Those who currently have or are seeking IT jobs in Rhode Island are among the most lucky in the state.

Rhode Island’s information industry was the only one to see an over-the-year increase in jobs during September, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industry employed 10,800 workers during September, down from 10,900 in August, but an increase of 3.8 percent from last year.

The state saw a total non-farm employment of 478,200 workers during September, down from 479,500 during August and a decrease of 2.6 percent from last year. The industry that took the hardest hit was natural resources and mining, which employed 200 workers, the same as August, but a 33.3 percent decrease from last year.

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One company’s expansion will help create new biotech jobs in Rhode Island.

Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the development of sight-saving therapeutics for chronic retinal diseases, recently announced the opening of a new 27,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Cumberland, Rhode Island.

“High tech manufacturing in the biotechnology industry is a critical component of our economic development and job growth strategy,” Governor Donald L. Carcieri said in a press release. “I commend Neurotech for their commitment to expand operations and create new job opportunities here in Rhode Island, and am pleased to join the company in this exciting celebration today.” (more…)

The relocation of a company could create new office jobs in Rhode Island.

United Natural Foods Inc. recently announced its plans to move its headquarters from Dayville, Connecticut to Providence, Rhode Island in May 2009. The company plans to combine executive and administrative offices by relocating about 150 employees, and will maintain its presence in Connecticut, where its distribution facility is the third-largest on the East Coast and the sixth-largest in the country.

UNFI carries and distributes more than 60,000 products to more than 17,000 customers throughout America. The company serves many retail formats, including conventional supermarket chains, natural product superstores, independent retail operators and the food service channel.

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Rhode Island jobs are turning green.

Organizations across the country recently held more than 650 events as part of the National Day of Action, stressing the importance of creating green jobs, according to an article by the Providence Journal. Rhode Island held an event at the New England Institute of Technology focused on solar energy, educating young workers on green technology and policy initiatives.

“We want to educate people and get people thinking and talking to each other and start working together toward the greening of Rhode Island’s economy,” Greg Gerritt, founder of the Rhode Island Prosperity Project, said in the article. “People need workers. They need educated workers. We have to think about the big picture.” (more…)