payment Assistance Grants helped relocate 59 new residents to Phelps County, bringing its 5-year relocation success to 183. When you add in the 75 new residents the other GO! HOME programs combined brought in, 258 people chose to make Phelps County home over that 5-year period.
In their continued efforts to turn commuters into full-time residents, PCDC has expanded its GO! HOME program in 2022 to add incentives to purchase mobile homes. Mobile homes can be particularly attractive to those starting out in their careers. PCDC is offering a $1,000 matching grant to employers to help their employees purchase mobile homes in Phelps County. Potential new residents can receive up to $2,000 towards purchase.
Phelps County Development Corporation
Whether you need information about local workforce and talent or want to relocate, PCDC has the tools and information to help. PCDC can assist with project advocacy including permitting, timely utilities, and financial assistance. Contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today!
Follow PCDC on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Download their Community Guide.
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