As 2020 draws to a close, there are 10.7 million unemployed U.S. workers. Surges in cases of COVID-19 and increases in hospitalizations have led to record numbers of new jobless claims.
New jobless claims for the week ending December 19 came in at 803,000, according to the Department of Labor. That’s less than the 888,000 expected by economists. Updated unemployment data will be released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on January 8.
WorkingNation is always looking at stories addressing how different parts of the country are trying to get unemployed people back into the workforce.
From Alaska: AOPA reports a program is helping veterans transition into the aviation workforce by teaching them to become airframe and powerplant technicians.
From Florida: Orlando Business Journal reports Osceola Technical College is expanding its Kissimmee campus to house a new program in welding and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining education.
From Georgia: Bryan County News reports Georgia Tech Professional Education is providing U.S. Army Credentialing Assistance opportunities to assist active duty service members.
From Hawaii: Big Island Now reports the U.S. Coast Guard offers college students military work experience and funds for educational costs.
From Maine: The County reports the University of Maine at Presque Isle has launched a new bachelor’s degree program in computer science.
From Nebraska: KNEB reports Western Nebraska Community College will be offering a new diesel, truck, and heavy equipment technology program in 2021.
From Texas: eExtra News reports Texas A&M University-Texarkana is offering 50% grants for short-term training programs to people who have experienced hardship due to the pandemic.
From Wyoming: Gillette News Record reports a new energy company facility in Byron will create hundreds of jobs across the state.
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.