Education, health sectors lead Manatee-Sarasota job growth

MANATEE -- More workers were employed in Manatee and Sarasota counties in September than in August, a number also up from the same time in 2014, as the Florida jobless rate continued its four-year drop.

For the two-county area, 5 percent of workers were without jobs last month, down from 5.9 percent the year before and ahead of the 5.3-percent state average.

In all, 276,500 people were at work in the region during September. According to Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity, 16,916 residents were unemployed in September.

As of September, the state unemployment rate is at its lowest level since 2008.

The top growth sectors were education and health services, which added 2,500 workers for a 5.3-percent workforce increase over the past year.

Rounding out the top three industries for job growth in Manatee and Sarasota counties were trade, transportation and utilities with 1,300 jobs added; and professional and business services, which grew by 1,100 workers.

Manufacturing, a major focus for the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp., was also a gainer. The sector growth was 3.3 percent, which translates into 500 jobs added over the past year.

Jen Bartolone, communications director for Manatee-Sarasota employment agency Career Source Suncoast, said strong demand came from at least two manufacturers: window company PGT Industries and Tervis Tumbler Co. Combined, the two North Venice companies sought to fill 250 positions last month.

As in previous months, Suncoast reported growing demand for workers across most industries, which translates into a shrinking jobless rate.

"There's really no surprises," Bartolone said. "We just see it steadily dropping."

The only industry sector not to add jobs was information. Year-over-year, the sector held steady at 3,400 jobs, according to the DEO.

Matt M. Johnson, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7027 or on Twitter@MattAtBradenton.

This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 9:16 PM with the headline "Education, health sectors lead Manatee-Sarasota job growth ."