WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, today launched the Registered Apprenticeship — College Consortium, a new effort that will allow graduates of Registered Apprenticeship programs to turn their years of rigorous on-the-job and classroom training into college credits toward an associate or bachelor degree.

WASHINGTON — Too few of America's students are meaningfully engaged in their academic experience while in high school, and many high school graduates lack exposure to learning that links their studies in school to future college and career pathways — especially in the critically important fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $1.8 million in grants through the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations program, an initiative designed to recruit, train and retain women in high-skill occupations, such as advanced manufacturing, transportation, energy, construction and information technology.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $3,714,908 to the state of Ohio to implement and promote the state's short-time compensation program, a layoff prevention program also known as "work-sharing."

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $3,714,908 to the state of Ohio to implement and promote the state's short-time compensation program, a layoff prevention program also known as "work-sharing."

Note: Calendar Year (CY) 2014 Seasonal Factors and revised seasonal factors and historical series for CY 2009-2013 for both initial claims and continued claims will be made available April 3, 2014, with the release of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Weekly Claims News Release.

In addition, beginning April 10, 2014, the UI Weekly Claims News Release will be issued under a revised (.pdf) format. The new version of the release will include graphics and tables for additional information and ease of use.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $58 million in grant funding through the Workforce Investment Act Section 166 Indian and Native American Program. The purpose of the grants is to improve the academic, occupational and literacy skills of Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian adults and youth, making them more competitive in the workforce.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending March 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 320,000, an increase of 5,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 315,000. The 4-week moving average was 327,000, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 330,500.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $256,696 grant to assist approximately 100 workers impacted by layoffs at Lincoln Paper and Tissue LLC located in Lincoln, Maine.

"These layoffs have had a significant impact on an area already suffering from high unemployment," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Eric M. Seleznow. "This National Emergency Grant will provide the workers affected by these layoffs with the critical services needed in order for them to succeed in finding new employment."

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $44 million in grants through the Face Forward program to provide work-based learning opportunities and support services for youth ages 14 to 24 who have been through the juvenile justice system.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending March 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 315,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 324,000. The 4-week moving average was 330,500, a decrease of 6,250 from the previous week's revised average of 336,750.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending March 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 323,000, a decrease of 26,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 349,000. The 4-week moving average was 336,500, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised average of 338,500.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $646,534 National Emergency Grant incremental award to assist with the continuing cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms that affected 40 counties in Illinois between April 16 and May 5, 2013. These funds are being awarded to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and will provide for the continuation of temporary employment for eligible individuals to assist with the cleanup of affected areas.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,222,904 National Emergency Grant to provide training and other services for approximately 175 workers affected by layoffs at Mersen USA, a manufacturer located in Newburyport, Mass., and Philips Lightolier, a lighting company located in Wilmington, Mass.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $275,517 National Emergency Grant to assist approximately 90 workers affected by layoffs at Blount International Inc., an outdoor equipment manufacturer located in Milwaukie and Portland, Ore.

"Today's grant will provide these former Blount International workers with re-employment services that are vital to ensuring that they re-enter the Oregon workforce as quickly as possible," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Eric M. Seleznow.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $646,534 National Emergency Grant incremental award to assist with the continuing cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms that affected 40 counties in Illinois between April 16 and May 5, 2013. These funds are being awarded to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and will provide for the continuation of temporary employment for eligible individuals to assist with the cleanup of affected areas.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,222,904 National Emergency Grant to provide training and other services for approximately 175 workers affected by layoffs at Mersen USA, a manufacturer located in Newburyport, Mass., and Philips Lightolier, a lighting company located in Wilmington, Mass.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $275,517 National Emergency Grant to assist approximately 90 workers affected by layoffs at Blount International Inc., an outdoor equipment manufacturer located in Milwaukie and Portland, Ore.

"Today's grant will provide these former Blount International workers with re-employment services that are vital to ensuring that they re-enter the Oregon workforce as quickly as possible," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Eric M. Seleznow.

Grant applications accepted through June 19, 2014

Grant applications are now being accepted for latest round of funding