Certain jobs in the Glendale-Burbank area ended up dealing with a huge hit during the recession, including the entertainment industry and the construction industry. While these two particular industries dealt with a huge beating throughout the recession, certain industries have seemed to thrive during the recession, which includes the professional and technical services industry. A number of jobs, including those in legal services and computer programming, are now making up a large portion of employment in the area. The information was provided by the Verdugo Workforce Investment Board Report, which provides insight on the local economy.

The number of jobs within the legal industry saw a major increase of about 18% from prior to the recession. It is believed that part of the increase is due to the fact that a firm, LegalZoom, ended up relocating its headquarters over to the Glendale area. There were definitely some bright spots when it came to jobs and employment in the area during the recession and after the recession. However, even with the few bright spots, a large number of the industries within the area have suffered and are still suffering, far from reaching a recovery just yet. Don Nakamoto, the executive director for the Workforce Investment Board, has said, “We’ve just been kind of stuck, employment-wise.”

Even certain industries, particularly those in the medical-related field that were thought to be recession proof have actually not been so recession proof at all, even with the large number of hospitals located in the area. In the area, medical employment has actually declined from the pre-recession levels by around 10%. Even so, this particular industry will likely have a better future, especially when looking at the employment picture in this industry on a long term basis, especially since a large number of medical professionals are going to be needed to handle a whole bunch of new patients that will need medical attention.

The number of patients in hospitals and doctor offices is expected to increase due to the number of programs offered within the state that help provide healthcare coverage for low-income individuals and families. According to the Verdugo Workforce Investment Board, by the time it is 2014, there will be around 1.7 million people who will be able to receive affordable healthcare insurance in the Los Angeles County region. Nakamoto has said, “It potentially can be a real sea change from what’s happening.” As for the entertainment industry, the future for that industry is not so clear. A number of jobs have disappeared and television work has become harder and harder for individuals to find.