Tennessee's unemployment rate experienced a slight increase in September, reaching 3.2%, which is a minor uptick from the previous month. Despite the increase, the state's unemployment figures stay comfortably below the national average, which sits at 4.1%, as reported by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).
Even as the rate is one-tenth of a percentage point up since August, Tennessee still flaunts a lower unemployment rate by nearly 1 full percentage point compared to last year. The record-low of 3% seen earlier in May, June, and July stands testament, despite being slightly above it, to the state's resilient job market.
The slight shift in numbers doesn't appear to overshadow the overall job growth in the state. Between August and September 2024, employers in Tennessee added 3,300 nonfarm jobs, with significant increases seen in the health care and social assistance sector, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services sectors. Looking at the year-on-year data, there's an uptick of 31,100 jobs with education and health services, trade, transportation, utilities, and other services leading the way in employment gains.
Regarding the celebration of apprenticeships, the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week is observed from Nov. 17-23, with Tennessee playing its part by organizing three regional conferences, as Apprenticeship TN prepares to host events in Knoxville, Spring Hill, and Stanton. As an earn-while-you-learn program, apprenticeships offer on-the-job training while businesses acquire skilled labor — a win-win for both parties.
Detailed analysis of the state’s unemployment data including the slight jump in September can be found on TDLWD's website. Those interested in Apprenticeship TN and the upcoming conferences can seek further information through their portal. The TDLWD plans to release detailed county unemployment data for September 2024 on Thursday, October 24, at 1:30 p.m. CDT.
