Demand growing for jobs in manufacturing, distribution across Wake County
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Kai Smith has been searching for a job for the last month and a half. He finally landed a full-time position.
"There's a great feeling of joy and relief," said Smith. "Definitely happy about that."
He works in manufacturing.
"I actually tried to fill out applications in person. I don't even think that's a thing anymore," said Smith.
AtWork Personnel is an employment center, and it is filling about 20 jobs each week.
The agency fills essential workforce roles in industries such as manufacturing, distribution centers, warehouses and hospitality.
President Jerry Bland said the requests for construction have slowed in the last year or so, and across the Triangle, demand is rising at distribution centers and manufacturing sites.
He also said more people are reaching out and looking for work.
"The volume of applicants, the workforce, is increased over the last 30 days. We're seeing more people looking for work, which is a good thing," said Bland
Another trend has been emerging, he noted.
"More growth in Wake County right now than we're seeing in Durham," said Bland.
US Labor Statistics show Raleigh-Cary had a 2% increase in employment between 2025 and 2026, while the Durham-Chapel Hill area slipped 1%.
Smith will be working in Wake County, and luckily for him, the job is located a town over from where he lives.
"Hopefully on Monday," said Smith.
Bland said with the price of gas, most people don't want to extend their commute more than 30 minutes, where perhaps before, they would be willing to drive a little further.
