(Springfield, MO) -- The number of layoffs in Southwest Missouri continues to add up as more business owners look to make cuts during the recession.

Victims of the bad job market face a harsh reality, look for another job or go back to school to refine skills in fields that are not effected by the downturn.

The recession is effecting business nearly across the board with manufacturing being one of the hardest hit sectors.  But it's everyday jobs like repairs to heating and cooling units or even maintenance to yourself that remain strong.

While the chair's aren't always filled at the Fringe Salon in downtown Springfield, owner Stefanie Wood says the recession has yet to cut into business.
    
"It stays pretty steady.  We have a really great solid clientele that come back every six to eight weeks." says Wood.

And workers at All Services Professional Plumbing say they haven't had to tighten their budgets because of the constant demand for plumbing replacement and repairs.
    
"At times, you can definitely be short-handed when the temps get down below zero and you start having a lot of problems.  You can get booked up for sure." says J.R. Gardner, general manager of All Services Professional Plumbing.
 
These are just a few of the professions that are being labeled "recession-proof."
    
"Even though the economy may really take a nose dive, the hospitals, the clinics, the dental offices, they're still going to be seeing patients because that's a fact of life." says Rebecca Matney.

Matney is the Vatterott College Campus Director and says because of the slowing economy enrollment at the college has more than doubled over the last three years.

She goes on to say as other jobs are being outsourced to China and India, more people continue to look into schooling for the medical, dental and repair industries.
    
"There's more opportunities for trades than your management." says Matney.
 
For those like Wood who still have successful jobs, they say it's a great feeling knowing their industry won't dry up anytime soon.
 
"It helps you realize just how fortunate we are to know we're always going to have a job.  We're always going to be here.  So it gives you a good perspective on other careers and industries that they're in." says Wood.

Wood and Gardner say their businesses may not be completely immune to this recession.  However, good budgeting and watching their expenditures should help them get by.

They also say they can never enough qualified people.  And because the population in Southwest Missouri continues to grow, so should the demand for these trade skills especially in the dental and health care sectors.