As of April 1 of this year 1,038 individuals are reported to be unemployed in the district of Etchmiadzin according to the local unemployment office. 1,124 jobless cases were recorded for the same period in 2008. Individuals looking for work were reported at 1,254, as of April 1, up from 1,247 from last year. The Etchmiadzin office reports that it found work for 48 individuals for the period last year and jobs for 39 in 2009 so far. 73% of those applying to the office for work are women. In reality, the number of unemployed is much greater given that those villagers who don't cultivate the land but who possess private plots are not registered as being unemployed. Mkrtich Zohrabyan, who heads the employment office in Etchmiadzin, informed "Hetq" that the average age of those looking for work is forty and above. Younger individuals most likely don't apply for work at the office since office jobs are quite rare in the area. Employers are mainly looking for manual laborers. Mr. Zohrabyan noted that it was much easier for men to find work even though prospective employers ask for women to fill jobs in retail sales and as cleaners. This year a project entitled "Finding Work Elsewhere" will be launched in Etchmiadzin. It will assist the unemployed to find suitable work in other areas of the country. Monies allocated from the state budget will help assist families to relocate to other areas and to rent housing. Mr. Zohrabyan noted that his office has already recruited two people, both teachers, willing to relocate elsewhere but that jobs haven't been found for them.