Workforce shows slow gains

Burke County’s unemployment rate dipped slightly in December, closing out 2009 just below the state median.

According to Georgia Department of Labor officials, Burke’s jobless pool was estimated at 10.9 percent for the month of December – compared to 11.3 percent a month earlier.

That drop means around 60 residents who were looking for jobs in November have since been employed. An estimated 1,084 of the county’s 9,905 labor force remain jobless. At the same time last year, 1,014 residents, or 10 percent, were looking for work.

Since November, Burke County has improved from the 53rd highest for unemployment among Georgia’s 159 counties to the 65th – a spot shared with Brantley, Carroll, Terrell, Tift and Polk counties, which also recorded a 10.9 percent jobless rate.

Oconee County had the lowest rate at 6 percent, and Hancock County had the highest at 21.4 percent. Neighboring Jenkins County was the state’s second highest at 19.5 percent.
BIG PICTURE
United States: 10 percent
Georgia: 10.3 percent
CSRA: 9.8 percent
Burke: 10.9 percent
Jenkins: 19.5
Richmond: 9.6
Emanuel: 10.5
Screven: 13.8
Jefferson: 14.3
BURKE BY THE MONTH
July: 13.4 percent
August: 12.3 percent
September: 12 percent
October: 10.8 percent
November: 11.3 percent
December: 10.9 percent

GETTING TECHNICAL

Microsoft is partnering with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development to distribute 25,900 training vouchers for courses ranging from basic technology literacy to advanced training. Another portion of the vouchers will be issued to Georgia residents for free Microsoft Certification Exams.

Any Georgia resident may request and receive a voucher, which are available by online application at www.gaworkready.org. State officials hope the training will help displaced workers improve their job skills.