With notable accomplishments in employment, labor force participation, and job development, South Carolina ended 2024 on a positive note. The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) reports that December witnessed a record number of residents employed, the greatest labor force in the state’s history, and a continuous decline in the unemployment rate.
Employment Trends Show Positive Growth
According to the December seasonally adjusted employment statistics, there were 2,417,169 South Carolinians working, which is 4,580 more than in November 2024 and an astounding 21,742 more than in December 2023.
The labor force of the state, which comprises those who are employed and those who are actively looking for work, increased by 2,583 over the previous month to 2,536,654. The labor force increased by 66,354 people year over year, indicating a growing populace keen to enter the workforce.
Furthermore, the number of jobless people fell to 119,485, which is 1,997 fewer than in November. This number illustrates the state’s capacity to take on more workers as the labor force expands, despite the fact that it marks a notable increase of 44,612 over December 2023.
Unemployment Rate Falls
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continued its upward trajectory, falling from 4.8% in November to 4.7% in December. The national unemployment rate, for instance, dropped and settled at 4.1%.
William Floyd, Executive Director of DEW, emphasized the significance of these numbers and pointed out that South Carolina’s labor market and workforce are still strong. According to Floyd, a record number of South Carolinians are employed, and the state’s labor force recorded a historic growth.
Industry-Specific Gains
In December, a number of industries saw month-over-month increases in employment, including private educational services, construction, and finance and insurance. These industries have been essential to the growth of South Carolina’s labor market.
According to Floyd, industry are responding to the state’s growing population by hiring more people. He underlined that this trend offers job searchers options in a range of disciplines in addition to reflecting economic stability.
New Year, New Career Initiative
In order to capitalize on this enthusiasm, DEW launched its New Year, New Career project in January and February to assist South Carolinians in exploring new career options and employment prospects. Among the resources are:
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Explore SC@Work Campaign
: Offers detailed information and data on various occupations across the state. -
Education and Training Opportunities
: Programs provided through the South Carolina Technical College System and other apprenticeship and on-the-job training initiatives. -
SC Works Centers
: Provide personalized support for job seekers, including virtual engagement options and on-site services through the SC@Work: Rural Connections team. -
Veteran Support through S.T.A.Y.S. Program
: Aimed at helping veterans and their families transition into the workforce.
Encouraging Workforce Development
Residents were urged by Floyd to utilize these resources. According to him, our organization is dedicated to matching companies with job seekers and giving them the resources they need to be successful.
To access services, attend job fairs, and discover more about career pathways, job seekers are invited to visit their local SC Works center or the SC Works Virtual Engagement Center.