The Lead Feed

Last month, we released our 2017-2026 Sub-State Long Term Industry Projections for North Carolina.

In April, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in all of North Carolina's 100 counties.

North Carolina's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged from March’s revised rate of 4.0 percent.

Every two years, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the North Carolina Department of Commerce publishes long-term industry and occupation employment projections. Projections data provide information for policy makers, job seekers, training providers, and businesses to make informed workforce decisions, and help ensure that North Carolina’s workforce is prepared for tomorrow’s job opportunities and economic growth in the state. This article summarizes information on projected employment change for the 2017-2026 period and provides key findings by major occupational groups for sixteen prosperity sub-zones. 

In March, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 81 of North Carolina's 100 counties.

North Carolina’s labor market continues to tighten, with rapid growth in job openings but a dwindling supply of jobseekers. This article uses recently updated data from LEAD’s Labor Supply/Demand Analyzer to highlight some of the most noteworthy labor market trends of 2018.

North Carolina's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.0 percent from February’s revised rate of 3.9 percent.

In February, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 99 of North Carolina's 100 counties.

North Carolina's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.9 percent from January’s revised rate of 3.8 percent.

In January, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in all of North Carolina's 100 counties.

North Carolina's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.8 percent from December’s seasonally adjusted rate of 3.7 percent.

In this article we examine whether graduating from college and earning a Bachelor’s degree yields better outcomes than enrolling in college but not graduating. We find that college graduates are more likely to find work and tend to earn higher wages than those who do not finish college.

Former offenders are primarily employed in industry sectors that are relatively low-paying or slow-growing. This article describes the sectors where individuals recently released from state prison tend to find work, including their pay levels and growth prospects, and lists some promising entry-level occupations incarcerated persons might want to consider as they prepare to re-enter the labor market.

In December, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 99 of North Carolina's 100 counties.

LEAD’s senior economist was recently interviewed in an episode of UNC-TV’s ncIMPACT program covering women in the construction trades. Here are two key things you need to know about construction jobs and women in North Carolina’s workforce.