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Today Site Selection magazine ranked North Carolina the Top State for Workforce Development for 2026. Governor Josh Stein celebrated this ranking during a visit to Machine Specialties Inc. (MSI) in Whitsett, where he highlighted the state’s workforce investments and the recent recommendations of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 98 counties in September 2025, increased in one, and remained unchanged in one. Halifax County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.6 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.1 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.2 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.7 percent.
Dr. Andrea DeSantis, Assistant Secretary for Workforce Solutions at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, has been selected by the U.S. Department of Education to help shape one of the most significant federal workforce training reforms in years.
The state’s seasonally adjusted September 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from August’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.4 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate was unchanged from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 1,020 over the month to 5,089,209 and decreased 306 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 2,954 over the month to 197,807 and increased 2,499 over the year.
Today Governor Josh Stein announced that North Carolina will celebrate “Employ A Veteran Week” during November 10-15 with a variety of events being held statewide to help connect veterans with jobs and other services.“Veterans and their families bring invaluable skills and experience to North Carolina and to all kinds of organizations,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As we strive to be America’s most military-friendly state, we are committed to supporting veterans’ transition to good jobs in the civilian workforce as they find new ways to serve.”
Today Governor Josh Stein announced the winners of the Governor’s NCWorks Awards of Distinction for 2025. A high school health career training program, a manufacturer, a partnership supporting a major economic development project, and five individual North Carolinians received awards for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions related to workforce development. The award recipients were recognized on October 15 and October 16 during ceremonies held in Greensboro as part of the 38th annual NCWorks Partnership Conference.
The Division of Employment Security is ready to help federal government workers affected by the government shutdown.Employees in North Carolina who are furloughed or lose their jobs due to the temporary federal government shutdown may apply for unemployment benefits as soon as the first day the shutdown occurs.