The economy experienced a loss of 140,000 jobs in December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is the first payrolls decline since April. The jobless rate held steady at 6.7% last month. The jobs decrease reflects the rise in COVID-19 cases, notes the BLS.
WorkingNation is always looking at stories addressing how different parts of the country are trying to get unemployed people back into the workforce.
Here is some of what we found this week:
From Arkansas: Arkansas Democrat Gazette reports a new medical marijuana cultivation facility will provide 200 new jobs in Pine Bluff.
From Delaware: Delaware Business Now reports Tech Hire Delaware has announced a new paid apprenticeship program to meet employer demand for IT talent.
From Indiana: Business Facilities reports an electric vehicle manufacturer is establishing operations and production in Mishawaka creating 960 jobs by the end of 2024.
From Kansas: FOX4 reports the Full Employment Council of Kansas City is offering free short-term career classes to help residents learn new skills.
From Nevada: CarsonNOW reports a Carson City organization is offering training in IT, manufacturing, health care, and construction to people with a high school degree or the equivalent.
From North Carolina: The News & Observer reports a gene therapy manufacturing facility in Durham will create 200 jobs over the next two and a half years.
From Oklahoma: Area Development reports a Hawaii-based electronic systems manufacturer plans expansion in Oklahoma City leading to 40 new jobs once the facility is fully operational.
From Tennessee: NewsChannel5 reports the state has launched the Tennessee Virtual American Job Center to help people get back into the workforce.
In Case You Missed It
December 28: Back to Work: New jobs programs designed to help members of the military
December 21: Back to Work: Initiatives boost employment in construction, health care, alternative energy
December 14: Back to Work: The path from LPN to registered nurse
December 7: Back to Work: Opportunities include trainings, apprenticeships, and work-based learning
November 30: Back to Work: From cloud certification programs to virtual job fairs
November 23: Are you looking for your next job? Here’s a look at what is happening around the country
November 16: Trying to get back in the workforce? States are stepping up to help
November 9: Are you looking for a new job? These states are providing opportunities
October 26: Jobs are local. What’s happening in your state?
October 12: Need a job? States around the country are pushing to get people back into the workforce
October 5: Looking for a new job? These states have opportunities
September 30: Looking for a path to a new job?
September 14: 8 programs addressing the highest unemployment rates in the U.S.
August 31: Need a job? Here are 8 programs that might help
August 24: Seeking work? Here are 8 states trying to get you back on the job
August 17: Unemployed? Here is how 8 more states are trying to get you back to work
August 10: Looking for work? Here are 8 ways 8 states are trying to help
We’ll keep looking, so check back for more stories from around the country.