Michigan Engineers And Technology Personnel Still In Demand

NOVI (WWJ) - Even with a gloomy U.S. economic forecast of 1 to 2 percent growth -- some companies are hiring in Michigan. More than 50 companies in fact were looking for engineers, and for technology and management personnel at a job fair in Novi Monday.

Finding qualified engineers in Michigan though hasn't been easy at Ford Motor Company because many people have left the state.

Jim Garagus left the state several years ago but came back to work in Michigan ... and was just laid off recently.

Garagus says that he's optimistic and thinks Michigan is going to be back in the swing of fuller employment soon.

Ford's Cheryl Thompson says she hasn't recruited outside of Michigan yet.

"We have been talking to the universities, however, and we're trying to get the kids coming right out of school, so that will open up people from different areas. We are looking at our demographics and finding out that we've got to start growing some new talent," said

Michigan's unemployment rate remains over 11 percent. The job fair took place at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.