Alabama unemployment continues to rise

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The latest unemployment rate for Alabama is the highest it's been in 26 years. Some people are hoping things will soon change.

"I never had this much of a problem trying to find a job. I've always been able to walk out on the job site and go straight to work," John Wayne said.

As a carpenter, Wayne said he's been struggling for a while to find steady work. But the task of trying to make ends meet isn't just unique to him.

"I'm looking for a job, searching for anything that will come up. The economy is kind of struggling right now, so anything I can find, I'll try to get," Theo Shepard said.

More and more people have been coming through the doors trying to get back into the workforce. The Alabama Career Center offers a variety of helpful services.

"One of the assistance's we provide is the Alabama job link, to look for jobs statewide and also focus on our region. We also provide financial assistance to people who want to go back to school to be retrained in a specific area that they can accomplish in a short period of time," said Sydney Raine, the president of Mobile Works.

Raine said the key to a change is to have job seekers take a different approach, and not limit themselves.

"I'm discouraged that the numbers are continuing the rise. But I'm very optimistic that there are opportunities still in our community as far as employment is concerned. It just depends on what people want to do and how aggressive they are looking for employment," Raine said.

While unemployment lines around the county snake out the door, Raine said locally, there are jobs available in certain areas.

"Health care is an area that individuals can find employment, if not locally, regionally," Raine added.

Despite the high unemployment rate, job hunters we spoke with are staying positive.

"I'm feeling hopeful. The economy is starting to look better and the jobs are starting to come up more. I found quite a few jobs so hopefully somebody calls me," Shepard said.

Mobile Works said it's anticipating another round of stimulus money. Last year it received $2.1 million which helped to employ more than 300 young people.