In just the last two weeks, the Vons grocery store in Grover Beach has hired 23 new employees and is still on the hunt for more.
“Currently, we have entry level clerk positions available. We are always looking to hire in that department and we are also looking to hire for our fresh department which is getting ready to kick up now that the summer is around the corner," said Sean Emerson, Store Director.
Emerson said those numbers are very different than what his store typically hires.
“Prior to all of this, we would hire, depending on our needs, about five or seven people a month,” he said.
Emerson adds that many of those applying were previously employed by restaurants or worked in retail.
Other companies such as Jiffy Lube are looking to hire anywhere from 10 to 15 new employees.
“We’re trying to hire more skilled labor, smog technicians, tire technicians, and then some sales people that can provide some more technical explanations to our customers,” said Sean Porcher, Jiffy Lube Central Coast Franchisee.
Porcher said he posted on Facebook about some of those open positions and received more than 150 inquiries in just two days.
Before COVID-19, Porcher said his stores would average two to three applicants in a week.
“It really just goes to show how many people are out of work and looking. It feels good to be able to provide some kind of opportunity for people but I know there’s a lot more people out there that are suffering,” Porcher said.
To view the Jiffy Lube Facebook page, click here.
To apply to Vons, click here.
