Local economic experts predict strong job growth in central Ohio this year.
Economist Bill Lafayette predicts 2.2 percent job growth for central Ohio in 2016, which would mean about 22,000 jobs. Columbus has exceeded the state and nation for job creation. Lafayette says central Ohio employment is up nearly 14 percent from 2010.
Overall in the U.S. growth is predicted to be only 1.8 percent this year.
Health care, trucking, retail and construction industries are expected to have the best job gains this year, while state government is expected to lose about 200 jobs.
Economist Bill Lafayette says he expects continued strong relationships between new Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and the business sector.
“The strong sense of collaboration both among governments and between government and business community. And that I think has served us very very well over the years.”
Economic experts also say that job seekers with college degrees will continue to have success, but those without higher education or specific skills could find it much more difficult to find jobs.
Lafayette spoke Thursday morning on All Sides with Ann Fisher on 89.7 NPR News.
