In addition to the openings at Howard, Hosey said, the WIN Job Center is continuing to offer job seekers all possible job openings.

“We are referring a lot of people to Howard and to other companies that are listed with us,” Hosey said. “Any employer in town can post a listing with us. Then, we refer candidates to the employer.”

In Howard’s case, Hosey said, the agency also schedules the company testing for employees.

Hosey said prior to Monday’s roundup, Laurel’s job market had several openings and the number just increased with Howard’s recent request.

“We probably have 150 open job orders,” he explained. “With the economy the way it is now, the job market is good and shows that people are still hiring. ... Businesses in Laurel are still hiring, maybe not at the level people were a year ago, but there are still jobs available.”

Hosey said the available job opportunities range from laborers to compliance specialists and from retail sales positions to managers.

“We have jobs listed requiring low skills to highly skilled workers, and even some professional positions,” he explained.

Hosey said he is unable to say how Monday’s roundup at Howard Industries will affect the job market.

“It’s only the second day after this occurred,” he said. “It’s hard to say how it will affect us.”

Hosey said individuals seeking employment are welcomed to visit the WIN Job Center to apply for positions at any local business posting its jobs at the Laurel WIN office located at 1721 West 10th St. All applicants are reminded to bring their identification.

The WIN Job Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.