Help wanted signs dot businesses across Montana. Employers in many industries have noted their struggle to find workers. State unemployment rates have dropped to pre-pandemic levels, and data shows around 16,000 workers are currently needed to fill vacant positions in Montana. The shortage isn't new. This 2018 article from Montana Business Quarterly lamenting the lack of employees could have been written yesterday.
Yet, some Montanans are having difficulty finding work, like Leah Ford. We sat down with Leah for a few minutes this week and her story is pretty incredible. You can listen to the podcast below or click here.
Leah has submitted over 170 job applications since November.