There are many problems afflicting the country right now. From the bickering in Washington, to the roller-coaster ride that the stock market has become, we are faced with a long list of complex issues that won’t be solved over night. Most likely, however, if you ask the man on the street, the only issue he’s concerned with is employment, or lack thereof. Jobs are few and far between, specifically jobs for young people.

   Although there have been some improvements over the last several years, it seems that for many prospective employees, job hunting can sometimes feel hopeless. From the experienced worker, to the fresh out of college go-getter, finding work proves to be an arduous task.

   For instance, Daniel Gentry graduated from Full Sail University last December with a Bachelor of Arts in audio engineering.  A bright young man with an ear for music and innovation, finding a job to meet his talents and level of education has proven to be harder than first anticipated. Gentry applied to numerous studios and came back with nothing. He then attempted to find any job that would hire him, and he then took a part time job holding a sign on the side of the road for a local pet shop. This turned out to be a less than pleasant work experience, and he subsequently quit.

   Currently, Gentry interns at a local sound studio and works part time as a seasonal member of the Scare Squad at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream. After all of the effort he put into getting his degree, Gentry is very unhappy with his situation. A person with a Bachelors degree in audio engineering typically, can expect a starting salary of around $60k, while a Busch Gardens Scare Squad member makes little more than minimum wage. While frustrated with his current prospects, Daniel is fortunate enough to even have part time work; something a signinficant portion of the country’s eligible workers can’t say.

   According to an August report, zero net jobs were created in the nation, and unemployment remains stubbornly high at 9.1 percent. However, the situation appears worse in the Tampa Bay Area. In Hillsborough County and the state at large, the unemployment rate has remained exceptionally high. The Tampa Bay Area alone has faced an intense uphill battle against unemployment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ July report, the Tampa Bay and St. Pete areas have an unemployment rate of 145,504 which equates to 11.1 percent of the workforce.

   The state and local governments have attempted a number of things to combat these figures, such as providing training initiatives and holding job fairs. For instance, the Agency for Workforce Innovation has partnered with the private sector to offer a grant of 2 million dollars to help advance job training and other education initiatives. Also, the South Florida Workforce has launched a youth employment program for 14-24 year olds that is meant to give students an understanding about available careers, as well as link them to potential employers.

   HCC is also offering services to help students find jobs. The HCC Career Resource Center is providing free access to an online database that provides students with information about jobs and potential career opportunities. The database also includes vocational biographies and resources to help students find what career path best suits them.