Topics Related to Workforce

Governor Stein Highlights Summer Apprenticeship Academies Preparing More Than 500 High School Students for High-Demand Careers

Today Governor Josh Stein announced that more than 500 high school students completed summer pre-apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship academies this year through the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) in programs focused on electrical trades, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, biotechnology, and health care.

North Carolina's August County and Area Unemployment Figures Released

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 91 counties in August 2026 and remained unchanged in nine. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.4 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Twelve of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases and three remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.8 percent while Asheville and Raleigh each had the lowest at 3.1 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.6 percent. 

North Carolina’s August Employment Figures Released

The state’s seasonally adjusted August 2026 unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from July’s revised rate. The national rate was unchanged at 4.1 percent.

Governor Stein Celebrates North Carolina’s Aviation Tradition and World-Class Workforce at Aircraft Facility Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Today Governor Stein joined officials with the N.C. Global TransPark and the U.S. Navy in Kinston for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) military aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul complex. The facility will provide fleet support to the United States military and bring more than 400 jobs to eastern North Carolina, with an estimated $140 million annual economic impact.

National Steel Fabrication Company Plans a $19 Million Manufacturing Expansion in Fayetteville

Today Governor Josh Stein announced SteelFab, Inc., a steel fabrication company, will add 38 new jobs in Cumberland County. The company will invest more than $19 million to expand operations in Fayetteville.

“North Carolina is a place where businesses like SteelFab can grow,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Cumberland County is home to a world-class workforce, legacy of manufacturing excellence, and convenient East Coast location. We’re grateful that SteelFab is doubling down on Cumberland.”

State Awards Grants to 46 Small Businesses to Accelerate Technology Commercialization

Today Governor Stein announced that the North Carolina Department of Commerce, on behalf of the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology, & Innovation, has awarded 50 grants to 46 North Carolina-based small businesses to develop and commercialize innovative new technologies.

North Carolina's July County and Area Unemployment Figures Released

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in all 100 counties in July 2026. Edgecombe and Halifax Counties each had the highest unemployment rate at 5.5 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.8 percent

Commerce Secretary Lilley Delivers More Than 1,500 School Supplies to Lenoir County Students

North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley on Monday delivered more than 1,500 school supplies collected by Commerce employees to Northwest Elementary School in Kinston as part of the Governor’s School Supply Drive.

Governor Stein Announces $69 Million to Support Affordable Rental Housing in Western North Carolina

Today Governor Stein, the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s (NCDOC) Division of Community Revitalization (DCR), and the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) announced 10 projects to develop 828 new rental units will receive awards totaling more than $69 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. This federal funding will expand the supply of affordable, resilient rental housing in western North Carolina.

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.