Topics Related to Workforce

The state’s seasonally adjusted October unemployment rate was 4.0 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from September’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.6 percent.
Four North Carolinians have won NCWorks Awards of Distinction for outstanding accomplishments and contributions related to workforce development. The recipients received awards on Thursday, October 24 during a ceremony held in Greensboro as part of the 32nd annual NCWorks Partnership Conference.
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in September. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.2 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 4.8 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.7 percent. The September not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent
The state’s seasonally adjusted September unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from August’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.5 percent.
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 26 of North Carolina’s counties in August, decreased in 40, and remained unchanged in 34. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.5 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.3 percent. Eleven of the state’s 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases while four remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 5.9 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.5 percent. The August not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.3 percent.
The state’s seasonally adjusted August unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, remaining unchanged from July’s revised rate. The national rate remained unchanged from July’s rate of 3.7 percent.

North Carolina’s August 2019 unemployment rate increased 0.5 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 14,493 over the month to 4,899,921 and increased 105,441 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 123 over the month to 212,218 and increased 25,594 over the year. 
The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) recently announced awards to recognize projects conducted by groups in North Carolina, including several innovative efforts by workforce development boards that are affiliated with regional councils of governments (COGs). Local workforce boards are key partners in the NCWorks system, along with the N.C. Department of Commerce and other agencies.
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in five of North Carolina’s counties in July, decreased in 70, and remained unchanged in 25. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.4 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.3 percent. Twelve of the state’s 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases while three remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.0 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.5 percent. The July not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.4 percent.
The state’s seasonally adjusted July unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, remaining unchanged from June’s revised rate. The national rate remained unchanged from June’s revised rate of 3.7 percent.

North Carolina’s July 2019 unemployment rate increased 0.4 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 17,620 over the month to 4,885,696 and increased 92,864 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 1,295 over the month to 212,072 and increased 22,428 over the year.
The NCWorks Commission gave formal approval to the state’s first Energy Career Pathway during its quarterly meeting on Aug. 7, held at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont in Charlotte.