Topics Related to Workforce

Governor Stein Announces $53 Million Funding Opportunity for Western North Carolina Workforce Housing

Today the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that makes $53.38 million in federal funding available to develop workforce housing units for homeownership across western North Carolina.

North Carolina’s July Employment Figures Released

The state’s seasonally adjusted July 2026 unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, remaining unchanged from June’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.1 percent.

North Carolina’s unemployment rate decreased 0.3 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed decreased 21,291 over the month to 5,051,914 and decreased 38,951 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 3,820 over the month to 186,120 and decreased 17,752 over the year.

NCWorks Commission celebrates first set of state-approved Workforce Pell Programs

The NCWorks Commission, North Carolina’s workforce development board, has announced that 43 training programs have become the first to receive state-level approval to participate in the new Workforce Pell Grant program. The program expands access to federal financial aid for students enrolled in short-term workforce training programs that meet certain requirements.

North Carolina's June County and Area Unemployment Figures Released

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 39 counties, decreased in 16, and remained unchanged in 45 in June 2026. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.3 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Seven of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and eight remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.7 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.1 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent. 

NC Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, State Leaders Commend Child Care and Early Education Investments in State Budget

Leaders from the North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations applaud recent public investments to improve child care and early education access, affordability, and quality across North Carolina.

North Carolina’s June Employment Figures Released

The state’s seasonally adjusted June 2026 unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from May’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.2 percent.

North Carolina’s unemployment rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed decreased 12,684 over the month to 5,073,245 and decreased 14,850 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 4,567 over the month to 189,968 and decreased 12,879 over the year.

Governor Stein, Secretary Sangvai Announce Innovative Apprenticeship Initiative, Highlight Efforts to Strengthen Health Care Workforce

Today Governor Josh Stein joined NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai and leadership at Broughton Hospital in Morganton to announce the STEP-NC: Health Care Program, the first health care apprenticeship program within state government. In partnership with the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, the initiative begins with pilot programs at Broughton Hospital and J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center.

Governor Stein Visits Careers Electric Cleveland County Summer Academy, Highlights Workforce Investment for North Carolina’s Electrical Future

Today Governor Josh Stein visited the Careers Electric Summer Electrical Academy at Cleveland Community College, where he met with high school students enrolled in one of 12 academies launching this summer as part of a landmark investment in electrical workforce development. The Governor’s visit underscored his administration’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality, career-ready training and creating clear pathways into well-paying, in-demand electrical jobs for North Carolinians. 

Governor Stein Announces AI Strategic Roadmap to Protect and Better Serve North Carolinians, Prepare Workers, and Strengthen Economy

Governor Josh Stein’s North Carolina AI Leadership Council released the AI Strategic Roadmap, a guide with strategic goals and principles to address the potential impact of AI on how people live and work.

North Carolina's May County and Area Unemployment Figures Released

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 70 counties, decreased in five, and remained unchanged in 25 in May 2026. Hyde and Edgecombe Counties each had the highest unemployment rate at 5.2 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Thirteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and two remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.7 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.0 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent.