Topics Related to Workforce

North Carolina's February Employment Figures Released

— The state’s seasonally adjusted February unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from January’s revised rate. The national rate remained unchanged at 4.9 percent.

North Carolina’s February 2016 unemployment rate was 0.2 of a percentage point lower than a year ago. The number of people employed increased 25,687 over the month to 4,557,152 and increased 103,145 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 164 over the month to 266,243, and decreased 3,998 over the year.

North Carolina's January County and Area Unemployment Figures Released

— Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in January. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 15.5 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 4.5 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 8.0 percent experienced the highest rate and Asheville and Raleigh each had the lowest rate at 4.8 percent. The January not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 5.8 percent.

North Carolina's January Employment Figures Released

— The state’s seasonally adjusted January unemployment rate was 5.6 percent, remaining unchanged from December’s revised rate.  The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.9 percent.

North Carolina’s January 2016 unemployment rate was 0.1 of a percentage point lower than a year ago.  The number of people employed increased 18,257 over the month to 4,531,610 and increased 87,478 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 1,415 over the month to 267,017, and decreased 1,427 over the year.  

North Carolina's December County and Area Employment Figures Released

—Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 70 of North Carolina’s counties in December, increased in 21, and remained unchanged in nine. Graham County had the highest unemployment rate at 12.0 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.9 percent. Thirteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases while one increased and one remained unchanged. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 7.3 percent experienced the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 4.2 percent. The December not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 5.3 percent.

North Carolina's December Employment Figures Released

RALEIGH — The state’s seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate was 5.6 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from November’s revised rate.  The national rate remained unchanged at 5.0 percent.

Governor McCrory Designates November 2-6 State Apprenticeship Week

North Carolina is committed to helping businesses prosper and workers grow stronger through the use of apprenticeship programs, according to a proclamation signed by Governor Pat McCrory announcing November 2-6 as National and State Apprenticeship Week.

NC Commerce Receives $5.25 Million to Create New Program to Train Job Seekers for High-Demand Occupations

More people in North Carolina will receive help preparing for jobs in high-demand occupations, thanks to a $5.25 million federal grant awarded to the state. The money will be used to create and implement a new program called NCWorks Certified Career Pathways.  

Businesses Receive $246,000 to Invest in Workers' Skills

North Carolina employers have received a boost in workforce investments, thanks to a grant program through NCWorks.

Thirty-one of the state’s employers received grants this month totaling $246,807 to train 612 workers.  The federally funded NCWorks Incumbent Worker Training Grants are reimbursements awarded twice a year to employers who qualify for financial assistance in workforce training. As a result, more businesses enhance employee talent and workers can sharpen their skills through training at no cost to themselves.

NCWorks Commission Adopts New Direction for Workforce System

The NCWorks Commission approved a ground-breaking strategic plan today that creates an integrated workforce development system that is responsive to the needs of employers and better prepares workers for North Carolina’s economy. This means that for the first time, North Carolina now has a comprehensive plan that sets the direction of the entire workforce system.

North Carolina Apprenticeship Programs Highlighted During U.S. Labor Secretary's Visit

U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez is visiting North Carolina today to learn more about the state’s successful apprenticeship programs and how the customized training improves employer productivity and strengthens the skills of workers.  North Carolina has several apprenticeship programs formed by businesses partnering with NCWorks and the N.C. Apprenticeship and Training Bureau.